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    Half size PCI card in a full size slot?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by laserbullet, Feb 25, 2010.

  1. laserbullet

    laserbullet Notebook Evangelist

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    I just installed a TP-Link TL-WN861N into an old laptop, and am looking at upgrading another laptop to a card with wireless N. However, it has a full size PCI slot, would I be able to install a TP-Link TL-WN861N into it anyway? I looked on TP link's website and wasn't able to find a full size PCI card that has wireless N. Alternatively, what's a good full size PCI card for a laptop with 2 antennae?
     
    laserbullet, Feb 25, 2010
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  2. mattpayne

    mattpayne Notebook Consultant

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    a laptop with a fullsize PCI slot? ill have whatever your smoking! :)

    the first result returned on google for the TL-WN861N was for a mini pci card, you wont find a larger connector inside a laptop.

    what slots are you looking at?? mini PCI v's mini pci-e??

    anyway, you have to get the correct card for the correct slot

    full size PCI is for desktops only and you can convert PCMCIA to full size PCI

    [​IMG]
     
    mattpayne, Feb 25, 2010
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  3. laserbullet

    laserbullet Notebook Evangelist

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    I meant to differentiate between full size and half size PCI wireless cards, my apologies for the confusion. There is only a quarter in of difference in the length between the two, so I figured a half size might work. I'll upload a picture comparing the sizes when I get home if need be.
     
    laserbullet, Feb 25, 2010
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  4. hovercraftdriver

    hovercraftdriver Notebook Deity

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    Generally speaking, half size cards will work, they just don't extend far enough to be secured in the stock screw holes. So it obviously won't be as secure. The connections are the same.
     
    hovercraftdriver, Feb 25, 2010
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  5. laserbullet

    laserbullet Notebook Evangelist

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    Ok, that simplifies things for me, as I never screw in my wireless cards anyway. My TP link card has been good so it looks like I'll be getting another. Here are the old cards from each laptop, for a size comparison in the outside chance anyone was curious.
    img00028i.jpg
     
    laserbullet, Feb 25, 2010
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