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    Replace WLAN Minicard on HP 8710p

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by netBAT, Jan 18, 2010.

  1. netBAT

    netBAT Newbie

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    I've recently purchased an ASUS RT-N16 IEEE 802.11b/g, IEEE 802.11n Draft Gigabit Wireless Router. I actually haven't started using it yet as I'm patiently waiting for the DD-WRT/Tomato line of firmwares to reach sufficient level of stability and functionality. It seems like it's getting there nicely...

    I have a HP 8710p notebook running Intel wifilink 4965 AGN, which as I understand can connect at only 144Mbps max on 2.4GHz.

    I'm thinking about replacing that card for something that will have 300Mbps potential. I see many people recommending the Wifilink 5300 which is widely available and is affordable.

    My questions are:

    1. Anyone know if the 8710p/w have some sort of BIOS WLAN card whitelisting happening? I had a nc8000 prior to the 8710p which was BIOS locked to specific cards....HP sux.

    2. Is the 5300 the best pick considering performance vs price.

    Thanks for your time,

    netBAT.
     
    netBAT, Jan 18, 2010
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  2. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I would bet that you do have whitelisting.
    So get the HP 5300.

    I don't know if the 5300 is the best though.
     
    moral hazard, Jan 18, 2010
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  3. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    8710P is whitelisted. Likely same whitelist as same-gen 2510P shown here, Bios modding link shown too.
     
    User Retired 2, Jan 18, 2010
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  4. netBAT

    netBAT Newbie

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    That's a shame.... :(

    nando4, that link you posted is broken, can you check it please?
    I hope the fix isn't too complicated/dangerous to apply.

    Regards from WP forums :)
     
    netBAT, Jan 19, 2010
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  5. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    moral hazard, Jan 19, 2010
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  6. netBAT

    netBAT Newbie

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    Thanks...
    After reading through some of that material I got the impression that trying to hack the system to whitelist other cards could potentially become very time consuming, not to mention risky with no grantee of success.
    So, I decided to ring up HP support and see what they have to say about this.
    The rep I spoke to did some checking with his supervisor, then came back to me, confidently stating that there's no BIOS lock on the 8710p.

    Now, what am I supposed to make of this...
    Can someone confirm without shadow of a doubt that such a lock on the 8710p does exist?

    Cheers.

    EDITED:

    HP are full of sheet!

    The BIOS is indeed locked, confirmed by myself and the second rep I had a chat with today.
    I have escalated this to some higher authority demanding a solution.

    Apparently even if I did want to purchase a fully compatible 802.11n card from HP directly they have none to offer that my BIOS won't spit out :mad:
     
    netBAT, Jan 19, 2010
    #6