Help with Intel 5300 and a Z

I have seen at least one thread where someone mentioned that they had swapped out the Intel 5100 wireless card in their Z for a 5300. I have a router that can take advantage of it so I think I might want to try the same thing. I downloaded the service manual that was put up on the boards and I can handle getting to the wireless card.

I am hoping that someone who has done it can give me a few pointers about the process. Mainly where do you put the third antenna? If you have any other tips about the process it would be appreciated.

 

Having seen pictures of a dissembled Z. It looks like the Z takes half sized mini pci wifi card. My only advice to you is that you should really try and go for a small antenna.

I have one in my Sony TX that isn't more than 10cms and this works perfectly. I cannot find the type i have on ebay but search for the smaller type on ebay. I think your best bet is sticking the antenna under the HD cage or taping it to the top of it.

You could route it around your laptop but i would take the route above personally given how compact the Z is.

I upgraded my TX with a 5300 wifi card and i get full N speeds. My wifi card is also tucked under my HD cage.

Edited to add:
Something like this should be ok for the Z.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/laptop-mini-p...s_RL?hash=item45ee3f22e0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

 

I've done that mod. It does require half-height card (it's slightly wider than it's tall, make sure you get the right one). I routed the third antenna around components in the keyboard plane (no easy way to get it into display assembly) with short trip toward back of laptop, then almost all the way to touchpad, then towards center of body. It works well. Wi-Fi connection is definitely more stable now.

 

I have done the same mod also. I have put the 3rd antenna below the hdd. works very well, the reception is much better than with the stock 5100 and 2 antennas.
I got the antennas for about 26USD from ebay (ebay item no: 140300872720), and the card for around 20USD from ebay also. the very item i bought was removed from ebay, but if you do a search you'll find some offers (like: 320402151985)
you need to get a half height minim PCI card.