Can you replace/install the wifi module in a NUC with an upgraded/new version and if so does it require any changes to the settings on the NUC?

[MForb]

AX200NGW Intel Wifi module

NUC6CAYH Intel NUC​

[MForb]

​Obviously it require the correct drivers to be installed.

[BHarr8]

Download the newer drivers to your desktop first so you can install after installation without needing the internet.

Here are the links to the newest drivers:

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/30515/Intel-Wireless-Bluetooth-for-Windows-10?v=t

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/30434/Windows-10-Wi-Fi-Drivers-for-Intel-Wireless-Adapters

[n_scott_pearson]

What what I was able to determine, the AX200 requires a processor with CNVi support. CNVi support was first introduced in late 2017 in the Gemini Lake processors. Your NUC6CAY was released in late 2016 and utilizes an Apollo Lake processor. Consequently, it will not support the AX200.

Sorry,

...S

[drbob]

This is incorrect. The AX200 does not use CNVio. See the second page of the AX200 product brief :

It is the AX201 that requires a chip with CNVio support, as per the AX201 product brief :

[BHarr8]

AX201 is CNVio Scott.

[n_scott_pearson]

No, it most definitely is NOT!!!!
AX201 is CNVio2. CNVio and CNVio2 are NOT the same and NOT compatible.
...S

[BHarr8]

as in not PCIe but yes, CNVio2

[TDean]

I upgraded my nuc8i7hvk from an intel 8265 to a 9260. May try the ax200 but as n.scott.pearson says, although the intel datasheet does say so, wikidevi says, "The Test Report JBP document says that the card was tested in an Extender Main and Card board

called "CRF CNVIO DB M2" which is "Used to have a functional EUT outside a PC or laptop."

This suggests that the AX200 uses CNVio."

Over on a Reddit a person says they upgraded their Nuc8i7hvk with an ax200, and the hades-canyon is not CNVio.....

https://www.reddit.com/r/intelnuc/comments/chxbr5/wifi_6_on_hades_canyon_for_less_than_20/

according to your datasheet specs your current wifi is :

Wi-Fi(PCIe), BT(USB)

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/94854/intel-dual-band-wireless-ac-3168.html

heck they cost like $15...what do you have to lose?

[n_scott_pearson]

Check out this article, which details what products utilize CNVio: What Are the Intel Integrated Connectivity (CNVi) and Companion RF (CRF) Module?

Interesting that the AX200 is NOT included in this list (though this may be fault of the article),

...S

[BHarr8]

This is not a NUC issue but a Windows issue.

These WIFI modules have integrated Bluetooth and if you are currently using any Bluetooth modules you will need to unpair and remove all of them from the Bluetooth menu.

If you forget this step all existing Bluetooth devices will both fail to work and fail to remove. You will be stuck editing your registry to fix this.

If you do unpair and remove all Bluetooth devices first then Bluetooth will work as intended after the upgrade.


Your NUC6CAYH has a Wireless-AC 3168 card which is PCIe so the port is compatible with newer PCIe Intel wireless cards.

Both the AX200 and AX210 will modernize your WIFI and Bluetooth connections.

Do not buy the AX201, that is a different connector and is not compatible with your system.

[n_scott_pearson]

@drbob is correct. Suffice it to say, there was a lot of confusion back in 2019 when this particular conversation took place.
The AX200 (and AX210, the newer WiFi 6e version) are *not* CNVio/CNVio2 parts and cannot be used in M.2 sockets that support CNVio/CNVio2.
It is the 9461, 9462 and 9560 modules that support CNVio and the AX201 that supports CNVio2.
...S

[BHarr8]

All in all, always make sure to check Intel's ARK pages for your existing card and potential upgrade.

You need to match:

PCIe -> PCIe
CNVio -> CNVio

CVNio2 -> CNVio2

Keep in mind there is only 1 CNVio2 card at the moment so if you have it, you cannot upgrade until a newer CNVio2 card is created.