Intel Centrino Wireless N-2230 compatibility

[MB12]

Hi,

I got a laptop Toshiba Qosmio X70 that is got an Intel Centrino Wireless N-2230 installed inside. I want to change this Wireless because it's single frequency 2,4GHz.

I want to install the latest Intel Wireless inside that supports 2,4GHz and 5GHz and to be compatible with my laptop.

Down I was taking an example to compare the latest Wireless AC with what I got and it seems to be difference to Board Form Factor. It's gonna influence the compatibility this 'Boad Form Factor'?

Intel Centrino N-2230 has 'Board Form Factor: PCIe Half Mini Card' and 'System Interface Type' PCIe.

Intel Wireless AC 8265 has 'Board Form Factor: M.2 2230, 1216' and 'System Interface Type: PCIe, USB'

What do you think is the best option in this case?

Thank you,

Best regards,

Mihai

[idata · Accepted solution]

Hello Mihai_B,

We understand you have a computer using the Intel® Centrino Wireless-N 2230, single band adapter, which you would like to upgrade to a dual band model.

Please keep in mind that we don't recommend end users to upgrade wireless adapters. Any issues resulting from a custom wireless integration may not be supported. It's common for computer manufacturers to limit your system to work only with pre-approved adapters at BIOS level. Because of this, we're unable to provide a suggestion with the confidence that it will work. Our best recommendation is to contact your computer manufacturer and purchase a replacement or upgrade adapter directly from them in order to avoid issues.

- https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/network-and-i-o/wireless-networking/000005846.html Why Doesn't My Laptop Recognize My New Intel® Wireless Adapter?

- https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/network-and-i-o/wireless-networking/000005687.html Regulatory Information Regarding Wireless Hardware Installation or Upgrade

Now, to answer your question, form factor is very important. Your adapter uses PCIe Half Mini Card, also referred to as HMC, this is a legacy form factor that has been mostly substituted by M.2, it refers to the connector type and size of your adapter.

At this point, we no longer manufacture HMC wireless adapters. However, the following models were made in HMC form factor and have dual band capabilities:

- http://ark.intel.com/products/75439/Intel-Dual-Band-Wireless-AC-7260 Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 - Last adapter made in HMC, was also manufactured it in M.2 form factor, so make sure to check which one you're buying.

- http://ark.intel.com/products/66890/Intel-Centrino-Advanced-N-6235-Dual-Band Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6235, Dual Band - Closest match to your current adapter, but dual band.

Note: Both adapters are no longer manufactured, but you can usually still find them through online retailers.

Again, our recommendation is to check with your computer manufacturer before purchasing either of these adapters, and if at all possible, to purchase the replacement from them. This way you avoid buying an adapter that is actually a spare part for a different brand computer, and may have been customized as such. Hardware compatibility is the responsibility of the system manufacturer.

Another thing that's important to keep in mind is the operating system you intend to use with the adapter. From the two listed above, only the 7260 has full Windows® 10 driver support:

- https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/network-and-i-o/wireless-networking/000005602.html Supported Operating Systems for Intel® Wireless Products.

We hope this information helps.

Best regards,

Carlos A.

[MB12]

Hello Carlos A.,

Thank you for the answer and support. Very useful answer.

Best regards,

Mihai

[idata]

Hello Mihai,

Thank you feedback. We're always glad to be of assistance.If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us again.Best regards,Carlos A.