Recommendation on network card upgrade

[mactaite]

Hi,
I am wanting to upgrade an older laptops network card (broadcom 802.11n) to a compatible updated card that can pick up 5Ghz. I tried 2 usb adapters and both broke or bent toward the usb port after brief uses. Would like a recommendation to replace the internal network card. Any help would be great. Thanks!
Specs:
Gateway nv55c38u
Intel Pentium P6200 (2.13 GHz)
6 GB Memory
Windows 10

 

[fencepost]

First thing to check is probably going to be that the laptop doesn't have a built-in whitelist of card models that it'll work with. I've run into that on Lenovo laptops in the past, because the laptops are tested (including certifications) with specific cards. I'll leave the research to you, but I do see discussion that at least some models require wireless cards to be on a whitelist: https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-REQUEST-Gateway-NV53a-InsydeBIOS-2-14-Whitelist-Removal

A little more about these whitelists: http://goughlui.com/2014/08/02/laptop-wireless-card-whitelists-an-upgrade-nightmare/

How long were the USB adapters? There are some pretty stubby ones available, or you may be able to get a short extension cable to mount a longer adapter where it wont' be in the way - perhaps on the back of the screen.

Oh, and welcome back after 6+ years away.

 

[mactaite]

Thanks for your reply and links. I wasn't aware of the whitelist but knew something was up when trying to upgrade it before and getting the error message at bootup. That seems like a lot of risk and time to try and get it removed. Guess I will try another USB adapter.

The first one was very short but still somehow bent. The second one was longer with an antenna. I will try out your suggestion and see if i can find an extension. I have seen some long range adapters on amazon that sit on the desk or mount on screen but they seem to have bad reviews mostly on the usb connection going out.

And thanks! Its been a while and the site has changed a lot but I like it.

 

[fencepost]

Another option (though it may require some searching) would be something like https://www.amazon.com/CHIBI-Direction-Extension-Adapter-Profile/dp/B01IZN4VVM/ or https://www.amazon.com/USBGear-Black-Extension-Female-Angles/dp/B01N8S7KOV/

Unfortunately a lot of what turns up for searches is remarkably far from low profile.

 

[mactaite]

Yes I ordered something similar to your second link. And I agree, I notice the same thing that most are not low profile. Will try it out. At least this time if the usb bends, it will be the extension bending and not the actual pricier network adapter.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[fencepost]

Failing that, two things that might be worth looking at: https://www.amazon.com/OURLINK-600Mbps-Wireless-Network-Computer/dp/B011T5IF06/ or https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wireless-Adapter-Archer-T1U/dp/B016K088UC/

The TP-Link one is unusual because it's 5GHz only. I can't speak to the quality or reliability of either of these, but I'm not sure I'd expect either to be great with marginal signals

 

[mactaite]

ok thanks. That will be my last resort. Seen them before but Im sure the signal cant be that great. But definitely will give one of them a try if the next setup doesn't work out.