Swapping out wlan mini-pci card on laptop?

BallsOfSteel · 08-07-2008, 09:58 PM

I currently have an Intel Pro Wireless 3945 a/b/g card on my laptop, and it's a mini-pci, I believe. On the outside casing of the laptop, it says "m-pci".

It looks possible to swap out the current card with another one. I've never done this on a laptop beofre, though. On desktops I've done it a thousand times and it doesn't seem much different here. In addition to that, does anyone know where I can buy mini-pci cards? I've looked on newegg.com and didn't find much. So, if you can give a trusted source, that'd be great.

Takla · 08-08-2008, 01:50 AM

Many laptops have a BIOS lock so even if you can find a suitable card and physically swap them it may not work, in fact the laptop won't even boot.

There's some good information at http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Proble...I_network_card

BallsOfSteel · 08-08-2008, 11:15 AM

I believe this is only in regard to IBM laptops. I have a Gateway. I've tried getting in contact with their support, but it appears another company bought it out and it's near impossible getting in contact with someone.

Does anyone know where I can get a minipci wireless card from a reliable source? I'm not worried about spending $50-70. If it doesn't work, I'll send it back.

Takla · 08-08-2008, 11:49 AM

No, some Dells and HPs and others do the same thing.