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geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: fohat.digs on Thu, 23 November 2017, 08:43:21
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I have an old laptop (Acer Aspire 5534 from 2010) that I use infrequently but would like to keep in service for another couple of years if possible.
The stock factory card is an Atheros Ar5b93 T77h047.31 LF and I would love to find something cheap on ebay to replace it.
It does not have to come up to 2017 bleeding edge standards, but the original has become dog-slow.
Can anybody give me some solid suggestions, and not just guesses?
Thanks!
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Usb wireless dongles are very cheap you might try one of those
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
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I read wifi causes da cancer
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I eat meat and cheese, and even seaweed, but never wifi.
USB dongle is a great idea.
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That card is already 300mb, most of the tiny usb ones run at that or less, to go faster you either need the stick type or a base station. Also the USB ones tend to use more power so you really want an internal one if you want your battery life to remain.
Look into the Intel 7260 (Ebay $10-$30, Amazon $15-$30).
Beware, there are several versions, some with bluetooth, some without, some are wireless N, some are AC. You also need to make sure it has the two screw holes instead of the notch.
Skip the Intel 62** series, some have had issues.
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That card is already 300mb, most of the tiny usb ones run at that or less, to go faster you either need the stick type or a base station. Also the USB ones tend to use more power so you really want an internal one if you want your battery life to remain.
Look into the Intel 7260 (Ebay $10-$30, Amazon $15-$30).
Beware, there are several versions, some with bluetooth, some without, some are wireless N, some are AC. You also need to make sure it has the two screw holes instead of the notch.
Skip the Intel 62** series, some have had issues.
I doubt it's a wifi card problem fohat even has.. hahahaha
probably just a case of n00bness.
Fohat haz SSD, and Clean Windz installation ?
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it's possible for wifi cards to wear out, but rare, because it'd have to be constantly transmitting. few people do bulk data over wifi.
i would reformat and buy an ssd first.
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I doubt it's a wifi card problem fohat even has.. hahahaha
probably just a case of n00bness.
Fohat haz SSD, and Clean Windz installation ?
He didn't mention it having a problem, only that he wanted an upgrade.
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Fohatz, list the full spec of the laptop.
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Nevermind, googled, athlon L310. 641 passmark
If it is this cpu, NOTHING will make this computer a joy to use.. Not even an SSD upgrade.
It's theoretically OK-ish if you install Windows XP on it. But then you must use a samsung or intel ssd which have manual trim toolbox software..
IMHO, not worth messing with.
Nothing under 3500-4000 passmark is worth fixing up/ using.
Just buy a used lenovo T420.. LIGHT years faster.. and only ~$180-200ish
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I have been telling myself/family that i'm going to get around to wiring the house with cat6... but until then i'll just use a USB wireless on my desktop. That was like 7 years ago.
I have burned through a few of them and right now the one i'm using i bought last year and i've just recently started seeing the signs that its on its way to the trash (disconnects from the usb controller during heavy use). Its been pretty good though considering how many hours of pegged use it gets. Its this one from Panda 300mbps N (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JDVRCI0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) . I just picked up another one for my 3D printer PC which is going out in the garage which is on the other side of the yard... and it is much better: Ourlink 600mbps long range dual band (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018TX8IDA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
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Usb wireless dongles are very cheap you might try one of those
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
I second one of these. I bought one when my wireless card crapped out on my laptop, and then used it again for my first PC about six years ago. Worked very well and some of them come with a short cable so you can either have the dongle sticking straight out like a USB stick or on a small stand you can put somewhere away from the device to give you better signal.
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Usb wireless dongles are very cheap you might try one of those
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
I second one of these. I bought one when my wireless card crapped out on my laptop, and then used it again for my first PC about six years ago. Worked very well and some of them come with a short cable so you can either have the dongle sticking straight out like a USB stick or on a small stand you can put somewhere away from the device to give you better signal.
You guys are on the right track had fohat's problem Actually been the wireless..
But around firefox 2x or so, the browser cpu requirement became quite significant.. this was 7 years ago..
The, athlon L310 in fohat's laptop is almost certainly the more likely culprit of (perceived slowness).