X220 with thinkpad b/g/n wireless (1x1 bgn)x1 bgn) wifi adapter

[tuananh87vn]

Hi,

It seems there's a lot of complaints around the Wifi adapter thinkpad b/g/n wireless (1x1 bgn). I really want to know how worse it is compared to Intel 6205 (not to mention 6300- it's really a beast, people say).

Can somebody let me know whether Lenovo charges this much for a upgrade like this (thinkpad 1x1 to intel 6205), and is it worth?

Thank you very much!

[lead_org · Accepted solution]

when you buy the X220 from US online store the upgrade from 1x1 bgn to 6205 was only around 15 dollars.

It is definitely worth the upgrade from the 1x1 to the Intel 6205 (the 6300 not so much). Especially if:

1. Your wireless hub doesn't have a powerful antenna.
2. Lot of other people are using the same 2.4 ghz bandwidth.
3. And you can live with 150 mpbs (usually around 75 mbps are more common) transfer speed.

[tuananh87vn]

Thanks,

So what if I already have the X220 and I want to have that upgrade?

[lead_org]

well the real issue with the 1x1 is the performance, if you already got it and you are getting acceptable performance and you don't want to spend any more money on the upgrade, then just use what you have it.

[tuananh87vn]

Yes, I've got it already. But I also want to upgrade it, that's why i'm asking whether Lenovo supports this, or i just go out to the market, buy one of those desired adapter (6205, 6300, whichever) and plug it in myself?

[lead_org]

The 6205 card uses 2 antennas (like the 1x1), while the 6300 has three antennas. Make sure you have 3 sets of antennas (if you have integrated camera you only have 2 antennas) if you are going to get 6300.

ThinkPad X220 will support 6205 and 6300 card as long as they have a Lenovo FRU number on them (generic one without the Lenovo FRU won't work). Check the link below for the specific FRU number of the wireless card parts.

http://support.lenovo.com/en_AU/product-and-parts/detail.page?&DocID=PD013599

[tuananh87vn]

thought Thinkpad 1x1 has only 1 antennas? and it's NOT using MIMO technology, is it?

[lead_org]

it is hooked to two antennas. Well 1x1, so there is only single channel for receiving and sending, no MIMO.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lead_org/8276712320/in/set-72157632027350468  <--- My ThinkPad X230 had the 1x1 ThinkPad wireless when it was shipped to me.