Has anyone added a cable extender to a laptop WiFi card?

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Tuxan, Jul 27, 2024.

  1. Tuxan

    Tuxan

    MINISFORUM Elitemini HM90 Mini PC AMD Ryzen 9 4900H Mini Desktop Computers, DDR4 32GB + 512GB SSD, HDMI/DP/USB-C 4K@60Hz Output, 2X RJ45 Port(1000/2500Mbps), AMD Radeon Graphics, 2X HDD Slot

    I picked up one of these for $180 including shipping, new, but a two year old model now. I was thinking Intel N100 CPU for my needs but this is 4x faster even as as 2021/2022 release.


    That is suspiciously cheap but I think the problem with these is the Wifi/BT card is next to the M.2 drive causing it to overheat. At least that's what this guy said.



    So I'm thinking if I see the storage getting overheated as he says, the smart move is to find an extender so the WiFi card is away from the storage.

    Or move the storage? It's not a big challenge but I'm thinking that moving the WiFi is better?

    Screenshot_20240719_101935_Amazon Shopping.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2024
    Tokenz likes this.
  2. spy

    spy

    I've always been very happy w/ usb wifi. I recommend this exact model:

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/144347776995

    It's definitely "fast enough" and the chipset is broadly compatible across different systems. Not to mention a great bargain.

    You'll also be able to adjust the position of the usb's wifi antenna much more easily via some velcro/tape and a usb extension cable.

    If you're having heat build-up definitely try uncluttering the inside of that itsy bitsy box... they often suffer thermal problems. They are adorable though.

    The downside is you'll lose bluetooth if you get rid of the existing M.2 adapter... that's why I also like usb bt adapters ;-)

    Donations for my consulting advice are welcome!
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2024
    Tuxan likes this.
  3. Tuxan

    Tuxan

    That's an idea, I have WiFi 6 capable routers but no devices other than the Firestick Max that can utilise these.

    My idea is that I can drop the bulky laptop as I always use monitors anyway and this is easier moving between my two home offices.

    I think I have just found a solution on Amazon. it actually states it works with the AX200 wifi card. I can just tape it into one of the 2.5 bays. I work using lan cables anyway, really all I need is a lossless Bluetooth adapter for music.

    Sintech M.2 A-Key M.2 Key E Module WiFi Card Extension Cable, Compatible with Intel AX200,7260,8260,9260 https://a.co/d/6fwGjpJ
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2024
  4. spy

    spy

    If latency is a problem, and you really need to push pixels, then yeah. I'm very comfortable on the cmd-line though so I tend to just have a bt keyboard stashed away to use w/ my phone when/if the shit hits the fan. Much more liberating IMHO, e.g. on a boat or camper.

    The world is your oyster :strong:
     
    Tuxan likes this.
  5. Tuxan

    Tuxan

    I just realised that the guy in that review didn't have a heat sink!

    As the one shipping to me is factory supplied with ram and storage, not "bare bones", it probably won't even overheat. They certainly will have a heat sink on the M.2

    But they are really cute.

    @spy I know what you mean, a Samsung phone with DEX desktop is neat but I need to run some heavier apps and don't want the latency with remote desktop etc.
     
  6. spy

    spy

    I find a small latency to be a luxury more than anything. What do you do if you need to pee? or eat? sleep? or shower? You don't have full desktop rigs in each of those locations, do you?

    If I have a great idea in the middle of the night I just scribble it on a napkin by the nightstand.

    So... if the process I'm establishing is latency bound, I codify the actions, make sure I get failure/exception notifications asap, and run the code as close to the exchange as possible.

    If I can't rest assured while disconnected, then I'm doing something wrong (probably lack of testing/qa). We all have a comfort zone w/ our daily, repetitive routines though.
     
    Steve777 and Tuxan like this.
  7. Tuxan

    Tuxan

    When I ran automated trading I had VPS and a Co-located dedicated rack server.

    However this is actually mostly for running a flight sim like X-Plane as I'm considering buying a gyroplane. Study aid.
     
    spy likes this.
  8. spy

    spy

    When?!?!? :confused: Why did you stop?
     
  9. spy

    spy

    @Ricter might be upset w/ you... they use a lot of energy for thrust. Might be better off w/ a fully human-powered or solar aircraft. Joking, joking.
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2024
    Tuxan likes this.
  10. Tuxan

    Tuxan

    Up to around 2020, a few years. They needed a lot of TLC, hard to know if manual trading wasn't just as easy.

    I had a few employees and not having people with strengths you don't have (and hours) is what causes retail traders to bust so often. When we "hit our numbers" we decided to chill.
     
    #10     Jul 27, 2024
    apdxyk and spy like this.