Looking for ways to improve network performance on your old Lenovo laptop?
Looking for ways to improve network performance on your old Lenovo laptop?
I have a Lenovo Y50-70 from around 2014 with an Intel i7-4710HQ at 2.5GHz, 1080p60 display, and Nvidia GTX 860M graphics. My setup has been failing repeatedly, so this is essentially my current option. One recurring problem was the WiFi card performing poorly, but I always had a Gigabit Ethernet port available. Eventually, it stopped working completely, prompting me to consider replacing it with an Ethernet adapter directly on the motherboard. That would be time-consuming and risky. In the meantime, I’m evaluating upgrading the outdated m.2 WiFi+BT chipset to something more modern. However, I’ve noticed newer cards may not run smoothly with older CPUs, and some require multiple antennas that my laptop only provides in pairs. If you’re looking for a suitable upgrade, I’d suggest checking out Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E chipsets designed for Intel i7 processors—they usually handle older CPUs better and support higher speeds. Just make sure to verify compatibility with your motherboard model before making the switch.
This laptop seems quite outdated, so I’d suggest using a USB dongle instead. Replacing the Ethernet port would be difficult because of its design. You can simply link the antenna wires to two of the three contacts—it doesn’t matter which ones you use.
Sure, experimenting with outdated Wi-Fi cards on old gear could lead to some unexpected issues. Using a USB 3.0 Ethernet port might actually make things easier rather than harder. And if your computer keeps crashing, investing in a reliable UPS could be a smart move.
I disagree, there is no reason this can't run an Intel AX210. It looks very very easy to swap out the card on that model. So long as it doesn't have a whitelist (I know my old Lenovo did not) and is M.2 (it is), I can't see any problems. The laptops which often AREN'T worth messing with are ones with whitelists or miniPCIe/PCI cards.
Thanks for your input. I align with Alex’s view; I originally wanted to use the M.2 card setup. Mainly due to the fact that over eight years I haven’t been the most reliable owner, and one USB port is already damaged. The Ethernet connection is just a minor point, I brought it up to explain why I need advice on selecting the best Wi-Fi card for this machine. I’m confident in handling the hardware—since I’ve replaced the HDD with an SSD and upgraded RAM before—I feel ready for a WiFi upgrade. I was told newer Intel WiFi 6 cards might not work with older CPUs, but I don’t know how old those specific chips were. Regarding the Ethernet port, I’m fairly confident I can handle that myself, though I’ll try it out. I’ve discovered some ports in an electronics store that should fit, and if needed, a good DIY fix can solve most problems. As for the desktop, it seems the issue isn’t power-related but possibly with the motherboard. Random components keep failing because of electrical faults; two M.2 SSDs and a RAM stick had to be swapped out too. The store won’t replace the board, which is why it keeps breaking down again. That’s another challenge I’m willing to face.
During some research, your Lenovo Y50-70 does indeed include a BIOS whitelist for compatible WiFi adapters. Visit the official Lenovo parts page, enter your model and adapter type to receive a precise list of supported devices. The recommended upgrades appear to be Intel 3160 or 7260 models, with the latter being preferable due to its dual 2x2 support. Always verify the exact part numbers and FRU before proceeding.
I also observed this... I was aiming for a BIOS mod for the laptop, though I'm not entirely confident about sharing it with strangers on questionable forums. Modifying the BIOS can be risky, so I might learn by doing someday. For now, I'll stick with the 7260. Appreciate the advice!
The issue is more complicated because Lenovo doesn’t always follow through consistently—some models function properly while others don’t. It seems like the AX200 in my Yoga 500 worked well, but I can’t verify it now since I lost the power supply and stopped using that laptop long ago. That purchase was one of the worst I’ve ever made.
Honestly, this laptop wasn’t that bad of a deal. I only spent 4€ on tickets for the convention I won. Back in 2014 it offered good value for its price, though I really want something better now. I’m waiting until early 2020 to upgrade since I got my desktop then. Speaking of upgrades, anyone know about good PCPartPicker alternatives for laptops? I’ve seen a few, but the interfaces are really poor.