What would happen if you connect your laptop's Wi-Fi card to your PC? (test)
What would happen if you connect your laptop's Wi-Fi card to your PC? (test)
i was looking for a wifi solution for my pc that wouldn't be permanent, since i only planned to use it for a short period. i used the wifi card from my laptop, which was a m.2 rev 5-0 model. it matched the standard slot on my pc, but when i tried to power it on, it sparked and the system wouldn't start. i quickly shut down the psu and removed the card, and the pc worked fine. the card still ran on the laptop, so i didn’t damage anything. later inspection revealed a bent pin in the m.2 slot, likely from the socket, which probably caused the spark. i’m not sure if that was the exact cause.
I was misled by the screw since it wasn't centered in the middle of the card, but it should be on the side right where a standard M.2 slot would be. I couldn't locate any instructions advising against using this with M.2 slots, so I gave it a shot. I wish others discover this before they attempt the same.
When you spot anything unusual that doesn’t match expectations, it’s a clear sign something may be wrong. Most Wi-Fi cards feature two notches, which is typical; any deviation suggests a problem. Similarly, M.2 drives usually have a specific design, and changes to that pattern are another red flag.
You can find instructions on connecting here https://bit.ly/2WEToi2
I think the bent pin was likely the issue, not the card itself. If it fits the M.2 slot, it should function, though without Bluetooth support since that's typically handled via USB. The slot keying system is meant to prevent inserting a card into an incompatible port. I should note, I haven't tested it yet because using an adapter with the antenna pins would be simpler.