Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 2x2 Network plus Bluetooth adapter (7260.HMWWB.R)

I needed to upgrade the installed Wi-Fi card in an old Dell Inspiron 5523. This dual band card not only improved the Wi-Fi performance about 8x from the original single band card, it also solved a problem with Linux Mint 22.1 where I could not activate the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features at the same time. With the original card, Wi-Fi worked until I paired my Bluetooth mouse, then the Wi-Fi would no longer work. With Wi-Fi on the 5Ghhz band, both work fine together.

First off, I pay for 60 Mbps internet and only have a dual band wireless N router... So this card is overkill for my set up as it probably will be for most people. However, for only $25 (at the time of this review), this is one of the few times overkill is very affordable. More importantly, I can take the card with me to my next computer.Performance:I get 58 - 65 Mbps performance (that is full speed from my ISP) on this card from anywhere in our normal sized house on both the 2.4 and 5 GHz wireless-n band. To put it in some perspective, I get same performance from my HTC One M8 on the 5 GHz band within 10 - 20 ft from router, but performance drops off to 40 Mbps at about 35 ft for my HTC One M8, but stays at 60 Mbps for this card. All tests done using speedtest.net. Takes under 3 seconds to connect to a known network when you manually select it in Windows. No dropped connections ever. Connects to the default network as fast as computer can automatically log me in after booting up (Windows 10 on SSD). Bluetooth works great as well (although I had to put some tape on one of the pins to get it working, more details later). Where it also shines is connecting between devices on the same network (like Windows Remote Desktop Connection or Xbox One streaming to Windows 10). I loved it so much that I am getting one for my newly built desktop (with an adapter for PCIe of course). In fact, cost of this card and an adapter is cheaper than the high end desktop AC wireless cards.Pros: Easy to set up and Windows automatically got drivers for me after detecting it after a few reboots. One of the few internal parts (along with your SSD) that you can expect to take with you when you upgrade your entire computer.Cons: For the average person, cheaper $5 - $15 802.11n cards will give them all the performance their network set up can provide and this card could be a bit of an overkill.P.S:For those trying to use this on Lenovo laptops, it is still usable but it will not be simple. First off, you will need to flash your BIOS to remove the wi-fi card white list or add this card to it. Also, you will have to physically add a tiny cut of tape to cover one of the pins directly on the card (pin 51 I believe) to get Bluetooth to work at all.

The Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 Network + Bluetooth Adapter (7260.HMWWB.R) has completely transformed my connectivity experience, offering seamless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. This 2x2 adapter combines exceptional performance with reliable Bluetooth connectivity, making it a versatile and essential addition to my devices. I am thrilled to provide a five-star review for this remarkable network adapter.Fast and Reliable Wi-Fi:One of the standout features of this network adapter is its fast and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. It ensures that I have a strong and stable internet connection for all my online activities.Dual Band Support:The dual band support allows me to choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, optimizing my Wi-Fi connection for various tasks.Seamless Bluetooth Connectivity:The built-in Bluetooth adapter is seamless and reliable, providing a convenient way to connect my devices and peripherals.Exceptional Performance:The adapter's 2x2 design and Intel's high-quality engineering guarantee exceptional performance, reducing latency and enhancing data speeds.Compact Design:The compact design of this adapter ensures it can easily fit into various devices, making it a versatile choice for upgrading or adding wireless capabilities.In conclusion, the Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 Network + Bluetooth Adapter is a five-star solution for individuals seeking seamless connectivity and exceptional performance. With fast and reliable Wi-Fi, dual band support, seamless Bluetooth connectivity, and a compact design, this adapter offers everything you need to stay connected and efficient. Whether you're upgrading your laptop or adding Bluetooth capabilities to your desktop, this network adapter is a top-tier choice. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in need of reliable and high-performance connectivity.

Seems to work fine. Installation was pretty straightforward and it's a good time to suck or blow out dust before you get going. Card is very small with really small screws but I used the original screws which had larger heads. You have to be careful when disconnecting the black and white antenna wires from old to new. You don't want to break the wire connectors which simply pop on and off. I attached wires first to new card before tightening. It's a small space to work in. Anyway, my application was for a Dell XPS 8700 which was manufactured before 5ghz was a thing. Original card was 2.4 ghz only and was mighty slow. Install is easy as long as you're comfortable opening the case and getting into it.