laptop wifi still slow despite replaced wifi card

nufclad147 · 30 Oct 2018 at 13:18

I own a HP 250 G4 laptop from new but 2 and a half years into ownership and even after a fully factory reset system the wifi speed is variable no two speed test taking every 5 mins are the same ranging from 2MBS to 36mbs of my 36mbs speed ...all other devices speeds on the wifi network are perfect. I decided to order a new wifi card replacement which was fitted and the issue has not resolved so now at a loss to what can be causing this, if I reboot system I gain max speed for a short period of time before returning to random speeds results.

All I can do is factory reset allow updates an drivers to be loaded as I always done with system issues but this does not fix the problem I thought replacing the wifi card would have sorted it bit NO.
I resort to using a small plug in USB BGN 2.4Gh adapter which works fine but really like to use the internal wifi adapter.

Any idea ?

slinxy · 30 Oct 2018 at 13:23

Have you tired swapping the internal wifi antennas with each other? or changing them all together?

It could be worth swapping the wifi channel that you are on for a less busy one.

nufclad147 · 30 Oct 2018 at 13:28

I have tried that process using software that suggest best channel to use and makes no difference to the issue id if thought a busy channel would effect all my devices , smartphone, smartbox, wifi tv x2 I also as part of my efforts made sure all devices were turned off ensuring only laptop was connected to router.

ScoTTyBEEE · 30 Oct 2018 at 15:53

Have you tried the network reset option in network settings?

I had an odd problem of late where my laptop would max out at 27mbs and after trying to find the culprit using this option fixed it.

Also don't rely on windows update to install the drivers. Go to the manufacturer for the latest ones, if they don't work, go to the ones listed for your laptop from HP.

nufclad147 · 30 Oct 2018 at 20:02

I did the network reset following your instructions Scottybee made no difference, while in process of doing so I couldn't help think my full factory restore would have also reset any network settings. I also have tried alternative driver going to HP site direct download the advised driver for my model which didnt solve things..really has got me stumped.

Avalon · 31 Oct 2018 at 08:44

I have a special loathing for OEM supplied images/drivers, unless you have a specific reason, use the original manufacturer’s drivers. I’d suggest (subject to checking driver support) booting your favourite Linux version and testing using that. It’ll eliminate OS/drivers/bloatware as a variable.

nufclad147 · 1 Nov 2018 at 07:00

Avalon said:
I have a special loathing for OEM supplied images/drivers, unless you have a specific reason, use the original manufacturer’s drivers. I’d suggest (subject to checking driver support) booting your favourite Linux version and testing using that. It’ll eliminate OS/drivers/bloatware as a variable.

Would I be correct in thinking that if this was the source of the problem some kind of HP bundle blunder then I should expect to see the whole fleet of HP 250 G5 and its users complaining about the issue, yet information or people suffering my issue is few far between if any at all.

Avalon · 1 Nov 2018 at 17:29

nufclad147 said:
Would I be correct in thinking that if this was the source of the problem some kind of HP bundle blunder then I should expect to see the whole fleet of HP 250 G5 and its users complaining about the issue, yet information or people suffering my issue is few far between if any at all.

While it’s always a good idea to look for common issues on a specific model as it’s userbase is generally the best source for such specific information, in this case it’s pretty much irrelevant as even if everyone else isn’t having a problem, you are. My suggestion removes OS/Driver/Software as a variable. Between that and a further test on a different AP/router you can easily narrow this down, but you actually need to do it.

pcfarrar · 2 Nov 2018 at 09:40

nufclad147 said:
Would I be correct in thinking that if this was the source of the problem some kind of HP bundle blunder then I should expect to see the whole fleet of HP 250 G5 and its users complaining about the issue, yet information or people suffering my issue is few far between if any at all.

It's normally the 250 G2's that have wireless issues in my experience.

I've got loads of G5's and never had a problem with the WiFi. They have Intel AC 3165 adapters and I just use the stock drivers that come from Windows update. I did have one in which the cable to the webcam melted and damaged the wifi aerial cables but that was just a one off.

nufclad147 · 7 Nov 2018 at 09:24

I think I may have solved the issue, My set up sees the laptop plugged into a external monitor on a 3 tier small glass shelving stand approx 2ft tall, the laptop spends all the time with the lid closed position stored on bottom shelve basically floor level. I use a wireless keyboard with build in scroll pad to operate things. When I pull my laptop out the shelving and placed on the floor lifting the lid open as say for normal use I notice a more or less expected speeds 37mbs on all results so far. When I close lid an retest again at random times I return to unpredictable speed results. It would seem that I suffering some form to signal interference when the lid is closed either that of when lid is flat floor level the signal is weak..