Intel Wireless-AC 9260 WiFi 5 M.2 2230 Laptop WiFi Card
The Intel Wireless-AC 9260 is a WiFi 5 + Bluetooth 5.0 module in the M.2 2230 form factor (model 9260NGW). It upgrades older laptops to modern wireless speeds — up to 2.4 Gbps on WiFi 6 / WiFi 6E, with Bluetooth for headsets, phones and accessories. At N.N Laptops in Hafeez Center, Lahore, this card costs Rs. 3,500 with 15-day check warranty.
Card specifications
| Brand & Model | Intel Wireless-AC 9260 (9260NGW) |
|---|---|
| Wireless standard | WiFi 5 + Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Form factor | M.2 2230 |
| Max link speed | up to 2.4 Gbps (160 MHz channels, 2x2 MIMO) |
| Bands | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz (where supported) |
| Antennas | 2 x U.FL / MHF4 connectors (antennas not included, reuse existing laptop ones) |
| Condition | Used |
| Warranty | 15-day N.N Laptops check warranty |
Which laptops can use this card?
Most laptops from 2016 onwards have an M.2 2230 wireless slot keyed for E-keying — that's what this card plugs into. Half-Mini PCIe is used in older 2010-2016 laptops. Tested in Dell Latitude 7490, HP EliteBook 840 G6, Lenovo ThinkPad T480 and Asus ROG Strix G15. Some HP/Lenovo BIOS implementations whitelist specific cards — WhatsApp 0314 4000131 with your model before ordering. See laptop parts catalogue for related parts.
What you gain from a WiFi 6 / 6E upgrade
- Speed: on a WiFi 6 router, real-world throughput jumps from 200-300 Mbps to 1.2-1.8 Gbps.
- Lower latency: gaming and video calls feel more responsive (1-3 ms instead of 8-15 ms).
- Bluetooth 5.2/5.3: better range and battery efficiency for wireless headsets and mice.
- 6 GHz band (WiFi 6E): a clean uncrowded spectrum for apartment buildings full of 5 GHz noise.
- Better OFDMA & MU-MIMO: the laptop competes less for airtime with phones and tablets on the same router.
HP / Lenovo whitelist warning
Older HP EliteBook / ProBook and some Lenovo ThinkPad models maintain a BIOS whitelist that only accepts OEM-approved wireless cards. If your laptop falls into that category, you'll see a "104-Unsupported wireless" error on boot. We carry whitelist-bypassed cards or can flash a modded BIOS for affected models — bring the laptop in so we can check before purchase.
Installation guide
Open the bottom cover. Locate the existing WiFi card — it's a small green PCB in the M.2 E-key slot near the cooling fan. Disconnect the two antenna leads (gently — they're fragile U.FL connectors), unscrew the single mounting screw, and pull the old card out. Insert the new card at 30°, secure with the screw, and snap the antennas back on. Boot Windows and install latest Intel/Killer driver. We offer Rs. 1,000 install at the shop. Pair with matched RAM upgrades for full upgrades.
Where to buy in Lahore
In stock at N.N Laptops, Shop 66A, 3rd Floor, Hafeez Center, Gulberg III, Lahore for Rs. 3,500. Free Lahore delivery, COD across Pakistan via TCS/Leopards. WhatsApp 0314 4000131 to confirm BIOS compatibility. See more parts in pair with an SSD upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
Will this card fit my Dell Latitude or HP EliteBook?
Most Dell/HP business laptops from 2017+ accept M.2 2230 E-key cards. Some HP EliteBooks have BIOS whitelists that reject non-Intel cards — we recommend Intel AX200/AX210 for safest compatibility. WhatsApp 0314 4000131 with your model to confirm.
WiFi 6 vs WiFi 6E — what's the difference?
WiFi 6 covers 2.4 + 5 GHz. WiFi 6E adds 6 GHz, which is a brand-new uncrowded band. You need a 6E router to see the benefit — if you're using a typical PTCL/Stormfiber router, WiFi 6 is plenty.
Do I need to install drivers manually?
Windows 11 includes built-in drivers for AX200/AX201/AX210. For best performance, download the latest drivers from Intel's website — about 10 minutes of setup.
Does this card include antennas?
No — the card has two U.FL/MHF4 ports and reuses your laptop's existing internal antennas, which are already routed through the screen hinges.
Is this card new or pulled?
Tested pull from a working laptop — confirmed working before resale. 15-day check warranty applies.
