Wireless Chip vs. Laptop's Antenna

What effects the range of a laptop wireless card the wireless chip or antenna or both?

I'm looking to increasing the strength and range of my laptop so I bought a new Intel 7260ac chip.

Would this help with my connection and range? I currently have a Intel Centrino 2330 N.
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Faizan MehdiMarketing InternAsked:
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JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented:
Intel Wireless cards are top of class as I mentioned to you in another thread. Unlikely it is the issue and is not / has not been for me.

I have an Intel N-6205 and I get 5 bars (maybe 4 on occasion) on the top floor of my house and the Cisco Wireless Router is in the basement behind an 8-inch steel I-Beam.

This is good range.  What kind of range are you trying to achieve?
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JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented:
I should add that my Lenovo X230 and my prior T61p and prior again T41 all have dual antennas in the lid that are part of the Wi-Fi card. Both antenna wires hook up to the mini-PCI card and form part of the overall range of the laptop.
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JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented:
The only way you could test the "chip" is to replace it. Perhaps tell the vendor and see if they will replace it.

If you replaced the card yourself, you need a make a good snap connection from the wire onto the card. It also matters (on my T61p for example) which wire goes into which socket on the card.  I read the Hardware Maintenance manual for this information and I have replaced the card in that machine. All was well.

Get the Hardware Maintenance Manual for your machine and see about the correct wire attachment. If you do this, remove and re-seat the card. Also remember to use a grounding strap as the PCI card is sensitive to static electricity.
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JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented:
@Faizan Mehdi  - Thanks and good luck servicing the card. It should really work well wherever you take it.
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