Technology @lemmy.world potentiallynotfelix @lemdro.id 4 mo. ago

Is this an accurate diagram?

Edit: It is! I got the WiFi replaced and functional.

I need a confirmation that this is an accurate diagram, I have a A+E-key WiFi adapter, and I need to use it to replace a E-key WiFi adapter. I cannot find much information about compatibility, and need some confirmation before I stick my adapter in a type-e slot.

23 comments

I cannot confirm anything here, but that diagram scares the fuck out of me.
Much like a cat, if it fits, it sits.
- Thank you for your answer!
You can use a A+E card on a E slot, that's basically why they were made, to be compatible with both.

I have such setup on my desktop computer (A+E Intel AX210 in a E slot PCIe daughter board).
- thank you!
A+E will work in E. It's more on the motherboard manufacturer if it's supported or not. Check your manual.
- Thanks! Can you elaborate on what would cause it to not be supported? I know the wifi card I'm replacing is an e-key, and I'm using a laptop so I likely won't find any information. Also, if you would happen to know what brands I should look out for that have good linux compatibility if I want to buy a newer one?
  
  Be very wary of the staggered pins in the diagram. I don't trust the diagram.
- Did you not notice the staggered pinout on the diagram? That looks like it's literally designed to be a short circuit no matter what the manual says.
  
  I've literally dealt with staggered pin short circuits twice in my life, one from equipment damage, and another from piss poor engineering.
  
  Either way it'll totally fry the power supply, if not more..
  
  I thought the staggered contacts engage with similarly staggered pins on the other side of the card?? 🤔
An E keyed socket should provide everything an A+E card needs to function. Plug it in and test it out. Generally with m.2 if the card fits the socket you're good to go (just don't expect a CNVi card to work on a non CNVi platform.)
The "key" of an m.2 defines what the pins mean, basically what signal they carry (PCIe, USB, ...). There's a nice table here, if you scroll down a bit. Some are extensions to others, and are pin compatible (meaning the things they have in common are on the same pins).

A key and E key are very similar, while E just provides a few more interfaces, but importantly A doesn't provide anything the E doesn't. So any card that can work in A can also work in E. This is why A+E is so common: they don't require the Mainboard to provide E, only A, but both will work so both notches are present.

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