Every wireless network card has specific compatibility requirements. See our below guide on eligibility, upgrade paths, and more. Note: this is not a catch-all and not 100% guaranteed. For the most accurate information, consult with your computer's manual and/or manufacturer.
For support on Setup, FAQs and Troubleshooting, visit this support article.
Before Starting:
This article references several technical specifications. If you need assistance getting this information from your computer, see the related support articles.
- Current Wireless Network Card/Adapter:
- Processor Model/Generation:
- Interface (M.2 NGFF / CNVio):
- Support article in development
- Operating System (OS):
Important Compatibility Notes:
- Compatibility is generally dependent on your system’s
- 1) Processor/CPU
- 2) M.2 interface (to include if your system requires CNVio)
- 3) Operating System version
Validate your new model is compatible by using the compatibility chart below.
-
Important: CNVio version 1 (i.e., AC-9461, AC-9462, AC-9560) is NOT compatible with CNVio2 (i.e., AX201, AX211, AX411).
CNVio2 is NOT backwards compatible with CNVio (version 1).
- The AC-9560 has NO upgrade path. Do NOT try upgrading or replacing with the AX201, AX211, or AX411. It will not work and will cause system failure.
- Installing the wrong CNVio version card generally causes system boot failure.
- Systems that require CNVio (or CNVio2) generally will not work with the PCIe/NGFF (non-CNVio) modules installed (i.e., AC-9260, AX200, AX210).
Compatibility Chart:
- Start by finding your current wireless network card model in the Upgrade From column. You may have multiple options. Your possible upgrades are in the first (left) column.
- Validate the new model will be compatible with your system by:
- Checking your system meets the processor/CPU requirements
- Checking your system meets the M.2 interface requirements
- Checking your system meets the operating system (OS) requirements
- See the above section Before Starting if you need help getting any of this information
Wi-Fi Model
|
Wi-Fi Gen
|
Upgrade From
|
Processor Required
|
Interface Required
|
OS Required
|
AC-9260
|
Wi-Fi 5
|
AC-8260, AC-8265, N-7265, AC-7265, AC-3168, AC-3165
|
Intel 8th Gen+
|
M.2 NGFF Key A or E
|
Windows 10/11 64-bit or Linux
|
AC-9560
|
Wi-Fi 5
|
AC-9461, AC-9462
|
Intel 8th Gen+
|
M.2 CNVio Key E
|
AX200
|
Wi-Fi 6
|
AC-9260 & Most models the AC-9260 replaces
|
Intel 9th Gen+
|
M.2 NGFF Key A or E
|
AX201
|
Wi-Fi 6
|
NONE
|
Intel 9th Gen+
|
M.2 CNVio2 Key E
|
AX210
|
Wi-Fi 6E
|
AC-9260, AX200
|
Intel 10th Gen+
|
M.2 NGFF Key A or E
|
AX211
|
Wi-Fi 6E
|
AX201
|
Intel 10th Gen+
|
M.2 CNVio2 Key E
|
AX411
|
Wi-Fi 6E
|
AX201, AX211
|
Intel 11th Gen+
|
M.2 CNVio2 Key E
|
Last Updated: August 2022
Compatibility Chart Notes:
- The processor (CPU), interface, and OS are mandatory compatibility requirements for each model.
- Wireless network cards can generally continue to be upgraded as long as your system meets the new Wi-Fi model’s processor, interface, and OS requirements. See Upgrade From column.