[Guide] Installing an Airport card into a GA-Z370N-WIFI motherboard

[b.kind]

This guide was once part of my User Build:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...-8400-ga-z370n-wifi-i630-airport-card.258728/

Components

CM94360CS2 Airport Wireless card
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BQ976CR/?tag=tonymacx86com-20

BCM94360CS2 to M.2 adapter for above
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KHRJVXW/?tag=tonymacx86com-20​

Wireless

Airport card —> M.2 adapter card
M.2 adapter card —> MB​

The MB's intel wireless M.2 card hides in the shiny antenna housing on the MB.
Two screws on the back of the MB. These links were helpful:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/neilharts-q4-a-z170-project-for-os-x.173534/page-2
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=aFotSzNtMXVwX1Q5VmZrWTdhOTNpMjE4ODlCbjdB

My gallery has pics of the Build, focusing on the Airport card installation.


Removed WIFI module from the Z370N motherboard

Opened up, comparing old and new cards

Assembled Airport M.2 adapter -

Install the M.2 adapter card into the networking module first, then add the Airport card.

Of course, shield was too small for the taller card. I tried straightening it with a hammer.
Assembled, with the shield. It looked pretty, but it was too tight.

Antennas attached, installed without the shield.

 

[partimers]

@b.kind do you need to hook up antennae in order to have good Bluetooth reception? I am insterested in such a setup but mostly for BT as my machine is hooked to ethernet cable. I just need the range to use Mouse and keyboard on a desk with the computer on a cabinet under the desk and would like if possible to not attach external antennae.

tks for the nice post!

 

[b.kind]

Yes, without the antenna, BT did not work at any range.
Wireless ethernet did work without the antenna, but better with it.

Glad you liked it. I'm a newbie, just glad it even works!

 

[Judexpr]

This guide was once part of my User Build:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...-8400-ga-z370n-wifi-i630-airport-card.258728/

Components

CM94360CS2 Airport Wireless card
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BQ976CR/?tag=tonymacx86com-20

BCM94360CS2 to M.2 adapter for above
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KHRJVXW/?tag=tonymacx86com-20​

Wireless

Airport card —> M.2 adapter card
M.2 adapter card —> MB​

The MB's intel wireless M.2 card hides in the shiny antenna housing on the MB.
Two screws on the back of the MB. These links were helpful:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/neilharts-q4-a-z170-project-for-os-x.173534/page-2
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=aFotSzNtMXVwX1Q5VmZrWTdhOTNpMjE4ODlCbjdB

My gallery has pics of the Build, focusing on the Airport card installation.


Removed WIFI module from the Z370N motherboard

Opened up, comparing old and new cards

Assembled Airport M.2 adapter -

Install the M.2 adapter card into the networking module first, then add the Airport card.

Of course, shield was too small for the taller card. I tried straightening it with a hammer.
Assembled, with the shield. It looked pretty, but it was too tight.

Antennas attached, installed without the shield.

Did you need to use any wifi antenna extenders ?

 

[b.kind]

No, did not. I used the original ones. You can see them attached in picture number 4.

 

[Judexpr]

No, did not. I used the original ones. You can see them attached in picture number 4.

Thank you, and is there anyway you could tell me the height of the WiFi card, installed from tip to tip ? I’m planning out a build and would like to know if I have the right amount of clearance

 

[b.kind]

Almost 2 inches from the circuitboard.