Should I upgrade my WiFi card?

[octiceps]

On my ASUS G73Jh laptop, I'm running the stock Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6250 AGN wireless adapter that came with my notebook and I usually get a very weak and erratic connection on my college's WiFi network. It's so bad that even simple web pages such as the Google homepage would stop responding when trying to load. I've always thought the problem was that there were simply too many users connected to the same access point since moving to a less crowded area resulted in a better connection sometimes. However, now I'm not so sure that this is the problem.

I recently met another student with a G74SX laptop and noticed that in a crowded computer lab, he would get a very fast and responsive connection sitting next to me while I couldn't even read my email without it freezing and timing out. He was running some kind of Atheros WiFi card in his laptop and it seemed to be doing wonders for him. Is it reasonable to assume that upgrading my current wireless card to something such as the Bigfoot Killer-N 1102/1103 would improve my connection? These are relatively inexpensive and would be more than worth it if I can finally start doing work at school on my computer. I've already fiddled around with all the settings on my current adapter and nothing has helped so far, but I would welcome any other suggestions for possibly improving my connection. Thanks.

[H.A.L. 9000]

Not sure many here would back me... but I'm a big fan of the Atheros cards. Intel's latest WiFi cards have given me a lot of trouble and pretty short range.

I'd say the Killer-N 1102/1103 would be a nice upgrade from the Intel 6250... if you don't use the WiMAX part.

Also, I'm not sure about what type of mPCIe is offered on the G73Jh... mini or half-mini? If you have a full mini-PCIe I'd recommend the Apple-Atheros AR9380. It's a NICE card. It's fast and the range is incredible compared to my Intel 6205.

EDIT: You have updated your drivers?

[tijo]

G73Jh is half-height.

[octiceps]

Not sure many here would back me... but I'm a big fan of the Atheros cards. Intel's latest WiFi cards have given me a lot of trouble and pretty short range.

I'd say the Killer-N 1102/1103 would be a nice upgrade from the Intel 6250... if you don't use the WiMAX part.

Also, I'm not sure about what type of mPCIe is offered on the G73Jh... mini or half-mini? If you have a full mini-PCIe I'd recommend the Apple-Atheros AR9380. It's a NICE card. It's fast and the range is incredible compared to my Intel 6205.

EDIT: You have updated your drivers?

My drivers are up-to-date but that hasn't helped. I'll never use WiMAX so there's no reason for me to look for those kinds of adapters. I'm also considering the Intel Ultimate-N 6300 in addition to the Killer-N's as it seems to be pretty good as well.

[H.A.L. 9000]

One thing more to consider...

If you have the 6250 now, you probably only have two antennas. Have you checked to see if you have the third just taped down under the cover? If not, you might have to run another, or stick to 2x2 cards since the 6300 is a 3x3.