Thinkpads Forum

Hi,

What are the best/fastest MiniPCI-E LTE or 5G modems? (for US)

Need for T430s, whitelist hopefully removed.
Full-size should fit (space is at least twice longer than half-size WIFI card).
2 antennas (and might steal 1 more unused from WIFI).
Please indicate modem antenna connector type if known.

What features and/or hardware one should pay attention in LTE/5G modem besides bands support?

Happy to post a photo of place for modem, but cannot find how to attach it without some 3rd party site.

Thank you!

Why to limit the choice only to the miniPCIe boarded WWAN cards?

On Aliexpress and eBay there are adapters that allow the M.2 WWAN or WLAN cards to be fitted into the miniPCIe equipped mainboard. That way you will be able to use pretty much any of the M.2 cards on the T430s. You may need antennae adapters as well or - alternatively - replace the factory antennae because together with the miniPCIe M.2 card connector change the antennae connectors have changed as well. That way (miniPCIe->M.2 and antennae adapters) I use the EM7455 card on my X230.