Airport PCIe card

What is max macOS version you plan to run? The firmware in a 2009 (4.1) can be updated to that of 5.1 and then if you use a metal capable GPU you can update the macOS version to Mojave,. Without metal capable GPU you can go to High Sierra.

However, wifi and maybe the bluetooth card that originally came with the 2009 will not work with Mojave and maybe High Sierra.

I had a 4.1>5.1 and install metal capable GPU and remember the wifi did not work but do not remember if the BT worked. Thus if you plan to go beyond 10.11make sure the new wifi/BT card is compatible with that macOS version. The power supply in the 4.1>5.1 died and I no longer use that Mac.

Hi, mliravenice, the airport card you need is this one: ( see link) https://www.amazon.ca/Network-Card-BCM94322MC-Dual-Frequency-MB988Z/dp/B07XRQKWS6/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3CGTS2E1FHL2O&keywords=2009+mac+pro+5%2C1+airport+card&qid=1653576134&refinements=p_72%3A11192169011&rnid=11192166011&s=electronics&sprefix=2009+mac+pro+5%2C1+airport+card%2Celectronics%2C188&sr=1-5… however installing it is somewhat tricky and kinda frustrating, requiring patience and a light touch…. You can get pci-e cards which would be easier to install plus they have more modern Wifi ( and probably bluetooth) built in…. And the antennas which would stick out the back of your mac would ensure better wifi reception… OSXWIFI also makes a great card for that… the only downside is the price, about $300..

that’s all i have to say for today

john b

The Wi-Fi cards that shipped in that unit are older 802.11n, with only two antennas, and sit inside the aluminum box. It has limited maximum top speed under perfect conditions of 270 Mbits/sec.

A higher-performance communications method for that Mac is Ethernet. It has TWO Ethernet ports built in, and they are Gigabit capable.