Replacement Airport Extreme card for MacBook4,1

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Level 1

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Replacement Airport Extreme card for MacBook4,1

I think I have to replace the Airport Extreme card in my daughter's MacBook (White). I am concerned not to buy the wrong type - since I understand there are two variants in the 2008 MacBook4,1 models -- specifically, one type with three antenna connectors and another with two. The MacBook specification is as follows:

White MacBook4,1 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (Penryn?) -- Model number: A1181 (I think - case is rather worn:-) ). System Profiler lists the card as Airport Extreme (0 x 14E4, 0 x 88) and the Firmware Version as Broadcom BCM43xx 1.0 (5.10.131.36.1).

The Airport Framework Version is 6.2.3 and the Software Extension is "AppleAirport Brcm 43224 (Version 4.2.6)".

I would be grateful if anyone more knowledgable than me can advise on which type of replacement card would be compatible.

Many Thanks
SteveS19

iMac 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Mac OS X (10.6.6), MacBook 4,1 2.4GHz ; MacBook Pro 15", 2 GHz

Posted on Mar 14, 2011 7:59 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Mar 14, 2011 10:43 AM in response to SteveS19

If your computer's card originally supported 802.11n then the direct replacement is a Broadcom 43224abgn. If it only supporte 802.11a/b/g then the model is Broadcom 43224abg or 43224ag. I believe the 43224abgn used three antenna connectors. The models that do not support 802.11n have only two connectors.

The cards are mini-PCIe, and there are other makes that should work because Apple does not use Broadcom exclusively. They also use cards by Atheros though I don't know the model that is equivalent.

If you are purchasing from an Apple parts reseller, then they should be able to tell you what to purchase. For example, ifixit.com. Alternatively, you can look for replacements on eBay.

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Answer 2

mochiman

Level 1

4 points

Apr 14, 2011 9:35 AM in response to SteveS19

Steve,
I have the exact same Macbook as your daughter and I am looking a new airport card as well. My airport turns off by itself and won't turn on unless I restart the computer. I believe I have tried all of the software fixes to no avail. Are you experiencing the same problem? Have you had any luck with the airport card?

I don't have a definitive answer for you but we may be in the same boat. I found these two different cards with respectively 3 and 2 connectors. I believe we would use the 3 connector card. The first link below says it is compatible and gives the Apple Airport Card Part #661-5048. The second link has a good self installation guide.

Please please let me know if you figured it out and if we have the same problem! I have been slaving over this one.

http://www.macfixit.com.au/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=1290

http://www.ifixit.com/MacBook-Parts/MacBook-802-11n-Airport-Extreme-Card/IF185-0 38?utmsource=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=guide_intro&utm_content=required_items&utm_term=m acbook_coreduo

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