Mac Pro 2,1 WiFi/BT Upgrade Require USB Power Header?

[plentyoftimeto69]

Hi guys, I'm back at my Mac Pro 2,1 and I'd like to get continuity and handoff finally working. I see that Broadcom BCM94360CD and BCM94331CD cards should work in a mini PCI-e adapter, but will I have to hook up USB voltage to get BT working or not in this sytem? If so, is there a header that can be utilized? Thanks in advance!

 

[pastrychef]

I believe the 1,1 and 2,1 did not require the use of the USB cable.

Btw, the USB cable is NOT for power. It's for data.

 

[JedNZ]

Yes, I can confirm that also: you do not require the mini PCIe adapter with the data connectors/wires (as pastrychef said: data, not power). I too have a cMP 1,1>2,1 and the BCM94360CD works fine with a mini PCIe adapter - data passes through the PCIe adapter (don't know why this isn't the case with my 4,1).

 

[plentyoftimeto69]

Awesome! Thanks guys! I'm gonna order a card and adapter then. Any other tricks that need to be done to get handoff and continuity working or just pop the card in and go?

 

[pastrychef]

Handoff/Continuity seems to be a bit of a crap shot... Some people manage to get it working right off the bat and other need to use CAT. There doesn't seem to be any consistency.

 

[plentyoftimeto69]

Ordered me a BCM94331CD off of eBay with a mini PCI-e adapter. It's from Hong Kong and I'm in the US, so I'll report back in like 2-3 weeks once I get it.

 

[plentyoftimeto69]

Just wanted to pop back in and give y'all an update: continuity works! My process:

• Removed the stock WiFi and BT modules
• Put the new module in the PCI-e adapter
• Connected the antenna leads. 1 to J0, 2 to J1, etc...
• Installed the PCI-e adapter in the mainboard socket
• Ran the continuity activation tool
• Enabled continuity in General Settings
• Logged out and back in to iCloud
• Profited

It was a pretty simple procedure. App Handoff is working from my iPhone, and I was able to AirDrop a photo over. For the record, I was able to get a BCM94331CD and a PCI-e adapter on eBay for $15 including shipping. What a deal!

Edit: I feel I should mention that in my Mac Pro 2,1 there was a 3rd WiFi antenna lead tucked back above where the PCI-e slot is. The new card has 4 antenna connections, so I was able to use that previously unused antenna lead.