A technician has verified that a laptop's internal M.2 Wi-Fi card has failed and has ordered an identical replacement. Before removing the old card, which action will best prevent damage to the integrated antennas during the swap?
Pull both antenna cables sideways until they slide free of the card's terminals.
Use a plastic spudger to lift each u.FL connector straight up from the card before loosening the retaining screw.
Apply heat to the antenna pads to desolder the leads from the Wi-Fi card.
Remove the display hinge assembly so the antennas can be pulled through the chassis before card removal.
Most modern laptops use very small snap-on u.FL (or similar) connectors to attach the antenna leads to the Wi-Fi card. These connectors are designed to be detached by gently prying straight up with a non-metallic tool so the center pin lifts vertically out of the socket. Pulling the cables sideways, dismantling the hinge, or heating solder is unnecessary and risks tearing the fragile coax leads or damaging the connector pads.
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What are u.FL connectors and why are they used in Wi-Fi cards?
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Why should you use a non-metallic tool, such as a spudger, to disconnect the antenna leads?
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What risks are involved with pulling the antenna cables sideways or using improper techniques during removal?