• Registered: 2008-03-26
  • Posts: 110

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

junttan wrote:

Enzone

I am using an xs20
After i nearly broke the ZIF cable on a toshiba drive, i learned that Toshiba drives needs a cable wich is a bit thinner it should have a blue and a white end instead of two blue ends.
To get zif cables i ordered a usb-case for zif drives (euro 30,-) it should be delivered with two ZIF cables a thin(toshiba) and a thick one (seagate and hitachi anyway).
I am stil waiting for the package to arrive, when it works i will post it here.

Hope this helps.

Ps Thank you all for this great tutorial, learned a lot.

Thank you very much for suggest. Actually, I have some ribbon flat, but I'm unable to link mainboard (zif) and Hard Disk Toshiba. The cloudbook start, but rest on "everex" screen. If I press "F2", to enter in the bios, then no hard disk appair! I have nothing against this product, is a cheap product with a very low quality....but I'm not happy about the Everex Customer service. I will try some repair next weekend...
Thanks for your suggest and if I can help with some information about my ribbon flat :

AWM 20624  80C  60V   Dimension and numer of pin it seem the same of original part : AWM 2896
The Everex Customer Service have not info about cable (...laugh!), and propose a shame price for a single flat (...shame on you Everex).

  • Registered: 2008-02-25
  • Posts: 16

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

Azazel!  Thank you so much for the teardown notes and pix.  I had to replace my cooling fan, which is mounted even lower in the case than the RAM.  (It was grinding like an electric razor and not long for this world!)  So, this was the time to upgrade the RAM, too.   All done, in under 2 hours!

Thanks also to participants in this thread, who mentioned and pictured the ZIF connector that's different than all the rest (pull "up" not "out").  I likely would have broken mine, too, had I not read this thread.  And the overly snug ground screw.  I got mine out with a regular screwdriver, but it was good to know to be extra careful. 

Twelve screws in the bottom of the case!  Must be a record.

Other mods:  Ubuntu 8.04, customized to enable multi-speed processor, and compcache
Problems: Current Ubuntu recompiles don't install alsa correctly, so you have no sound.  You can boot your old kernel and have sound, but then you're stuck with 600 MHz.  Alsa problems seem to be well known just now, so I expect it may be fixed soon.  I'll do without sound for now to have a true 1.2 GHz Cloudbook.

Last edited by landt (2008-07-21 10:44:55 am)

  • IanM
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Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

landt wrote:

Azazel!  Thank you so much for the teardown notes and pix.

As a complete novice in this sort of thing, I can only reiterate landt's comments.

I had your original post on a bigger lappy at the back of my work table; so the illustrations were almost life-size. smile

The increased ram together with the previously installed xp makes my Cloudbook an agreeable little machine.

Thank you.

  • hdstn
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Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

Well I purchased a Kingston KVR667D2S5/1G and only see 448Mb. Very disappointed. Add that to the Do Not Buy list. Will be exchanging this for the OCZ.

Azazel, great write up. Very helpful. One thing I did find was you can do this upgrade without undoing the 2 smaller ribbon cables or HDD. Made for a less stressful experience not having to fight with those. Just carefully moving it all together was much easier.

  • Registered: 2008-05-20
  • Posts: 20

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

I bought a 1gb PNY model#: MN1024SD2-667 and it worked out alright.
The BIOS and windows showed 960mb as expected. That grounding screw
was terrible. I destroyed it (along with the grounding clip to some extent).
Also, I inadvertently messed with the thermal grease a bit, but I think I got
it back how it was. I'm pretty surprised that my cloudbook is still working
and not dead. It was certainly not a job for the faint of heart.

Windows does seem a bit snappier since getting the new memory. Maybe
a new 4200rpm hard drive will finish off my mods.

By the way, my cloudbook is now missing a screw due to the destruction
of one. Anyone know where to obtain another?

  • Registered: 2008-10-02
  • Posts: 1

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

WOWWIE ZOWWIE
Thanks so much for the pics and detailed instructions for the 1gig upgrade. I was readdy to trash my CloudBook after only three days of ownership (even tho it was bd prez from best friend). I just did the 1gig RAM and am definitely going to up the HD (which is a snap to do under keyboard. If I could do this hack job, anyone can!!!!!!
Thanks again!

  • Registered: 2008-08-08
  • Posts: 21

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

just as a note. I used
OCZ Value 1GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) Laptop Memory Model OCZ26671024VSO - Retail

This was reported I believe to work - it didn't work for me.
I also do *NOT* have a screw under the 1 year warranty sticker - So I didn't have to remove it at all.

I have a CE1200V from walmart, but perhaps mine is a bit different. I also have a new motherboard from Everex from a repair, and perhaps the new one blocks nice 1gb Ram upgrades from certain models such as the OCZ26671024VSO.

I put in a New Hard Drive though (60GB Mini HDD Toshiba ZIF 1.8-inch MK6008GAH (OEM)) and it is faster by a HUGE margin. If I can get the ram rocking it would probably be like a regular laptop in this small super light frame. Hopefully I can find one that works with my version.

I hunted down a A-DATA   AD2667001GoS5E0 here in NY in the country that'll I am going to pick up for 7 dollars.

Update for future cloudbookers: the A-DATA works lovely! 1GB ram now and 60GB 4200RPM hard drive. The Hard Drive makes more of a difference than the ram IMHO.

Last edited by netw1z (2009-07-08 2:23:00 pm)

John Threat
www.johnthreat.com
  • From: Maryland USA
  • Registered: 2009-07-13
  • Posts: 39

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

1.  Can someone confirm that 2gb is impossible and that this statement @ http://jkkmobile.blogspot.com/2008/02/h … verex.html by is false:

arty said...
4gb is supported actually by the chipset in the nanobook/cloudbook. im using 2gb of ddr2 533mhz centon memory in my cloudbook right now. its kickass and its twice as efficient as the eee and way faster at least twice as fast, considering the nanobook boots off of a conventional hard drive it boots very fast using the latest in linux kernels 2.6.24.3 , the ultimate hacking machine? 25gb/s encryption/decryption capable, V4 "FSB" 533MB/s bandwidth, all this with 5 hours of life, my god i haven't seen a machine this efficient ever. 2gb modules are 35 dollars a single piece from newegg, when the 4gb's modules are cheap ill go 4gb nanobook!! and ill add a 100gb hard drive or SSD.
8:24 PM

2.  The site hosting those pictures is dead.  Can someone post pictures or point me to a place where I can see what I am supposed to do to do the ram upgrade?

My home phone number is  3909192979796909392 without any of the 9s. Feel free to call me if you'd like to chat.
  • mikez
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Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

1) The **chipset** is capable of driving 4Gbyte of ram (in two sockets).  You have one socket.
The motherboard may or may not bring out enough signals from the cpu to that one socket to use 2Gbyte.  Not sure.
If you run dmidecode, you will see that only 1Gbyte is supported - but those dmi tables have been known to lie.

2) Azazel let his domain expire.  He said he would put the pictures back up several months ago, but I haven't heard since.
The ram is socketed on the underside of the motherboard, in general:
a) remove keyboard
b) remove hdd
c) remove mb
now exchange ram and do (c), (b), (a).
Notes:
There is one screw on the mb that is the "tamper detection" screw - it is very hard to get out.
Be very careful of that hard drive connector - it is very delicate.
Google Images have a few of the pictures but not all of them.
While your in there, install an Antenna to the wifi card - it doesn't have an external (only on-card)
antenna but the connector on the card is a standard connector the card will drive an external if connected.

01/01/10 >> End of an era, no more Jabber at cb-chat.com
  • From: Maryland USA
  • Registered: 2009-07-13
  • Posts: 39

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

Private Donut wrote:

The VIA VX700 supports up to 2 memory modules for a total of up to 2GB of total system memory of 64-bit as well as 32-bit support in order to extend performance, design and cost flexibility to designers."

It would appear that since the Cloudbook MB only has one RAM slot, the max is 1GB, and limited by the chipset, not necessarily the bios.

http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/chips … ies/vx700/

THANK YOU THANK YOU Private Donut.  I wasted time sticking in 2GB sticks and you have explained that I was wasting time and why. 

I think VIA=stupid.  They went to all that trouble getting nice video et al., then royally screwed it all up by maxing the ram to 1gb so you can't do anything.    sad  I can't even get 1gb since it apparently didn't like my stick.  I  think it is because it hates 8 chip 1gb chips but am not sure.  Thanks again Private Donut.

My home phone number is  3909192979796909392 without any of the 9s. Feel free to call me if you'd like to chat.
  • mikez
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Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

Your quoting an old Marketing Blurb - try the technical reference (see right hand drop down box):
http://linux.via.com.tw/support/downloadFiles.action

01/01/10 >> End of an era, no more Jabber at cb-chat.com
  • From: Maryland USA
  • Registered: 2009-07-13
  • Posts: 39

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

mikez wrote:

Your quoting an old Marketing Blurb - try the technical reference (see right hand drop down box):
http://linux.via.com.tw/support/downloadFiles.action

Firstly, it seems that the chipset supports a 2gb agp aperature size:

2G (Max Aperture Size) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

So --- doesn't that mean it supports a 2gb ddr stick as well?


I searched the pdf for "dip" to see what is says about the two mystery dip switches.  There are sections on ram:

Default Value Definitions
Dip: Means the default value is set by dip switch or strapping.
HwInit: Hardware initialized; bit default value is set by hardware.

1.
Offset Address: 59h (D0F2)
CPU Miscellaneous Control Default Value: 00h
Bit Attribute Default Description
7:6 RO dip FSB Frequency Setting
00: 100MHz 01: 133MHz
10: 200MHz 11: Auto mode
Default sets from the TP2 and TP1 signals during system initialization. For strap pin information, check the Strap
Pin table for details.

2.
Offset Address: 6Ch (D0F3)
DRAM Type Default Value: n0h
Bit Attribute Default Description Mnemonic
7 RW 0 DDR2 DRAM Support
0: Disable 1: Enable
6 RO Dip Memory Type Detected
Hardware strapping from pin TP8
0: DDR1 1: DDR2
5 RW 0 Enable 32-bit Memory Width Mode
0: Disable 1: Enable
4 RW 0 Disable DQM Pins
0: Enable DQM outputs
1: Disable DQM Outputs; set to 1 when ECC is enabled.
RNODQM
3 RW 0 SDRAM Burst Length
0: 4 1: 8
2 RW 0 DDR x4 Device Support
x4 DRAM is not supported.
1:0 RO 0 Reserved


Seems like bit 6 allows some choice of ram via sw10, but it doesn't say where the dips are or what they are called:

DDR SDRAM Control (6C–6Fh) Offset Address: 6Ch (D0F3) DRAM Type Default Value: n0h
Bit Attribute Default Description Mnemonic
6 RO Dip Memory Type Detected Hardware strapping from pin TP8 0: DDR1 1: DDR2

My results:   

CL=5-5-5-15 2GB MODULE FAILED TO POST WITH DIPS OFF
PSD22G667SI PC2 50 CL5 RAM 1GB STICK ONLY SHOWED 1/2 GIG AVAIL.


It sounds like since I have DDR2 I should have had 1 of the dip switches under the keyboard on.  I guess ddr2 essentially means a faster fsb?  Any thoughts people? 

In other news, I need to order two things: an antenna that fits laptop adapters (no idea where to get) and a stick of ram that actually works in this for the full 1gb.  Not sure if there is a reliable stick that works in all cloudbooks.

Incidentally, the manual for the cloudbook actually contradicts itself, saying 4gb is possible in 1 place but only 1gb in another.

Last edited by justascientist (2009-07-20 11:38:51 am)

My home phone number is  3909192979796909392 without any of the 9s. Feel free to call me if you'd like to chat.
  • From: Maryland USA
  • Registered: 2009-07-13
  • Posts: 39

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

Another failure to report:

PNY 1GB dd2 sodim A0PIT : failed to post.

8 chips, 4 on each side.

This is the 2nd 1gb failure for me.  I am getting sick of this.

Edit: This is the same model #, MN1024SD2-667, that worked above by gotigersducksvols.  I have the c bios,

http://xs942.xs.to/xs942/09310/100_2504373.gif
http://xs942.xs.to/xs942/09310/100_2506629.gif

should I downgrade?  I'd like to try as soon as someone uploads a B bios in the other bios thread (currently under linux but should be moved to general or hacking).  I have emailed gotigersducksvols to ask which bios he used and am awaiting his reply.

Last edited by justascientist (2009-08-02 9:29:19 am)

My home phone number is  3909192979796909392 without any of the 9s. Feel free to call me if you'd like to chat.
  • mikez
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Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

Maybe you are discovering why the original owner returned it.
(and why someone re-flashed the BIOS - thinking that would fix it).

01/01/10 >> End of an era, no more Jabber at cb-chat.com
  • From: Maryland USA
  • Registered: 2009-07-13
  • Posts: 39

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

mikez wrote:

Maybe you are discovering why the original owner returned it.
(and why someone re-flashed the BIOS - thinking that would fix it).

Possible but highly unlikely IMO.  Until I get an email from gotigersducksvols proving your theory right I will assume I just need to downgrade to "B" bios.

My home phone number is  3909192979796909392 without any of the 9s. Feel free to call me if you'd like to chat.
  • mikez
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Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

justascientist wrote:
mikez wrote:

Maybe you are discovering why the original owner returned it.
(and why someone re-flashed the BIOS - thinking that would fix it).

Possible but highly unlikely IMO.  Until I get an email from gotigersducksvols proving your theory right I will assume I just need to downgrade to "B" bios.

go-tiger reported installing 1Gbyte memory without any problems.
Perhaps it is something to do with the BIOS version - -
If possible, keep copies of both versions as files - will be interesting to see what the differences are.
You might also want to run dmidecode and save a copy from each of the bios versions.
(dmidecode *should* be available on most "livemedia" rescue disks - can't name one for certain).

01/01/10 >> End of an era, no more Jabber at cb-chat.com
  • Registered: 2008-09-27
  • Posts: 168

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

Guys while clearing out my hdd, i found some goodies, "most" of Azazel's cloudbook tear down pics. Below is is original post with pics edited it.

Mod's (ok Mikez smile ) feel free to host these copies, or edit them into Azazels first post and delete this.

At the end of his post Azazel links to a number of pics, i have more of his pics, but not sure if they are the same as his links (they have different names, same wooden table though so i'm sure they are his pics lol )

Without further adue i give you "Azazels RAM guide+ Tear Down 2: The rebirth!"

Azazel wrote:

EDIT: There is a new Chat Room for hardware mods! (Thanks Mikez!). Follow the link to find out how to connect chat about hacking up the cloudbook!

Chat Room Information: http://forum.cloudbooker.com/viewtopic.php?id=288

Ready for round two? I am! Here is the guide to replacing your RAM. You will also find a bunch of other pictures of the internals. Something to note:

1. Wifi is connected through USB. I wonder if I could take apart a desktop wireless adapter and install it. There is easy access to the USB headers. If I want to “disable” one of my USB ports I could easily route 4 wires to the location I pick when installing a Bluetooth USB adapter. I will work on this more later.

2. By removing the MOBO you are separating the CPU from its heat sink. MAKE SURE YOU DON’T TOUCH THE THERMAL GREASE.

3. When removing the “mouse pad” and entire top cover (after removing all the screws on the bottom and the keyboard) take special notice of the flex connecters. The two on the top tight are removed in sepreate ways. The one of the left (for your power and wifi buttons) is removed by pushing the brown tab towards the screen. In other words push it towards the Everex logo. The second flex connecter is removed by gently pulling the black portion “up”. By “up” I mean towards the sky or where the keyboard used to be. Then both connecters can be removed easily. Don’t forget the speaker connection near the center of the lappie.

4. Final note: When removing the MOBO you only have one screw to remove. On the top left remove the ground screw. Then lift the left side of the MOBO about 1-2 inches. A little gentle shaking and pulling towards the sky and to the left will allow the MOBO to be removed. Look at your audio jacks. You can’t pull the MOBO directly out because of those. It needs to slide ever so slightly to the left (when looking at the laptop as if you were using it)

So, now my cloudbook has a 80GB hard drive and 1GB of RAM. It does run quite a bit better with the RAM. I notice less lag when doing just about everything. Still not sure if its worth it for everyone to void their warranty. I already made all the mistakes and mine still runs so I bet EVERYONE COULD install the RAM…I am guessing some people will really like the warranty part and hold off. Feel free to ask me more questions. I plan to add more as I go….Ok no more delay. Here is your guide. To make it easy to read I am going to post additional pictures as links…..

RAM Guide

Remove the keyboard. Remove the singular screw holding the HD in and pull up on the HD cover (it will snap out). Now, separate the brown part of the flex connection from the tan/white part. Once separate the flex connecter will basically fall out (itty bitty force maybe be required). Now you can remove the HD and set it aside.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/TheBranded/01_rkey.jpg

Now turn this baby over and remove every single screw you can find. Don’t forget the two covered by rubber on the hinge of the laptop. Also don’t forget the screw under the “warranty void” sticker. Yes this will void your warranty. Once you have removed all your screws you can then separate the top from the bottom. Turn the laptop over and keep reading.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/TheBranded/02_bottom.jpg

Now, lets start by snapping both hinges apart. Try a little side to side wiggle while pulling up. The hinge is not held together by a screw even if it feels like it, trust me. They do snap apart. After this the top is now free floating. On the right hand side you need to remove the two flex connecters. See the notes (top of this post) if you have questions.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/TheBranded/03_hinge.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/TheBranded/04_mouseflex.jpg

Congrats! You now have the top off and the guts are spilling out! Basically the entire MOBO is now help in place by some pins and one screw (plus the molding). Remove the ground screw found near the left hinge. Once the screw is gone you can easily life the left side of the MOBO. Make sure to remove every connection you find as we will need to pull the entire board out. Follow my notes and let me know if you have troubles but mine came out fairly easily.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/TheBranded/05_notop.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/TheBranded/06_notnocable.jpg

Ok, so now you have the MOBO sitting on the table. This is the best time to investigate for yourself so don’t rush to put it back together. Remove the RAM and switch it out just like you would any other laptop. Don’t touch the GPU or the CPU especially the thermal grease. The thermal grease is positioned in a particular way and I wouldn’t want my Everex to turn into a toaster.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/TheBranded/07_backsidemobo.jpg

There you have it. Let the hacking begin. Just reverse your steps to put everything back together. Hardest part is getting the mouse and power button flex connecters back in. I found a particular method that worked best for me. Take your time and connect the speaker connection first. Then connect the mouse flex connecter and then the power button. If your laptop does not turn on check your flex connecter from your power button. I didn’t have my flex connecter in all the way…Hope this helps. I see a lot of potential especially since there is some space to spare. Plus the USB wifi just gets my mind cranking…..Links to the other pictures.
http://www.coloradogravity.net/everex/1gbin.jpg
http://www.coloradogravity.net/everex/noram.jpg
http://www.coloradogravity.net/everex/wifi.jpg
http://www.coloradogravity.net/everex/usbhead.jpg

Sorry for the "bad" pictures, the girl took the nice camera....I can take more when I go at it again for bluetooth.

  • mikez
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Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

I'll grab copies and put them on my server - that should be good until 2012.

Azazel wrote me that he would be getting his original domain back up last Spring -
but for some reason it never happened and I never heard from him afterward.

He created them for this site, I can't imagine why he might object to our re-posting them.

01/01/10 >> End of an era, no more Jabber at cb-chat.com
  • Registered: 2008-09-27
  • Posts: 168

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

i'm sure they'll be no issues from his side, worst case, i could always open up mine again, only problem is its a bit different.

i'll temporay host (ie photobucket) the other pics i have from him, its part of the mods he did to relocate the wifi to the screen and add a usb hub.

  • Registered: 2008-05-20
  • Posts: 20

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

Sorry for the tardy response. I am no longer the proud owner of a Cloudbook, and I don't recall which
BIOS version I had. It is an interesting idea that the same stick of RAM may not work because of the
BIOS version.

I miss the Cloudbook a little since it was an adventure, but I've had zero problems with my Dell Mini 9
over the last 6 months.

  • From: Boulder, CO
  • Registered: 2008-02-21
  • Posts: 151

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

I am sure people are upset over the pictures being gone....started a new Job, got 4 new laptops and set the Cloudbook to the side. I forgot to renew my domain and some asswhole purchased it! Ughhhhh, so I will replace all the links and have the guides back up.

I ripped almost all the mods out of the machine. The GF wants to use it to take notes.

I will not be around much but I won't be "gone". Sorry to everyone that needed help and especially Mikez.

Join the Chat Rooms!

Azazel's Website

  • From: Boulder, CO
  • Registered: 2008-02-21
  • Posts: 151

Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

Ok, they should all be up now....for any mods or admins. If you see a picture I posted and it's broken just change the following

www.coloradogravity.net

to

www.computercrews.com

Leave the rest of the url the same and it should work.

Join the Chat Rooms!

Azazel's Website

  • mikez
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Re: RAM Guide + Tear Down 2

Azazel wrote:

Ok, they should all be up now....for any mods or admins. If you see a picture I posted and it's broken just change the following

www.coloradogravity.net

to

www.computercrews.com

Leave the rest of the url the same and it should work.

Super!
I forgot about making copies of the pics - will remember this time around.  wink

01/01/10 >> End of an era, no more Jabber at cb-chat.com