Adding more storage to your Asus Eee PC - bit-tech.net Forums

Bindibadgi · 27th Dec 2007, 00:43

http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/2007..._asus_eee_pc/1

The Asus EeePC is an inexpensive phenomenon - but here at bit-tech we're never happy with just leaving things alone. We increase the capacity of the tiny notebook eight fold to over 32GB, with this elegant and very simple mod anyone can do.

Digg if you love it! (or just if you love us

)

DougEdey · 27th Dec 2007, 00:52

Awesome guide! I'm liking this a lot more now since 4GB wasn't a lot and 32GB is a lot more

Naberius · 27th Dec 2007, 02:39

Great Guide, it is an easy way to increase the storage in this thing, the 4gb was the only thing that was really putting me off.

Sark.inc · 27th Dec 2007, 02:48

Is there anyway to trick it in to thinking it's a real hard drive?

Tyinsar · 27th Dec 2007, 04:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew Miller

Feel free to laugh at my poor soldering

(j/k)

But seriously: This is a great, simple, mod and a great guide

(almost makes me want an Eee) . Thanks

DougEdey · 27th Dec 2007, 04:40

One thing, is there enough space inside to break down a tiny two port USB hub (like one you get from Maplin) so you can still use the USB port?

airchie · 27th Dec 2007, 05:33

I think there is.
Some have had success mounting USB hubs in the screen enclosure, above and below the speakers at either side of the screen.
There's also a little space either sidde of the trackpad under the heatspreader IIRC that will fit a very thin PCB no problem.

Some of the mods also use the USB lead going to the integrated USB webcam and solder on a usb hub to that wire, which makes things quite easy.

I can't wait to mod my eee...

crazybob · 27th Dec 2007, 05:51

Excellent idea, but it leaves me with two questions.

First, I've heard that on the lesser models without a webcam, there's an internal USB header which would otherwise have been used for the camera. Is this active and just not connected to anything, or are the traces to it cut? Because if it's still wired up, that would make a very easy place to solder to without killing an external USB port.

Second, you said the operating system takes 2.6 GB. How does this work on the 2GB model? Is it missing software as compared to the others?

Fozzy · 27th Dec 2007, 08:29

It looks like there would be enough space for two of those 32gb drives where you mounted the drive in the guide and possibly another two if you ditched the plug and did some more soldering. then you could mount the USB hub somewhere and have 128gb's of space haha. Would be awesome if you could do it in a 4x4 striped array as well. Quadruple the speed and those flash drives a pretty damn dependable so you really wouldn't have to worry about failure. If I had one of those things I'd just fiberglass a terrabyte HDD into the top of the screen or just fiberglass some USB ports and a hub to plug those drives directly into the top so they were flush but removable. The CF wrap the whole dam thing.....I think I have a new project.

instant rice · 27th Dec 2007, 14:13

Your USB cable colors are accurate regardless of cable manufacturer. The front panel leads for integrated USB ports in any non-OEM case uses the same colors. Those colors are a defined standard, just like with CAT5.

Techno-jargon aside, this mod has me considering an Eee, which I was previously turned off from because of the lack of storage.

Cupboard · 27th Dec 2007, 18:41

I like the look of that

Quote:

Originally Posted by instant rice

Techno-jargon aside, this mod has me considering an Eee, which I was previously turned off from because of the lack of storage.

I would love one, but the screen res is too small

if they release anything with a 1024*768 screen or above, I would buy it like a shot.

Icy EyeG · 27th Dec 2007, 22:58

Great article!

This mod is simpler than the ones featured at eeeuser.com but, with this mod you loose one USB port, whereas with the eeeuser.com mods you add two USB ports from the mini-PCIe connectors. However, it requires some crazy soldering skills....

fathazza · 27th Dec 2007, 23:29

looks like a nice mod but wouldnt it have been easier to pop an sd card in

specofdust · 28th Dec 2007, 00:05

This is a very cool mod, but personally it's not something I'd do.

For starters, 32GB Class 6 SDHC cards are supposed to be with us in January of 08, and assuming they cost the same as the USB stick, why endanger your machine like that if you dont have to? Obviously, you could go for 64GB of extra memory in total, but then you've spent ~£400 on upgrading the memory of a £200 machine, and you're getting relatively close to higher end sub-notebook machines anyway which often have larger HDDs or SSDs in them anyway.

Will I try something like this in a year or two when my warrenty is done and I dont mind too much about the thing maybe dying though, and 32GB USB sticks cost under £80? You bet!

jfab199+ · 30th Dec 2007, 07:02

While not as easy check out this one

http://beta.ivancover.com/wiki/index...ernal_Upgrades

Spode · 30th Dec 2007, 16:30

Quote:

Is there anyway to trick it in to thinking it's a real hard drive?

As far as the bios is concerned, it is. I'm not sure how much further "tricking" is wanted or necessary?

Quote:

First, I've heard that on the lesser models without a webcam, there's an internal USB header which would otherwise have been used for the camera. Is this active and just not connected to anything, or are the traces to it cut? Because if it's still wired up, that would make a very easy place to solder to without killing an external USB port.

Second, you said the operating system takes 2.6 GB. How does this work on the 2GB model? Is it missing software as compared to the others?

I think you're right on the camera header. But as my model has a webcam, I can't confirm. Best to check out www.eeeuser.com and take a look on the forums.

I chose this route, because then anyone can do it. Personally I think 2 USB ports is plenty. You're not really [i]losing[i] a port - you're just having something permantly plugged in!

I'm not sure how it works on the 2GB model. I would imagine the OS would have to be different.

Quote:

I would love one, but the screen res is too small

That was my biggest gripe with the unit. But honestly, after using it almost non-stop since I got it - you get used to the size. Going from dual 1680x1050 desktop to anything is a bit of a shock. The Asus Launcher is designed nicely, and you don't feel the size. Thunderbird is the only thing that feels cramped. Running FireFox full screen, or zooming out using Opera makes most websites feel fine.

Quote:

For starters, 32GB Class 6 SDHC cards are supposed to be with us in January of 08

A fair point. But as this is a modding site, that would seem a tad boring :P

Quote:

http://beta.ivancover.com/wiki/index...ernal_Upgrades

Yeah, there are some really neatly done mods out there. But not everyone is that great at soldering and wants to risk screwing up their new device. This mod is a LOT simpler with a much smaller chance of screwing up!

On a final note, I thought to myself yesterday that instead of blocking off the USB port - a male to male USB lead, means that if used when the machine is off, would essentially turn it into an external hard drive. Useful if you need to access something and the battery is dead and a few other scenarios I can think of. I haven't tested this however, as you would be putting voltage in, where it is used to giving it out. I don't want to end up frying the USB chips onboard! Anyone got any ideas on this?

specofdust · 30th Dec 2007, 18:29

Quote:

A fair point. But as this is a modding site, that would seem a tad boring :P

Very true, and I applaud what you've done (since there's nothing stopping your method being utilised with an SDHC, and more = betta)

Almightyrastus · 2nd Jan 2008, 23:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfab199+

While not as easy check out this one

http://beta.ivancover.com/wiki/index...ernal_Upgrades

Oh now that's just wrong, That article has just pushed on of these to the top of my want list

mattthegamer463 · 10th Feb 2008, 22:35

Just wondering, why can't we plug anything into the USB port after soldering the drive to it? I want do to this same mod except connect a USB hub instead of just one drive. If a USB hub can run several usb drives on just one port, then shouldn't that external port still work fine? Or does the hub have some sort of power management that lets it run a bunch of stuff at the same time without causing any problems.

Ownzyouall · 4th Mar 2008, 15:30

Brilliant!!! I didn't even know that was possible. The only down side is you loose one usb port, but who cares a usb hub would do. Guess this solves the problem for xp users. Great guide.

27th Dec 2007, 00:43	#1
Bindibadgi Richard Swinburne bit-tech Staff Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Omnipwntent Posts: 28,294	Adding more storage to your Asus Eee PC http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/2007..._asus_eee_pc/1 The Asus EeePC is an inexpensive phenomenon - but here at bit-tech we're never happy with just leaving things alone. We increase the capacity of the tiny notebook eight fold to over 32GB, with this elegant and very simple mod anyone can do. Digg if you love it! (or just if you love us ) __________________ Made you look, made you stare, made you clicked this in your underwear! Den of Geek! Last edited by Bindibadgi; 27th Dec 2007 at 00:53.

27th Dec 2007, 00:52	#2
DougEdey I pwn all your storage Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southampton Posts: 13,933	Awesome guide! I'm liking this a lot more now since 4GB wasn't a lot and 32GB is a lot more __________________ Burnout: Paradise Stats!XBL: DougEdey Bindi PSN ID: DougEdey Twitter

27th Dec 2007, 04:40	#6
DougEdey I pwn all your storage Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southampton Posts: 13,933	One thing, is there enough space inside to break down a tiny two port USB hub (like one you get from Maplin) so you can still use the USB port? __________________ Burnout: Paradise Stats!XBL: DougEdey Bindi PSN ID: DougEdey Twitter

27th Dec 2007, 08:29	#9
Fozzy Ultramodder Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 1,386	It looks like there would be enough space for two of those 32gb drives where you mounted the drive in the guide and possibly another two if you ditched the plug and did some more soldering. then you could mount the USB hub somewhere and have 128gb's of space haha. Would be awesome if you could do it in a 4x4 striped array as well. Quadruple the speed and those flash drives a pretty damn dependable so you really wouldn't have to worry about failure. If I had one of those things I'd just fiberglass a terrabyte HDD into the top of the screen or just fiberglass some USB ports and a hub to plug those drives directly into the top so they were flush but removable. The CF wrap the whole dam thing.....I think I have a new project. __________________ Sponsors: http://www.koolance.com/images/homeimage01.jpg http://www.dangerden.com/templates/r...eader-wide.jpg http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...age00001-2.jpg

27th Dec 2007, 14:13	#10
instant rice Supermodder Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: cleveland, ohio, USA Posts: 267	Your USB cable colors are accurate regardless of cable manufacturer. The front panel leads for integrated USB ports in any non-OEM case uses the same colors. Those colors are a defined standard, just like with CAT5. Techno-jargon aside, this mod has me considering an Eee, which I was previously turned off from because of the lack of storage. __________________ if it ain't broke, you're just not trying

27th Dec 2007, 02:39	#3
Naberius Multimodder Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Posts: 193	Great Guide, it is an easy way to increase the storage in this thing, the 4gb was the only thing that was really putting me off.

27th Dec 2007, 02:48	#4
Sark.inc Multimodder Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 148	Is there anyway to trick it in to thinking it's a real hard drive?

27th Dec 2007, 05:51	#8
crazybob Voice of Reason Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,120	Excellent idea, but it leaves me with two questions. First, I've heard that on the lesser models without a webcam, there's an internal USB header which would otherwise have been used for the camera. Is this active and just not connected to anything, or are the traces to it cut? Because if it's still wired up, that would make a very easy place to solder to without killing an external USB port. Second, you said the operating system takes 2.6 GB. How does this work on the 2GB model? Is it missing software as compared to the others?

27th Dec 2007, 22:58	#12
Icy EyeG Controlled by Eyebrow Powers™ Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Around Portugal Posts: 230	Great article! This mod is simpler than the ones featured at eeeuser.com but, with this mod you loose one USB port, whereas with the eeeuser.com mods you add two USB ports from the mini-PCIe connectors. However, it requires some crazy soldering skills.... __________________ My Website \| How to convert your LaCie D2 FireWire CD/DVD Drive on a HDD Drive \| Eyebrow Powers™?? Do you have GeForce 8-Series or later desktop GPU(s)?? What are you waiting for??? Fold NOW for a great cause!!! nVIDIA's Download

27th Dec 2007, 23:29	#13
fathazza Freed on Probation Join Date: May 2002 Location: Gloucestershire Posts: 3,110	looks like a nice mod but wouldnt it have been easier to pop an sd card in __________________ I may be fat but at least I am not Ginger "The President is no longer a cross-eyed Texan warmonger, unelected, inarticulate, who epitomises the arrogance of American foreign policy" - Boris Johnson

28th Dec 2007, 00:05	#14
specofdust Banned Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Aberdeen, UK, EU Posts: 7,622	This is a very cool mod, but personally it's not something I'd do. For starters, 32GB Class 6 SDHC cards are supposed to be with us in January of 08, and assuming they cost the same as the USB stick, why endanger your machine like that if you dont have to? Obviously, you could go for 64GB of extra memory in total, but then you've spent ~£400 on upgrading the memory of a £200 machine, and you're getting relatively close to higher end sub-notebook machines anyway which often have larger HDDs or SSDs in them anyway. Will I try something like this in a year or two when my warrenty is done and I dont mind too much about the thing maybe dying though, and 32GB USB sticks cost under £80? You bet! __________________ Like marmite, only no-one hates it Mmm bop!

30th Dec 2007, 07:02	#15
jfab199+ Minimodder Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 41	While not as easy check out this one http://beta.ivancover.com/wiki/index...ernal_Upgrades

10th Feb 2008, 22:35	#19
mattthegamer463 Mod Master Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 2,805	Just wondering, why can't we plug anything into the USB port after soldering the drive to it? I want do to this same mod except connect a USB hub instead of just one drive. If a USB hub can run several usb drives on just one port, then shouldn't that external port still work fine? Or does the hub have some sort of power management that lets it run a bunch of stuff at the same time without causing any problems. __________________ Latest Work: Boombox Build Project PCB- Complete Digital Picture Frame 2.0- Complete RumbleMouse - Complete Latest Project: TestPC- Complete Lian-Li PC7: C2D E6600, XFX 8800GTS 640MB, Corsair 2GB PC6400, 320GB Seagate Barracuda, EVGA 680i SLi, OCZ 850W

4th Mar 2008, 15:30	#20
Ownzyouall What's a Dremel? Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 17	Brilliant!!! I didn't even know that was possible. The only down side is you loose one usb port, but who cares a usb hub would do. Guess this solves the problem for xp users. Great guide.