I am proud to announce that the Internal ZIF connector WORKS!!!
I will be updating this first posts with new findings... so please read this post first!

This tutorial will aid you to a larger capacity EeePC 901 using the built-in ZIF connector, this is in no way an idiot proof guide, but will give you enough idea as to what your options are.

This feature is NOT for everyone, if you dont like it, dont do it, this thread is for people who does and for those interested and have questions.
We dont want to know about your lack of interest and our apparent pointless upgrade.

Basic background knowledge / Information :
Your EeePC 901 has 4 - 6 Storage input (3/4 miniPCIe, 1 ZIF, 1 USB Card Reader) depending on your mainboard's PCB revision, the one shown in this tutorial is Revision 1.2 (I will also cover how to find your revision without tearing your EeePC 901 apart)

This tutorial may or may not work on older or future revision mainboard, if someone have a different revision please let me know so I can update here.

This upgrade uses your built-in ZIF connector, like I said before, they have soldered in the connector lets assume that it does do something, and so it does.

For you to be following this tutorial, I assume you have some knowledge in regards to computers and possibly have built a desktop before.

In most desktop computers, more apparent with older IDE only computers, your system handles HDDs in such a way where you have,
Primary Master / Slave
Secondary Master / Slave
Strangely, if you have ever taken any notice during POST, EeePC901 only have Secondary Master/Slave.
As you can now guess, you can only have "2" HDD Storage Medium. While I dont think this is a deal breaker, altho it maybe for some.

EeePC 901, have 2 seperate SSDs (both removable) have these configuration by default:
Secondary Slave 4GB miniPCIe SSD (This is your default C:\, its removable but require dismantling of bottom casing, this drive is on "Cable Select")
Secondary Master 8 or 16GB miniPCIe SSD (This is your default D:\, its the easily accessible one which you can see by removing the bottom panel)

Now this is where you decide whether you will want this upgrade and how you want it.
Your ZIF connector shares the same channel as Secondary Master and takes priority, if your ZIF connector is in use, your default 8 or 16GB SSD WILL NOT function and WILL cause errors.
Also your ZIF Storage Solution will NOT fit flush, however with some casing modification it will fit, but I dont see a point in doing so as that miniPCIe slot will not function anyway.

Now some may ask, "Can I replace the 4GB SSD with my 8 or 16GB SSD?"
The answer is Yes and No, let me explain,
In theory, yes, they are both on miniPCIe and uses the same Phison controller so why not? BUT...
In reality, your 8/16GB SSD's PCB is twice the size as the 4GB SSD, and the miniPCIe slot is mounted in such as way you wont be able to close the case. (You will see in the photos later)

So your options are as follows,
4GB SSD as C:\ like before for OS and ZIF solution as D:\ for Programs Files and Data (You can use nLite to force all program files to be on D:\ and use mklink for Symlinking Documents and Settings)
ZIF solution as C:\ for OS and Everything and 4GB for Data or Swap disk or whatever you want... or not use it at all

Things you need or may want to use for this procedure, (this is what I used)
*Toshiba or Hitachi 1.8" ZIF based HDD (aka iPod HDD from 5th Gen iPod Video)
*ZIF to USB external casing (a ZIF ribbon can be sourced from this and you WILL find the case useful for data recovery at a later date)
*A set of small screw drivers (Obviously to losen screws)
*A razor blade (Yes, unfortunately so be careful but maybe not all of you will need to do this)

This is where everything goes...


First we will start with the ribbon, I got the USB casing from a local expert parts store, you can find this on eBay, I suggest a case over just buying the ribbon but you can just get the ribbon if you want also from ebay.
Some of you may need to do this slight modification, all the ribbons I have have a big plastic backing behind the contact points to keep the points flat and strong but unfortunately for me it was too thick and too long.
So I had to carefully peel off the backing and shorten the contact points to exactly what I need... because if its too long you risk short circulting.


Now, its time to remove your 8/16GB SSD, I suggest after removing the screws, screw them back into the empty holes to avoid losing the screws in the event where you might want to put your SSD back in again.


After removing your SSD, insert the ribbon into your iPod HDD and the ZIF connector. Inserting into the ZIF connector may be a little trickier than you may think, be careful and take your time. It will be easier if you remove the bottom casing totally, but not everyone wants to do that... but getting it in without doing that will work... I did it... you may have noticed I put a sheet of paper there... short circult prevention... you might want to consider doing that too...

I got my HDD from my iPod, and it has foam padding which is a good idea... meanwhile I am waiting for my 80GB to arrive...




So there you have it... replace the panel... boot up your EeePC 901 and pray you didnt do something wrong... it a fairly simple process but you'd never know... some people are less capable than they would like to believe...

Ask any questions you may have... you can request for additional photos.... and you CAN replace the iPod HDD with any other ZIF solution you can think of... such as a ZIF to Compact Flash adaptor... (but why would anyone do that? but some people might have alots of money for a 32GB 40MB/s CF card)

Last edited by Jackson (2008-06-30 11:30:27 am)