[sarnian]

Hello all,

I have for over 2 years now a mini-9 with 8 GB PATA drive with XP as OS.
Works fine, no problems at all, and perfect for the job it did for me as a communication tool on my frequent overseas trips.

Alas, with XP regularly still adding all kinds of (upgrade and back-up) files, the 8 GB drive will run out of space some time, so I like to increase the C drive size.

The C drive is only used for XP, Program Files, DELL, and Docs and Settings.
All other data is located on a 8 GB HCSD memory.

Can one install a bigger (16 GB) PATA drive in the mini-9? If so, where to buy? Please provide type details so I purchase the correct item.

I realise that I will have to re-install XP and all other software, and foresee no problems with that, although I'm a computer user, not a specialist !

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Is it possible to install a bigger HCSD memory on the Mini-9 USB ports ?
I have not tried this yet, but I think one can install 16 GB on a USB-2 port.
And for 32 GB or 64 GB HCSD memory I think one need USB 3. Correct ?

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What can you tell me on bigger memory ? At present I have the standard ( 500 MB ?) board. What can be fitted in this mini 9 ? Anything to consider ?

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Thanks all for your answers.

[brett89]

Hi, I'm not exactly sure on SSD brands, but you can definitely install one larger than 8GB, there are some other threads around that have asked this question too. A search would find your question some answers I'm sure. Otherwise some others will definitely answer that question well.
For RAM 2048MB or a 2GB stick is the maximum it can use. The SD card doesn't need USB 2.0 or a 3.0 port, unless you're getting a USB adapter. The SD card reader is SDHC, so it can only handle a maximum of 32GB.

[holmes4]

The SDHC slot maxes out at 32GB and is not bootable. You could connect a USB flash drive of any capacity you like to a USB port and boot from that.

Internal SSDs for the Mini 9 are available up to 64GB. The best brands are RunCore and SuperTalent, but people have had problems with all brands., I would avoid Kingspec and SabreTooth. Forum sponsor MyDigitalDiscount.com sells Mini 9 SSDs. Be sure that whatever you buy says specifically that it is for the Dell Mini 9 - if it doesn't, it won't work.

[sarnian]

Thanks Brett and Steve for your answers. My main concern is the replacement of the 8 GB PATA drive with a 16 GB model, to get more space at the C drive.
I have a USB CD-DVD drive so I can install the software from the supplied disks. Any advice on that process?

First I'll replace the SDHC card with a 16 or 32 GB card, and copy all data from the old to the new card via a card reader and USB. This card is for data storage only.

Next is the SSD replacement with a 2 GB card from MyDigitalDiscount.com.
I'll have a look here on the forum on the practical part of this.

The third and last activity is the PATA drive replacement with a 16 GB model followed by re-installation of all software. Who sells such drives?

With that I also clean Windows XP from that mountain of unnecessary data that has been stored by the OS since I bought the Mini 9.

Thanks.

[rrfranczak3]

you are confused.....the SSD is the 8gb..thats the drive inside your Mini 9, I believe its a SATA interface....the only Mini with a PATA that I know of is the 1010 with a SATA/PATA bridge in it which some say slows it down, I personally have not seen this on mine.....the ONLY drives you have on your Mini is the SSD 8gb and the SDHC drive for the flashcards and I think you said you have an external DVD/CD drive too

[holmes4]

The Mini 9 uses SSDs with a PATA interface.

You can't get a 2GB SSD internal for the Mini 9. Capacities are 8, 16, 32 and 64GB.

[sarnian]

Thanks rrfranczak3 and Steve for your replies.
Indeed that post contained mistakes, causing confusion. Sorry.

Remain my querries (updated) :

My main concern is the replacement of the 8 GB PATA drive with a 16 GB model, to get more space at the C drive. I have checked the MyDigitalDiscount.com website for prices and availability. And I have a USB CD-DVD drive so I can install the software from the supplied disks. Any advice on that process?
Remember I'm only a (long time) computer user

Is there a manual somewhere on the Internet to guide me? The mini was supplied with a micro small user manual only. I would like to have a full user manual.

The upgrade of the SDHC card to a 16 or 32 GB card is easy. All user and storage data is stored on that card, so please advice on what brand and type is best and safest, as there is a lot of reading and writing to it.

Last the replacement of the standard 500 MB supplied memory (RAM?) with a 2 GB card. Any special advice on that (brand, type, supplier)? I'll have a look here on the forum for the practical part on this.

Thanks for the time you spend here on replies !

[holmes4]

If you are reinstalling software from CD/DVD, there's nothing special you need to do. Dell has an excellent Service Manual at Mini 9 Documentation with instructions on how to replace the SSD - you can find other Dell manuals for the Mini 9 there.

I will comment that some people have had difficulty installing Windows XP from generic MS install discs, rather than the discs provided with the Mini. I have personally installed Windows 7 on a Mini 9 several times without problems. Linux should be fine. When you first power on the system, press 0 when the Dell logo appears to bring up the boot menu. You can then choose USB. (Do not choose "removable disk"). You will have best success if your CD/DVD reader is separately powered from an AC adaptor. Otherwise, use the USB jack closest to the power jack.

As for RAM, you need DDR2 204-pin SODIMM RAM, rated 533MHz or higher. This is standard notebook memory and you can buy it from a variety of sources, such as Amazon and Newegg. I personally have had success with Kingston ValueRAM, but any name brand should be fine. A higher speed (MHz) won't give you increased performance, but you may find that 667 or 800MHz RAM is easier/cheaper to find. Dell tended to install 800MHz RAM in these models.

For SDHC, I would recommend a Class 6 card from a name brand such as SanDisk, Verbatim, etc.

[sarnian]

Thanks Holmes, that last message had precisely the details I was looking for.

[peterreed1961]

The best one i found was runcore just shut down remove battery unplug i always cold start to make sure its dead open back swape drives reinstall OS and there you go see youtube