[gicsun]

I have completely solved my Mini 12 lockup problem. I replaced the CPU/GPU/memory card.

As I said in an earlier post, I had been following a very long thread on a website for Acer netbook users. Lots of people had similar problems with a netbook based on the same CPU/GPU. Guys on there tried every possible software tweak to solve the problem. Nothing worked consistently. The only thing that seems to have worked reliably was sending the units back to Acer for a new motherboard.

So I took a chance and purchased (for $60) on eBay a new CPU/GPU/memory card for my Mini 12. I made no software changes whatsoever. After installing the new board, I immediately enabled Speedstep and I have had no problems since. The system has been running for about 10 days now without lockup or reboot.

I think that perhaps tiny differences in clock chips or some such hardware issue was the root of the problem. Perhaps just a poor design, perhaps a bad solder joint. I don't know. All I do know is that it was definitely a hardware issue.

Bill

[dragonmule]

Originally Posted by gicsun

I have completely solved my Mini 12 lockup problem. I replaced the CPU/GPU/memory card.

As I said in an earlier post, I had been following a very long thread on a website for Acer netbook users. Lots of people had similar problems with a netbook based on the same CPU/GPU. Guys on there tried every possible software tweak to solve the problem. Nothing worked consistently. The only thing that seems to have worked reliably was sending the units back to Acer for a new motherboard.

So I took a chance and purchased (for $60) on eBay a new CPU/GPU/memory card for my Mini 12. I made no software changes whatsoever. After installing the new board, I immediately enabled Speedstep and I have had no problems since. The system has been running for about 10 days now without lockup or reboot.

I think that perhaps tiny differences in clock chips or some such hardware issue was the root of the problem. Perhaps just a poor design, perhaps a bad solder joint. I don't know. All I do know is that it was definitely a hardware issue.

Bill

Glad that is fixed.

How hard was it to replace the daughterboard? I've torn mine open a few times and it didn't seem too difficult. I am wondering if it would be feasible to replace the entire board. It seems like the cost of the Mini 12 is mostly for the screen as the daughterboard, motherboard, and battery sell for less than $150 combined.

Your error was puzzling as I had the same lockup problems which just went away with new versions of software. Perhaps also installing the SSD drive somehow fixed my problems as it could have been a faulty disk drive.

[gicsun]

It was very easy to replace the daughterboard. The entire operation was done in less than 20 minutes. The most time consuming part was removing the 16 screws from the bottom of the unit. I considered not putting them all back in as 16 seemed excessive.

I only had to disconnect the keyboard, the mouse, and one other cable. I can't remember right now what it was but it connected close to where the mouse does.

To replace the bigger board too, you would have to disconnect all the cables and I can't really say how easy that is. My guess is that it is quite easy, just be careful you know where they all go.

I'm considering an SSD for my system too. I would do it in a minute if it was not limited to 1 GB of RAM. That limit makes it a bit of a weak system, possibly not worth the expense of the SSD. Maybe prices will fall soon and it will be a no brainer.

[lauriem04]

Originally Posted by gicsun

I'm considering an SSD for my system too. I would do it in a minute if it was not limited to 1 GB of RAM. That limit makes it a bit of a weak system, possibly not worth the expense of the SSD. Maybe prices will fall soon and it will be a no brainer.

If my understanding is correct, the Mini 12 can only accept a PATA drive, which adds even more $$$ to the upgrade expense since the vast majority of SSDs manufactured are SATA. I think it's also a 1.8" drive instead of a standard 2.5" - again, more money to upgrade. That, plus the prospect of having to spend an additional $100+ for the Windows 7 upgrade (my system came with Vista Home Basic), is what finally made me decide to sell mine. I really liked the form factor, but it didn't make up for its hardware shortcomings, IMO. I'm going to use the sale proceeds towards an Inspiron 11z from the Outlet instead.

I don't know all that much about SSDs, but maybe there is a PATA-to-SATA adaptor that could be used? Even if there were, however, you'd still face the problem of finding a 1.8" drive that could work. The only one I ever found was the Runcore from My Digital Discount.

[dragonmule]

Originally Posted by lauriem04

If my understanding is correct, the Mini 12 can only accept a PATA drive, which adds even more $$$ to the upgrade expense since the vast majority of SSDs manufactured are SATA.

I upgraded to Mtron SLC SSD 1.8" PATA ZIF from Rocketdisk. This was cheaper than the SATA versions.

Oh and about the 16 screws mentioned above. You only have to loosen them to pull the case apart, not take them completely out.