[javajosh]

I have read a bunch of posts on upgrading the daughter board that has both a process and memory on it. I have a Dell Mini 12. I think it has a Z530 with 1Gb RAM.

I know that Intel has up to a Z560 now and there is an Nxxx series too.

1) What is the best that I can currently install?
2) More importantly where can I buy it, I have only found the Z530 with 2Gb RAM on ebay?

thanks,
Josh

[Dell_Abhishek_B]

Hi Javajosh,

The Dell Mini 12 ships with Intel Atom Z520/Z530 Silverthorne processor modules. Dell Product group team has not tested these systems with other processors. However, you can update to an Intel® Atom™ Processor Z540; this has a higher clock speed of 1.86GHz compared to the 1.60GHz on the Z530.
I wont recommend you to upgrade to something with a higher specification than mentioned, as it may create compatibility issues.

Please reply for any further questions.

Thanks and regards
Abhishek B
#iworkfordell

[javajosh]

Thanks that is exactly what I wanted to know. Now where do I get one? I have tried several different searches but to no avail. Any ideas?

---------- Post added at 05:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:01 PM ----------

This site lists all the specs on the various Z-series chips.

Not trying to say we can use another just listing the site.

[Dell_Abhishek_B]

Hi Javajosh,

Thank you for the reply.
You may try to install the Z540 or higher. However, Dell doesn't recommend a processor upgrade as it is very complicated, and a higher processor will generate more heat and may create compatibility issues.

Internal hardware upgrades are suitable for desktop system, where you have ample space to accommodate the new hardware, upgrading internal hardware in a mini system would be a risk.
If you are looking for a compact and powerful system, you can check out the Dell XPS 10 and 12 systems.

Please reply for further questions.

Thanks and regards
Abhishek B
#iworkfordell

[javajosh]

Abhishek thanks for replying to my post so quickly.

Yeah, I figured I wouldn't do more then 1 level up due to heat. So the Z540 is all I need. I just figured that if I am replacing the board to go from 1gb to 2gb of RAM it would be nice to upgrade the processor instead of having to spend the money on the same processor for a new processor/memory daughter board.

I still have the question, where do I buy it? I can't find it online.

thanks,
Josh

[Dell_Abhishek_B]

Hi Josh,

I am sending you a private message. Click on “Inbox” to respond to the message and provide system’s Service Tag and contact details so I may access your system details and country you purchased it.
This way I can check if part availability and inform you the same.

Thanks and regards
Abhishek B
#iworkfordell

[javajosh]

OK, so I called Dell parts and asked about a Z540 daughter board (with the RAM on it) and they do not have it. I have looked all over the Internet too with no luck. Therefore I think I am done and will just use my Mini without upgrade.

However, I will be installing LXDE (linux) which is great in the slower/smaller environment then any Windows ever could be.

thanks for all your help.

[Dell_Abhishek_B]

Hi Josh,

Sorry to hear that the processor was not available. If you think about an upgrade later, it is better to go for a new system than upgrading systemboard components.

You can definitely install the Linux LXDE ,it would be a suitable environment for the Mini system. Most mini system are factory installed with Linux operating system.
Please reply for any further question.

Thanks and regards
Abhishek B
#iworkfordell

[deadhead]

@javajosh
unfortunately looks like that daughter board is somehow proprietary and so not replaceable with more powerful versions since it has everything soldered on it.

to get more sprint you can try to upgrade the hdd with a ssd ide zif.

[balboni20]

I dont think the processor is upgradable.