[Bartowski]

Hi All!

Just getting my old reliable Mini 9 back in service, and went to upgrade my HD to a 128GB Samsung, but couldn't even get it to boot to the Dell launch screen. Is there a max HD size that the BIOS will accept, or do I just have a dead SSD? I'm currently running A04 BIOS, may try to upgrade if it's worth it. Would love the input! Thanks!

-Bartowski

[VinTek]

You may have the wrong type of SSD. So far as I've been able to Google, Samsung only makes an 128GB SSD with a SATA interface. The Dell Mini 9 uses IDE/PATA signal, so replacing it with a module with SATA signal won't work, although it will fit in the socket.

[Bartowski]

HA! Thanks a ton - I had no idea, figured with that type of connection, SATA was it! I'll make sure to find one that will work.

[holmes4]

You need to find one that explicitly claims support for the Dell Mini 9, which used custom wiring of the MiniPCIe socket. I think nowadays Kingspec is about all you'll find.

[Bartowski]

Yessir - thank you. I found your thread from awhile back discussing it, after starting this one.
There is a Kingspec 64GB available, I'll be going that route. On a side note, how is Windows 10 working out for you? I'm debating on which OS to install once I get the new SDD.

[holmes4]

Works fine last time I fired it up, but it's been a while.

[Bartowski]

I assume it was the 32 bit install, correct? I'm having trouble finding a disc or ISO of the 32, have plenty of 64s kicking around work. thoughts?

[holmes4]

Yes, 32-bit. You'll need to get a 32-bit installer. I'm an MSDN subscriber so I have access to that.

[VinTek]

I'm not sure I get the point of the whole exercise. It seems like the cost of SSD is more than the Mini 9 is worth these days. No matter what you do to it, you're bottlenecked by the speed of the N270 chip. I just picked up a Dell Latitude 2120 for $50, shipping included, and it has 2GB RAM, a 320GB HD, and an Atom N550 chip. The N550 clocks in at 1.5GHz, but it's dual-core, so it actually benchmarks about 90% faster than the N270. Even so, I can only make it usable by installing a lightweight Linux distro like WattOS on the thing.

My own Dell Mini 9 has only 1GB RAM and a 32GB SSD, but I can't see investing any more into it at this point.

[holmes4]

VinTek, that has been my position for a few years now, but some people are fond of the Mini9 and want to keep it going. I don't use mine anymore, and if it died I would simply say farewell to an old friend and move on.