Source: forum.eeeuser.com

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...

Continue reading...