Asus VivoBook E203NA - FD029TS SSD Upgrade failure
Recently I bought the 11.6" Asus VivoBook E203NA - FD029TS .
the aspects are not the best ,but the physical shape is very attractive for the price .
This machine powered by Intel Celeron N3350, and have 4 Gb of Ram, 32 Gb storage, and claims up to 10 h of battery .
Unfortunately the machine is not upgradable . the Ram and the SSD are soldered directly to the motherboard ,
even though there are apparently another serie of the same machine which have the option to upgrade the SSD, as described in this video, but the one I got [at the left] doesn't have this option, there are no opening on the back cover and when removing the cover there are no obvious place to add any additional storage.
So I put my anti-Static wrist strap and soldered the Data and power between the SSD and the port.
and tried to boot the machine.
unfortunately that didn't work, the Bios can't see the drive,
(the SSD still work perfectly on other machines)
I checked the power port, only the 5 volts channel was powered ,there was no 3.3V nor 12V
after doing closer examination I found that there are some passive components that also missing:
That make the problem much more complicated to solve , here where I gave up.
I'm pretty happy with the machine, but I don' think Windows is the best operating system for it .
Out of the box the machine have around 14 GB of free storage , and as soon as the windows installed the updates, I left with around 3GB only. that make it kind of impossible to live with. Luckily it can handle a permanent SD card up to 32 GB (specification) and it worked just fine with 64 GB .
for now I will live with that but probably I will switch to a light Linux to save some space.
hope this information useful for someone planning to buy this machine. :)
the aspects are not the best ,but the physical shape is very attractive for the price .
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| imge surce : ldlc.com |
This machine powered by Intel Celeron N3350, and have 4 Gb of Ram, 32 Gb storage, and claims up to 10 h of battery .
Unfortunately the machine is not upgradable . the Ram and the SSD are soldered directly to the motherboard ,
even though there are apparently another serie of the same machine which have the option to upgrade the SSD, as described in this video, but the one I got [at the left] doesn't have this option, there are no opening on the back cover and when removing the cover there are no obvious place to add any additional storage.
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But while I'm checking the Bios options I found this
"Serial ATA Port 0 : Empty [not installed] " , so I opend the machine again searching for any connector , and indeed I found an unpopulated sata/power port :
the position make sense! when registering the images of the back-cover form the video and my motherboard, the port seems to be in a perfect place:
Asus just removed the SATA port and added some extra battery :(
as a last try , I have an old 120 GB SSD , I removed the cover and tried to fit the PCB inside the machine, luckily there was enough room to fit the SSD and close the cover.
and tried to boot the machine.
unfortunately that didn't work, the Bios can't see the drive,
(the SSD still work perfectly on other machines)
I checked the power port, only the 5 volts channel was powered ,there was no 3.3V nor 12V
after doing closer examination I found that there are some passive components that also missing:
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| [Back side of the PCB - Zoomed region - Front side of the PCB] |
That make the problem much more complicated to solve , here where I gave up.
I'm pretty happy with the machine, but I don' think Windows is the best operating system for it .
Out of the box the machine have around 14 GB of free storage , and as soon as the windows installed the updates, I left with around 3GB only. that make it kind of impossible to live with. Luckily it can handle a permanent SD card up to 32 GB (specification) and it worked just fine with 64 GB .
for now I will live with that but probably I will switch to a light Linux to save some space.
hope this information useful for someone planning to buy this machine. :)
Hello Hasan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this info about upgrading the E203NA model;
I spent so many hours on how to upgrade, you made clear it is NOT possible!
(At least not in a normal, common, procedure.)
After thoroughly researching the ASUS VivoBook E12 E203NA - FD026T I decided to buy it about a week ago.
The pros convinced me and the cons, mainly its onboard 32Gb eMMC , seemed not too bad.
Other con was 2Gb sd ram BUT Asus specifications mentioned:
2 GB DDR3L 1600MHz SDRAM Onboard Memory, up to 4 GB SDRAM!
As well on my country - Dutch Asus site:
https://www.asus.com/nl/Laptops/ASUS-VivoBook-E12-E203NA/specifications/
as also on all other counties official Asus sites* like US one:
https://www.asus.com/us/Laptops/ASUS-VivoBook-E12-E203NA/specifications/
This "up to 4Gb" was a pro (almost a Win 10 64b "run smooth-requirement") and it seemed clear I could use a dimm slot in the Asus E203NA to add 2Gb sdram.
Now the "cons" changed to: I feel conned and very disappointed by Asus.
How can Asus get away providing false or at least misleading product specifications?!
*all Asus brochures and advertisements, from august until now mention the "up to 4Gb SDRAM!" for the Asus Vivobook E203NA
Hello Riesje,
DeleteYou are welcome, thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
I totally understand your disappointment from ASUS, unfortunately the information about upgradability is not very clear on their websites, nor on the distributors websites , apparently they try to keep it fuzzy as a marketing trick! .Even online you can’t find much information. In fact I fallen in the same exact marketing trap for the SSD as yourself for the RAM.
As you mentioned, with 4GB of ram Windows run very smooth without any problem (based on heavy use for about a month). However this not guaranteed with only 2GB unfortunately, and that really disturbing, I’m pretty sure you or anyone really would happily pay the little bit extra to get the advertised product rather than this.
I’m not sure how decent the windows run with 2GB, if you see it’s not liveable with, consider checking if your distributor have what so called a ‘cooling off period’ to return the item (many sellers here in France offers 14 days. not sure about Germany).
Hope you the best & thank you again for your comment.
Hasan
Hello Hasan,
ReplyDeleteFor now a short message (am in much pain due to my rare nerve disease) with thanks for your reply.
Friends often compliment me on my searching skills, but in this E203NA case; nothing.
You are the only one providing accurate and detailed information!
Indeed Asus doesn't seem to give any upgradability information at all.
It makes kind of sense because this Asus E203NA is NOT upgradable...
Manufacturers often use marketing tricks but in E203NA ’s specifications Asus clearly mentions: Memory: 2 GB Onboard Memory, up to 4 GB SDRAM.
Here in The Netherlands it's against the law to use false product information and advertisement.
Deceptive marketing tricks, deliberately misleading the consumer, are criminal and punishable.
The cause of Asus Vivobook E12 E203NA misleading info doesn't look like a typo or other innocent mistake.
Nowhere a * or any other exclamation mark leading to an additional note (often in small letters at bottom page) containing specific details, terms and/or limitations.
If the Asus ram indeed upgradable was I would be very pleased with it.
(Almost ordered a 128Gb micro usb 3.0 stick to solve the storage capacity)
The Asus E230NA caught my attention after an acquaintance mentioned her new Asus was for sale. It was included with a course she had to stop after the first day(due to personal reasons).
That was sad but at the same time offered me a chance to purchase it, because I couldn't afford the price in shops, and security of having almost 2 years warranty.
So I was really happy with my Asus E203NA , especially its H.265 support and almost couldn’t wait to install the 2Gb SD ram. (dimm location info search started, disappointment as result)
The one time use was 8 or 9 weeks ago, they had to check if it worked and register at Asus.
All checked out on Asus registration info after transfer to me.
Wish Asus info "2 GB Onboard Memory, *up to 4 GB SDRAM*" also checked and worked out fine.
Sadly it doesn't and returning also is no option.
Hope you enjoy the Asus and have a lot of fun with it,
With friendly greetings from Holland,
Richard
Thank you Richard,
DeleteYes indeed after adding the SD card. I’m enjoying the work on my ASUS, I never took the charger with me to the university :D .
The size and the physical shape are perfect, it’s a shame that ASUS was not clear, and disappointed their customers.
Storage is not a big problem, after removing the pre-installed crap, I have ~8GB to play with.
Hope you also enjoy your ASUS ..
Sorry last replay I confused where you are from. Germany came to my mind first when I heard Dutch, I never been in the Netherlands, I should consider a visit to there :)
lovely greetings from Syria as well.
Hasan
Hello Hasan,
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late answer, had to stay in bed for over a day due to my illness.
Wow you're in Syria that’s not around the corner!
One of the great aspects of internet; meet and get to know people from all over the world :)
Don't worry about the nationality mix up, as far as I am concerned there should be no borders at all.
In the begin and ending are all human, outside looks might differ but inside we are the same.
Hope I was not too negative before, disappointment and frustration had the upper hand.
Being fair and honest are important values to me, the can have big impact on my mood and temper (also when its not me in a “victom” situation).
On itself this Asus is great device, the 32Gb is enough in combination with a fast micro SD or mini USB stick.
The 2Gb spoils the fun, for the video application I need 4Gb ram.
Don’t want to sell it but another option on upgrading to 4Gb ram seems impossible.
But one thing crossed my mind and really wonder what you think;
for I noticed your hardware skills and knowledge are way beyond mine:
Since buying directly from chinese chops became very easy and cheap over here:
You also think our Asus E203NA ‘s motherboards are identical in shape and size?
If so I wonder what a 4Gb / 64Gb eMMC motherboard (if available) would cost.
Before reading your blog I did see some similar mainboards but didn’t know the motherboard’s part number.
Do you have any idea how to find out what the id or part number is for the E203NA ‘s motherboard? (the 4Gb/64Gb eMMC model).
It’s a long shot but as far I seen the prices this could even be cheaper than a fast 128Gb sd card or usb drive.
Wondering and awaiting your opinion on this, wishing you a great weekend!
Greetings from your Dutch friend,
Richard
Hello Hasan,
ReplyDeleteHope you're still enjoying the E203NA, somehow I am getting more and more attached to it.
Startet out with getting Asus ready for sale, thinking; "32Gb sounds & is small" 64Gb also not large but will sell a lot better.
Local store had Samsung Evo 32Gb micro sd on special offer €12,00 , a google on specs showed it was a bad offer, got the 32Gb Evo Plus model faster and good reviews for €14,99.
Along the way these small storage problems are making me learn new things.
For example I did't know Windows does not use a SD card the same as a hard drive.
I found some tricks (you probably knew) that makes it possible to permanent mount the SD card as a "real" hard drive station.
This to save space on the eMMC, move big system files and install non-windows apps on the micro SD.
lol I found out a bit too late, because its most effective when doing this with a clean and small windows installation.
Made a bootable USB with W10 Fall 201709 build and think its my smallest Win10 ever.
After installing drivers (device drivers, NO Asus cr*p util.) and removing temporary files, it takes less then 12Gb :)
[IMG]http://i65.tinypic.com/2rdw10o.jpg[/IMG]
Now need some rest and when enough energy; again the "mount 32Gb Micro-SD as hdd" trick.
Its becoming a challenge to make the Windows C: as small as possible.
Find and move large folders, as DriverStore\FileRepository , to Micro-Sd card gaining more space for programs that do benefit the fast eMMC
Also will try to make it default location for windows update files, before they consume our small eMMC space.
Wish you a great time and all good in Syria,
greetings, Richard your Dutch friend
Hay Richard,
DeleteSo sorry for the delay, I was over-occupied with my exams I just noticed a second replay from you.
I’m sad to hear about your illness , hope you get very well soon.
Yes I’m Syrian, but right now I am not in Syria. The situation there is very bad to be there unfortunately.
Now I’m doing my master in Paris-France.
Anyway, as you nicely put it in words, nationality shouldn’t matter :)
Back to the ASUS
Replacing the whole motherboard seems to be an interesting idea, I have heard about this approach, however I never tried that myself. I don’t have much hardware experience as well :)
With a quick search online on Chinese websites, I couldn’t find a link to the E203NA I think this more likely applicable for famous models and perhaps older models, but apparently not for the new /not very known models, anyway it’s required deeper search, I’ll keep an eye and let you know if I found something.
Yess.. me too, I’m getting more and more attached to the machine. My other computer which is much stronger is turned on just once or twice a week :D .
I’m doing everything on the little ASUS. I’ve added 64GB Samsung Evo SD card I got it for 18€ as an offer as well .. and it is just perfect, though now I’m much more self-conscious about the space usage lol ..
I was about to tell you that SD cards maybe more convenient for additional storage comparing to USB micro flash, seems you already got an SD (OK) .
Thank you for the tricks/tips you mentioned, I’ve already applied some of them and I’ll try the others to squeeze more space. I’m also making use of the 1TB One-drive that came with the machine. I find that useful for office documents and backups…
I’m too lazy now to format the computer form the scratch and reinstall a clean window, even though I’m sure that could save a lot of the space I should done that form the beginning …
I saw form the image you attached you have more than the half of the eMMC free that a good sign ..
Hope you a nice ASUSing , and getting rid of your illness very soon.
Greeting from your Syrian friend , et bonne vacances
Hasan
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHello Hasan.
ReplyDeleteJust a short message to thank you for your reply!
I rather not talk about it but my illness is a rare and progressive nerve disease.
(With as bonus severe heart atherosclerosis, at least that doesn't hurt.)
Mention it in case another unexcpected hospital submission happens;
then I am not able to respond for several days or even longer.
So when my reply takes a long time you at least know why and not think I am rude or don't care.
For now I need some rest, hope to write you a Asus update soon :)
Wish you bonne vacanses aussie,
Greetings from your dutch friend, dans le pays bas,
Richard
Hello Richard
DeleteI'm sorry for the extremely late replay. How are you ?
What is your conclusion about the little Assus after a year ? wish you enjoying your Assus as I am.
Hope your health is good as well .
Greeting from your Syrian friend :)
Regards
Hello Richard,
DeleteLong time no talk, I hope you are fine and your family.
How it's going with your Asus :)
I hope you overcome your illness
I don't have any other communication channel other than this blog, so Hello again
hope to here from you soon.
Hasan
Hi.. i m the victim of buying this asus e203na too..so sad because i never thought it will not as ordinary laptop (which means have large hdd capacity)..i bought it without checking..now i m having x storage problems..i noticed you deleted almost all craps..just want to know what are those..for the laptop to run and update smoothly..
ReplyDeleteI am planning to get a similar laptop and have found that ASUS VivoBook E203NA is very similar to Lenovo 120S, which as well has not soldered M2 slot for SSD. Anyway, search for posts about upgrading it - there are some capacitors and/or jumpers that need to be added, besides the connector. There are people that successfully have made this mod for Lenovo.
ReplyDeleteHere is for example a post on lenovo forum: https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Lenovo-IdeaPad-1xx-3xx-5xx-7xx/Adding-a-M-2-edge-connector/td-p/4162916
Lovely read , thank you.
DeleteI just checked the Lenovo images , it seems the same exact issue.
I'm more confidant now to try adding the connector along with (capacitors & jumbers)
Will update the post if I got any success getting the bios recognize the disk.
So sorry for the late replay BTW, for some reason I didn't get any notification.
So, waking up this thread from the dead, I also own an Asus E203NA with the notorious 32GB EMMC chips. I have recently purchased a new motherboard with the HDD connector. I have installed it together with with an SSD drive, seems to be working, my only problem - I can't find the fitting battery for this config. The original Battery is too big, I ordered a battery that seems like it will fit, but it was the wrong one. Seems like that there is simply no information. there are so many E203 models and sub models but the correct battery is simply not sold. I did find a video from India, the guy is taking his laptop apart and he seems to have the correct shape battery, I have sent him a message asking for the model but still answer. I'll keep you updated.
ReplyDeletewish you all a nice second advent.
Glad to hear that the Motherboard worked and not wasted.
DeleteI expected the Battery issue as soon as you mentioned the connector. as Asus added a bit of extra battery placed on the HDD area.
I got a suggestion though:
New SSDs are very thin if you removed the metal case around them.
you might be able to fit one connected to the computer along with the big battery.
as I mentioned on original post I was able to fit one of them. and successfully close the back cover.
However it all depend on the brand of the SSD
if you may kindly post the model of the Motherboard along with links
and if you got answer from our Indian friend regarding the battery model will be great.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and so sorry for the very laaate delay.. .
I really have enjoyed reading the saga. I did write one of you directly because one of my solution sets may not be as conventional and so I didn't want to lead anyone astray. But there are less heavy versions of windows available. I use easy to boot which you say fine way to get the bootable USB to carry all different types of operating systems. Everything from Linux to Windows to Windows that will now install on a machine that doesn't have the hardware specifications that are required in order for the operating system to install, to live versions of both windows and Linux. Easy to boot is a wonderful piece of software. I highly recommend it. But don't just stop it downloading. It actually check out the ebooks so that you know how to add all kinds of great stuff to it. That being said, message me or email me directly for a list of some great locations and titles that you probably need to add to your list of tech tools. Also, I really want to get a parts list together if anybody happens to have the wherewithal or one of you had mentioned that they you had great Google-foo skills.. I would really really like to get a list of the parts that it's missing everywhere so that we could order them directly or order them through a third party. I mean prices of parts are just about as low as I've ever seen. It makes things entertaining for me although it looks like radio shack through up in my house. Lol I have taken a sand disc extreme SSD and basically just taped it to the back of the lid and then just jumpered it across. It did of course require much less operating system this way. The idea that I finally enjoyed the most was loading up the windows 11 pro for details. You'll have to message me about that one. But another way you could do it is to of course load Linux and you use virtual machines that you can store on a one terabyte or a two terabyte sand disc SSD external extreme. Oh and about that microSD card slot that it's got, that turned out to be a bunch of garbage. And noticed that unless you're paying real good money and I mean this is one of those things where you kind of get what you pay for sometimes. But it didn't advertise that it had any serious requirements for it. But anyway that micro SD card is.... Spend some money and get a decent micro SD card. It's just not the best piece of hardware that I've seen ACs put out. And it really benefits from any well-made microSD. ASUS is by far my favorite brand of computer, but I really feel a little let down and disgruntled about this purchase. Oh for those out there that don't know a whole lot about Linux. Trust me come on in the water's fine. I highly suggest MX Linux has the looking field and all these ability of Windows plus it's way smaller.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to use a micro SD with 128 GB as additional storage or is the limit at 64GB?
ReplyDeleteon the Specification sheet, they set the limit to 32GB , but it worked fine with my 64GB SD card.
DeleteUnfortunately I don't have a 128GB card to test for you.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi I have the same problem.
ReplyDeleteSo what is the correct procedure would work, for example, to create a bootable USB key.
Reinstall Windows and boot from a USB stick to an inserted memory card?
all good from Slovakia
What a friendly group. I do wish that it was for some of the reason that coming together with the exact same problem. At 2:00 was fooled not once but yes twice I purchased two of them one for myself and one for my wife. Who immediately had a problem doing the very basics when she started to load up her software for work. And she turned to me and with a knowing nod yes I was blind, I said of course of course.... Now I'm prior military. Us army Rangers . And I don't know how to give up. But I do realize when I'm about to make something much much worse. Which is why I have officially pulled the plug on trying to upgrade them in any normal possible fashion. I do feel very trick though and Asus was my go-to brand for every occasion. When I bought the two tablets I even bought two to your subscriptions for the cloud spaces. By the way their customer service is not the same thing as it was 20 years ago. They are now rude and crass relying on language barrier of accent to completely camouflage tone. It does not. I think that maybe I have officially become old. I remember the days that you were supposed to take a lesser computer and be a tech and turn it into something great. I remember the days when radio shack actually knew what they were talking about. I guess that might have gone the way of the IDE. I always hold out a little bit of Hope though. If anybody's got any good ideas, or even a bad one or two, I'd still try to shove a square picture around hole. Give me a shout if anyone thinks of anything.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete