[plac]

I'm working to upgrade a nano PC (1.4" x 4" x 6"), which is a Dell FX170 thin client (1.6ghz Atom, 2gb ram, 4gb SSD) which I'm using as a HTPC (SmartTV box). It's actually a re-branded Devon IT Tc5c. I need to upgrade the hard drive which is a horizontal 4GB 44pin IDE DOM SSD, but I'm reluctant to buy some useless dinosaur IDE. I'm leaning towards an adapter to change it over to SD, CF, or msata? Anyone familiar with these latest technologies, as far as compatibility and reliability/durability, without spending an arm and a leg? Any recommendations? Keep in mind that it's horizontal 1.8 card and needs to be within the same/similar dimensions.

I dunno, maybe I should just dump WES7 (win7 embedded) and go to Linux. The Devon IT forums could probably help me there (drivers and XBMC).

I dunno, maybe I shoulda waited for the Zotac Zbox ID83 to hit the shelves (3rd gen i3 7x7 nano, ultra-thin mini-itx). The Intel NUC supposedly is missing the ability to power-on via usb remote.

I'd appreciate any feedback or advice. I could always use the Devon Dell as a spare or put the hammer to it (only $70 new, ebay).

Applies to: Dell fx170 & fx130; Devon tc2 & tc5; or 10Zig 5600 Series

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Edited by plac, 30 January 2013 - 07:00 PM.

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Bump: Anyone know where I might find one of these (either)? Horizontal right-angle 2.5" or 1.8" IDE 44pin Female Socket to MSATA or SD Card Adapter?

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Edited by plac, 30 January 2013 - 07:06 PM.

[plac]

Bump: Anyone know where I might find one of these (either)? Horizontal right-angle 2.5" or 1.8" IDE 44pin Female Socket to MSATA or SD Card Adapter?

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Edited by plac, 30 January 2013 - 07:06 PM.

[Veeg]

Check out this link.. http://www.soarland....roduct-175.html

[plac]

Thanks Veeg, but I'd already measured that one out, where CF is just too big for the case. I ended up going with a Syntech ST4412, 2.5" IDE to SDHC adapter, where I plan to use 4 inch ide ribbon cable to make it work (pin-out). The Amazon reviews are pretty good on it working with the Sandisk Ultra Micro SDXC.

Edit
Here's one 2.5 or 1.8 44pin ide to CF adapter that looks compatible, but I can't find it anywhere. I wrote the manufacturer today; and I would need to double check that pin-out.

Edited by plac, 04 February 2013 - 12:01 AM.

[Veeg]

Thanks Veeg, but I'd already measured that one out, where CF is just too big for the case. I ended up going with a Syntech ST4412, 2.5" IDE to SDHC adapter, where I plan to use either a 2 inch ide ribbon cable or solder-in a female ide gender connector (ordered both); to make it work. The Amazon reviews are pretty good on it working with the Sandisk Ultra 64GB SDHC.

Good,i read reviews on several and it seemed that some adapters just didn't work like as advertised .. I hope this one works out for you..

[plac]

Just an update, for Google reference to this PC:

This project ended up being a freaking nightmare. ST4412 adapter card works, but is too big for the case. Win7 requires (forced) NTFS & will not install to run from removable media such as USB or SD cards which have the removable media bit (RMB) setting. Thus, no multiple partitions for NTFS. There are hacks (filter drivers) to make it work, but the win installer isn't going to see any drive filters; which means that Id have to run a modified OS image, no clean installs. My only reason for attempting the SD card was to avoid buying a primitive IDE SSD.

I'm still seeing a few other options:
1. Keep the factory SSD and use USB SD card for add-on software and apps.
2. "IDE to mini msata" adapter: Sintech Model PA6008B
3. Ubuntu
4. IDE SSD (compatible size & pinout)
.

Edited by plac, 07 March 2013 - 09:39 AM.

[plac]

PS: Another trick I discovered with this machine is that the updated Dell hard drive reflash
image will leave you with 1gb free space which is enough to add firefox and several plugins.

[Irish-John]

Just wondering how you got on with this project as i have recently purchased a Dell FX-170 and want to upgrade the 4GB storage, i dont want to go and purchase a 44 pin IDE to SD adaptor and it not work ? I have looked on the well known Worldwide auction site and i see a manufacturer called Kingspec out of China who produce Hi-Speed 44Pin IDE SSD`s so i wonder what the drive capacity limit is on the Dell ? I plan to use them with Linux and 4GB just about holds Ubuntu Server but any flavour that includes a GUI is just too big to be practical.
John.

[plac]

Hi John, and sorry for the late reply (email problems). Did you try the 32gb
Kingspec DOM? The SD adapter didn't fit in the case and windows will not install to
removable drives (works otherwise, linux).

Right now, I'm using it as a spare nettop, WES7 with Chrome, and a USB stick & NIC
for storage. Still debating weather to try the Kinspec or to hang a 1TB 2.5 drive on the
exterior side of the case (tie wraps). The Dell WYSE FX170 reflash utility supports
up to 32GB drive, but the BIOS is 2011, and so it should take the larger drive.

The Kingspec sounds like the way to go. I'm thinking dual boot so that I can finally
learn a little Linux. The microsoft tech forums are saying that WES7 admin version
(DISM) would be necessary to add bluetooth:
http://social.techne...h?prof=required

Regards...

Edited by plac, 27 October 2013 - 04:47 AM.

[plac]

I went ahead and ordered the Kingspec 32GB DOM 44pin IDE from ebay.
Should be here within a few weeks. Also ordered the IOGear bluetooth
wireless keyboard with scrollpad (HTPC).

[plac]

Update:
The 32GB Kingspec 44pin IDE Horizontal DOM Flash Drive SSD is compatible (here and now).

[plac]

Update:

I dug around and freely downloaded Win7Pro from HP website and am
using that in trial mode (command resets = 120 days trial). Still
leaning very heavily towards Linux Ubuntu Desktop or Media Center.

Dell FX170 Docs, Drivers, & reflash utility:
http://ftp.dell.com/...plex-fx170.html
http://www.dell.com/.../optiplex-fx170

Notes:
Create reflash usb stick in push mode using WYSE utility & 4gb image;
or use Pendrive for Win7pro. NEEDS USB STICK LARGER THAN 4GB. FX170
BOOTS FROM FRONT USB PORT ONLY. On startup, Hold f12 key for boot
priority & select usb hdd. Reflash runs and reboots twice (Done...).
For anyone experiencing EDID (display) issues, try another monitor,
cables/adapters, or use a DVI to HDMI adapter or cable to connect it
to your television.

Hold F2 on power-up for Bios Screen
Hold F12 for boot priority
Hold Shift during boot for Win7 all Users (admin) login
Hold Escape for Linux Grub BootLoader Priority (if present)
TCAdmin Password is Administrator

Edited by plac, 09 March 2014 - 11:24 PM.

[mondynet]

Thanks for posting the instructions. Really appreciate it!