Asus X401a upgrade to ultrabook status

So, you believe who you're buying from instead of independant real world tests.

 

Guess I should sue Samsung for falsifying info.

If they have any money left after Apple..lol

It was also a 256GB on the test. Not a 128GB

Don't know, don't care. $100 and it smokes.The X401a doesn't deserve a more expensive SSD. At least, mine doesn't. Buy what you want..

Click on Specs PDF:

Specs - Solid State Drives MZ-7PC128N | Samsung Memory & Storage

 

You're right, but since it will take far less time to access data from a ssd than from a hdd, real power usage will be less than it was with the original hdd.

On my x301a, i have about one more hour of battery life since the ssd upgrade (samsung 830).

 

at the time of installing the i5, did you reinstall windows?

In the past i have swapped processor with similar/same chipsets and windows would crash and or bluescreen until i re-installed windows.

just a thought....

 

Hello,

anyone installed successfully a Sandy bridge Core ix processor yet? in X401A or X301a with chipset HM70 ?

This model I got is weird can't find anything on web about X401A-WX058V

I was using this laptop now for few days and while Pentium b970 performs very well with Web surfing and HD video watching simultaneously, I feel that better graphics of Core processors would make it better for occasional gaming, of course lower eye candy settings (F1 2010, Counter strike GO)

Like what is this intel HD Graphics on B970, something between HD2000 and HD3000?

I don't have opportunity myself to buy CPUs and RAMs just for testing purpose, so really hoping somebody out there has managed to squeeze Core i5 into X401a/X301a - and could give me an advice or two about compatibility

I see this blog post mentions different components for the laptop.. for example i3-2350 / 2370..

 

Sandy Bridge CPUs (0.032mm CPU manufacturing technology) with TDP 35W for mobile Socket G2 (rPGA988B):

Model Technology Cores Frequency Turbo L2 L3 TDP

Core i3-2312M 0.032 2 2100 512 3072 35
Core i3-2310M 0.032 2 2100 512 3072 35
Core i3-2330E 0.032 2 2200 512 3072 35
Core i3-2330M 0.032 2 2200 512 3072 35
Core i3-2328M 0.032 2 2200 512 3072 35
Core i3-2350M 0.032 2 2300 512 3072 35
Core i3-2370M 0.032 2 2400 512 3072 35

Core i5-2410M 0.032 2 2300 2900 512 3072 35
Core i5-2430M 0.032 2 2400 3000 512 3072 35
Core i5-2520M 0.032 2 2500 3200 512 3072 35

Core i5-2450M 0.032 2 2500 3100 512 3072 35
Core i5-2510E 0.032 2 2500 3100 512 3072 35

Core i5-2540M 0.032 2 2600 3300 512 3072 35

Core i7-2620M 0.032 2 2700 3400 512 4096 35
Core i7-2640M 0.032 2 2800 3500 512 4096 35

Mobile Celeron B800 0.032 2 1500 512 2048 35
Mobile Celeron B815 0.032 2 1600 512 2048 35
Mobile Celeron B710 0.032 1 1600 256 1536 35
Mobile Celeron B810 0.032 2 1600 512 2048 35
Mobile Celeron B720 0.032 1 1700 256 2048 35
Mobile Celeron B820 0.032 2 1700 512 2048 35
Mobile Celeron B730 0.032 1 1800 256 1536 35
Mobile Celeron B830 0.032 2 1800 512 2048 35
Mobile Celeron B840 0.032 2 1900 512 2048 35
Pentium B940 0.032 2 2000 512 2048 35
Pentium B950 0.032 2 2100 512 2048 35
Pentium B960 0.032 2 2200 512 2048 35
Pentium B970 0.032 2 2300 512 2048 35
Pentium B980 0.032 2 2400 512 2048 35

I could try to ask Asus tech support if they have some knowledge about HM70 used in x401a / x301a whether they affected it somehow or not, does it support any Core family CPUs.

 

I am highly interested in this endevaour aswell. Has there been any updates regarding this? If it works for 30 mins with stable temps and no issues it must be possible through resolving some sort of conflicting settings.

 

I really hope someone finds this out. I really would like to put a high end cpu in here i would be happy with a i3 i would test it myself but can not afford to either buy the cpu right now to just test.

 

Any news on this yet? I also have a B970 X401A, I hope someone finds a way to upgrade the CPU to a core i. But why exactly does it shutdown at a given specific time? The incompatible chipset doesn't really explain this.

 

Hi guys,

I am looking to buy Asus X401a and upgrade CPU later. I see there are some models of Asus X401a with Core i3-2370M which is Sandy bridge CPU. Probably there are some BIOS limits for Ivy Bridge cpus or BIOS incapability. Looks like it can be fixed from the bios side. But for now Sandy bridge should work there without any workaround.

P.S. tried to find some more info in net, looks like HM70 chipset was supposed to be for Celeron and Pentium CPUs but they made some exception for Core cpus and looks like Core i3 is an exception :S So Core i3-2370M is the best what can be used?

 

Some news. I called to Asus support to clarify the chipset question. So:
1) All i3 models of X401a use HM76
2) All Pentium/Celeron use HM70.

HM 70 doesn't support core i3 so that is why they use HM76.

From the upgrade view point HM76 is much better. But Core i3 modes are more expensive... like 200$ more. Not something I am interested in. But still the Pentiums models are good options though to have a light and good notebook for a work.

The weird thing that TS was able to run core i3 and core i5 for some time. So it is some kind of supported by HM70....

 

That is very strange. That he was able to boot with the ivy i3 if it is not "supported." You would think that the sandy i3 would boot maybe for even longer then 30 mins. I really want to try but low on funds. And also kinda mad this laptop my prime computer till i finish the desktop. So dont want to f this one up but yeah strange indeed. Something does not smell right and it ain't the poop in my pants.

 

it looks like the HM70 can support i3/i5 just fine but they made it shutdown on purpose so that people have to pay more $$$ to get it :-(
I hope this can be fixed with some bios modification.

 

Hi Judge584,
I wonder if you could point me in the right direction: I have cloned my Asus x401A HDD onto an SSD but I am having no luck with the Bios that refuses to recognize the SSD...
1/ if I fit the SSD to my other laptop (Samsung RV520) it boots up fine
2/ fit it to my Asus and the Bios does not see it
3/ fit my Samsung HDD to my ASUS and it boots fine
4/ fit my Samsung "cloned" SSD to my ASUS and it is not recognised
So it looks like my asus is quite happy with conventional HDDs, but not with my 2 SSDs (from 2 different manufacturers)...

PXE-61 error is what I get with SSDs, and I have tried disabling PXE and more without results...
Any pointers you could give me?
Regards,
Olivier

 

Hey guys I'm testing the sandy bridge processors right now. I bought an ES version of i7-2620M (Q16M) and I'm encountering the same problem as the Ivy Bridge processors. As mentioned, the source of the shutdown is:

ID41 - Kernel Power

"The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first. This error could be caused if the system stopped responding, crashed, or lost power unexpectedly."

The first shutdown occurred at about 30 minutes 12 seconds from boot. To test it again, I rebooted windows and at about 29 minutes later, I put my X401A to sleep mode and turned it back on right after the 30 minutes mark passed. Things are running fine again until another shutdown exactly 30 minutes later. Weird, isn't it, I can actually avoid the shutdown by putting my laptop to sleep, it's like a countdown clock that triggers every time windows starts or resumes.

So far, temperature is stable, about 15 degrees when I'm not doing anything and up to 80 degrees with large workloads. Event view has several ID37 "Processor Power" warnings, but these occur even with my B970, so I can't be sure.

I'm still investigating the problem, and haven't tried bios and other driver updates nor re-installed windows. I'll post if i find anything new

View attachment 89270 View attachment 89271

 

Ok first, damn you bought the i7 xD going all out. specially not knowing it it will ever really work. Anyway moving on from that, so i have been coming playing with different OS from OSX to BT5 anyway after i have up trying to put OSX on it i thought this would be that perfect time to switch back to W7 but came across this funny problem. I dont know if its BIOS or something else but it injects the W8 serial which made me start thinking if they did this to the hardware. Hard coded something into it, what else did they do to it. I would guess its a BIOS thing but not totally sure.

 

okay, did a couple more tests and things are getting even more confusing.

the general situation is still the same, a shutdown after 30 minutes that can be prevented by making the computer sleep and turning it back on. Interestingly, I also tried to both lock and log-off before the 30min mark and both of these extended the shutdown time to almost exactly 37 minutes.

based on win7's event logs, there are also new warnings since I change the processors

Warning 12/21/2012 6:18:34 PM LMS 1 None LMS cannot connect to Intel(R) MEI driver
Warning 12/21/2012 6:18:01 PM Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-Processor-Power 37 (7) The speed of processor 3 in group 0 is being limited by system firmware. The processor has been in this reduced performance state for 71 seconds since the last report.
Warning 12/21/2012 6:18:01 PM Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-Processor-Power 37 (7) The speed of processor 1 in group 0 is being limited by system firmware. The processor has been in this reduced performance state for 71 seconds since the last report.
Warning 12/21/2012 6:18:01 PM Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-Processor-Power 37 (7) The speed of processor 2 in group 0 is being limited by system firmware. The processor has been in this reduced performance state for 71 seconds since the last report.
Warning 12/21/2012 6:18:01 PM Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-Processor-Power 37 (7) The speed of processor 0 in group 0 is being limited by system firmware. The processor has been in this reduced performance state for 71 seconds since the last report.

Maybe there's a problem with Intel's Management Engine Interface driver. I'll see what I can do.

 

Best bet for upgrading this laptop is to get a ivy bridge pentium or celeron once they are released soon. That should work and hopefully they will keep the hd4000 in it. If you figure it out though then more power too you, I personally think it's a measure added in the chipset rather bios but then that's just my thoughts on it.

 

edwd2, since log out extends the time. Probably there is something in the windows also?
Could you try to boot from USB by using linux (Ubuntu) and see if it makes any difference?

Or just don't boot in windows just let it work for 30 mins without booting, probably just enable bios and see if OS makes any difference after 30 mins.

 

I did a couple more tests just now, tried disabling the intel ME and local management services, those didn't work, updated bios, didn't work either. The CPU and hardware tests I ran says everything is running just fine, drivers up to date. Booting in safe mode doesn't help, strange isn't it? I accurately measured the shutdown time, which is 30 minutes from the time I turn on power. I tried logging off again but it somehow can't prevent shutdown anymore, I'm pretty positive that it delayed shutdown time yesterday and event logs do show that. But from the other results, it's likely a hardware problem, probably the chipset as jrs3000 says. If I have time, I'll take it to the laptop repair guys and see what they think, and perhaps, ask Intel what exactly they did to HM70.

Does anyone know any utility that can track down hardware events? If only I could see what's happening to the chipset and CPU at the given time. To me, this just seems like Intel made a code to prevent us from upgrading to anything than a pentium/celeron. I heard a guy with a Toshiba C800 had the same problem.

I'll be keeping this processor since I got it for free (ES Version duh), and I'll post if I find anything new.

 

x501a hm70 i3-2370 (sandy)
Same thing happened on windows 7 and ubuntu.

 

then it most likely is something with the chipset right?

 

is there some internal separate clock that counts 30 mins? Could someone try to change bios time back after 20 mins for example ?

 

This is some interesting stuff. I have someone inquiring about a 2920XM processor I'm selling on eBay and the potential buyer has an HM70 chipset. I am researching his system to make sure he has a good experience with my product. From the sound of things, it will probably not work...

 

I really think the Core i3-2370M will work because it doesn't have turbo. Its not a HUGE upgrade but you do get an extra 100MHZ, HD4000 graphics and another 1MB of L3 cache. Its very similar in all other aspects and can be had on eBay for about $60.
Here is a list of processors I have composed with prices that might be worth trying along with the included Pentium processor going price. All prices are from eBay sorted by Buy It Now lowest price first as of 12/31/12

Pentium B970 - $50
Core i3-2350M - $50
Core i3-2370M - $60
Core i5-2410M - $85
Core i5-2430M - $90
Core i5-2450M - $100
Core i7-2620M - $100
Core i7-2640M - $150

 

I also wanted to know if the OP upgraded to the latest BIOS first?

 

I am very interested in this and wondering if not having the turbo boost will allow the iX chips to work with my laptop.

 

Just tried to upgrade to an i3 2350m from a celeron b820... has the same problem as written here in the forum, after a while it reboots... while it works there are no problem at all (every test has been passed without any problem). The strange is that this model comes out with an i3 2350m...

What do you think about the two type of bios the x401a and x401a1? could be that one of them is made for celeron/pentium cpus and the other is for core cpus?

 

That could be it. I've actually gotten the X401A bios on my X401A1. All I had to do was rename the file. It's pretty stupid if that is the cause because both boards are more than likely exactly the same since they would probably only want to make one board as opposed to two for the sake of saving money on producing this pretty cheap laptop. I've been considering giving the Core i3-2370M a shot but I don't have the money to gamble on it.

 

I don't know how you managed this as I tried but without success... it says "The BIOS version does not match the BIOS ROM version. Clic exit to exit" from windows and almost the same from bios. So renaming bios with my pc won't work.
However it could be also a chipset compatibility problem as stated in this forum before...
now I am back to my b820, every try I have made with i3 was unsuccesfull (also tried to disconnect the cmos battery)
If anyone find a way please write it in this forum!!
thanx
tony

 

How did you do it? I got x401a with B820 (and, yes, it's on HM70, not upgradable even to i3) and the fan is always on, it drives me crazy, I never had such a lousy laptop before.

Is it possible to tune up BIOS - Thermal Configuration (Passive Trip Point?) using AMIBCP to get rid of that noise? Seems like it supports that (AMI) BIOS (at least it's able to parse the binary). Maybe some instructions?

It runs at stable 50 C (I've never seen neither 40 nor 35), no hidden processes, nothing, just supports stable 50 C using a stable level of noise. Maybe because of replaced memory.

Regarding the "combo" audio connector - I just got an OFFICIAL reply from ASUS about audio connector in X401A - it's actually 5 pin, BUT it supports either mic or speakers, not both, due to the pinout:

1. A_MIC1_L_L - Headphone & MIC LEFT channel
2. A_MIC1_R_L - Headphone & MIC Right channel
3. GND_AUDIO - Ground
4. GND_AUDIO - Ground
5. LINE_JD - Headphone & MIC plug in detect

I.e. it wasn't a budget cut on audio sockets, I don't even know how to call that.

P.s. guess it's possible to use HDMI audio output on the external monitor and mic input on the laptop simultaneously. Not very well, but It should work. Those who have difficulties about switching to mic on win8 (seems Realtek SRS doesn't work there yet), can use RAVCpl64.exe (Realtek HD Audio Manager) from win7.

 

I found this laptop: ASUS X75A XH51 Specs (17.3" - Core i5 3210M - Windows 7 Professional 64-bit - 4 GB RAM - 500 GB HDD) - Laptops - CNET Reviews

Has the HM70 chipset and i5-3210. So would it not be more of a BIOS problem then?

 

New to the forum here. I've got a refurbed x401. I've installed an 8GB ddr3-1600 module, and replaced the painfully slow stock hdd with a 750GB hybrid drive. This Pentium B970 is sucking hard at SC2 tho.

I need information from you guys:
-Download CPU-Z (be careful, some versions are filled with bloatware. Try to find the executable. I can email if necessary)
-in the "Mainboard" tab, what is your BIOSversion? Mine is X401A1 .204
-What is your southbridge? Mine reads ID1E5E


That gives me hope. The X401A1 model is the model that shipped with the Core,i3, right? Maybe I got a reburbed 1A1 mobo? The sticker on the back of my unit reads "Model: X401A"

 

Well I don't think it's a big hope, because in the previous pages of the thread another user posted the two models X401A and X401A1 have the same motherboard. And we know there is that stupid 30min limitation.

I'm interested in X501A model because here in Italy the X401A is not available. For my needs Pentium B980 cpu is enough, but if there is any chance to put in it an i3/i5 cpu it would be great.

 

ok i have a ASUSx401a with latest bios i change to a Core i5-2450M pulled from a lenova v570 laptop it works it has intel aes-ni in bios and virtualization technology i have installed linux windows 7 and osx on it so now like everyone else im having hte shutdown problem so i change in bios diasble sleep to test and see how this will work out ill keep you posted any luck on a modded bios yet im sure this could work in the long run just need some tweeks so anyway possible i can help on this project let me know also wanted to mention when i change the cpu it upgraded to HD3000 graphics which is great.

 

Hey Jrs3000 any luck on getting this laptop to work and bios mod or fix u know of i have the core 15 installed on it now any help needed i can help let me know k thanks

 

Hi guys,

I have X401a, Pentium 960 2.2GHz.

What is the easiest/best/cheapest way to upgrade graphics? Do I have to upgrade cpu or can it be done on its own?

Cheers, Craig

 

hi every body,

two question,

does anyone already try to upgrade on with i7? (3612QM or 3632QM 35w)

and the last one, anyone got a way to add an egpu on it?

 

I've read in the Intel Specification Sheet that the HM70 chipset is only compatible with Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge-based Intel Celeron and Pentium processors. As of now, the fastest compatible processor that we can pair with the HM70 chipset is the Intel Pentium 2030M @ 2.5 Ghz which is an Ivy Bridge CPU. I hope I can get that specific processor because I'm totally curious about those Ivy Bridge Pentium CPUs.

 

You can only upgrade into any CPU above Core i3 if your Asus X401A has the HM77 chipset. Essentially there are three versions of Asus X401A, First is the one that has the Intel Core i3 CPU, the one that has the Intel Pentium CPU (which is the most common model) and lastly the one that comes with Intel Celeron CPU. Only the Core i3 Model comes with the HM77 chipset; the rest only comes with HM70 chipset which isn't upgradable into Intel Core i3 and above processors.

 

hey i bought the 2330m core i3 processor instead of the i5 i tried they both just shutdown after 30 min hey mashiro can u post a link please and can i just change the motherboard and put the 2300m i3 cpu in the motherboard and put it in the asus 401a i don't mind ill just do that or give me the model number of the exact board i can just replace and purchase thanks.

 

Just like what other people have said here before, the HM70 chipset isn't "compatible" with Core i3, i5 and i7 CPUs. HM70 is only compatible with Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge-Based Intel Celeron and Pentium CPUs. Here's the specification sheet saying that HM70 is only compatible with the Celeron and Pentium CPUs: Mobile Intel® HM70 Express Chipset

If you really want to make an Intel Core i3 CPU work on your laptop you can either change the HM70 chipset with the one compatible with the Core i3 and above (if you have soldering skills) or simply change the motherboard with the one from the Intel Core i3 model (the layout is essentially the same as the Celeron and Pentium models of X401A).

The fastest CPU that we can pair with the HM70 is the newly released Intel Pentium 2030M processor which is an Ivy-Bridge CPU with a clock speed of 2.5GHz.

http://ark.intel.com/products/72059/Intel-Pentium-Processor-2030M-2M-Cache-2_50-GHz

 

what would be the model number of the motherboard to be compatible with the Core i3 i cant find the exact number can you post whcih one would work and links where to purchase i tried ebay but no luck not much detail if the motherboards there would support the core i3 for the asus x401a

 

Does anyone know the exact model number of a core i3 compatible model number for the asus x401a motherboard please really just want to purchase a new motherboard but dont know which one will work with the core i3 please anyone can someone post there model number of the exact motherboard or a link to where they sell the board that supports the h77 chipset for the core i3 processor thanks.

 

Hey, skypete, are you still monitoring this thread?... I am working on the same thing, just came into a X401a and looking to upgrade it just like you, trying to find an i3 mb for this model...

 

No idea if anybody is even looking at this but...

The model number of the chipset from is the i3 version is HM76 (I don't know if this is what you mean or if it even has a different motherboard or anything like that) and here is a list of the processors compatible from with the HM76:

ARK | Mobile Intel® HM76 Express Chipset (Intel® BD82HM76 PCH)

Hope this helps, I'm hoping to get one soon and would love to upgrade it like made.

 

Anyone know where I can get one? I can't find one anywhere. And is this a significant increase in performance over what's in there?

 

Has anyone tried this since the latest BIOS version 212 has been released?
Version 212 for the X401A1 and version 211 for the X401A has an update for the ME Firmware, Maybe its a fix?

I might try an i3 SandyBridge with no Turbo since that will be the closest to the original Pentium after I get paid next Monday and if that works with the BIOS update I will move on to an Ivy Bridge and if that works I will step up to a Turbo i7, But first I will try the processor most likely to work if any and thats a Core i3-2350M Which is the same architecture, same speed and no turbo.
Here is the BIOS info


Version 212
Description BIOS 212 (X401A1)
Update ME firmware

Please check in the BIOS setup for the correct BIOS file name of your Notebook PC. Please refer to FAQ:
BIOS Name of Notebook PC
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- FAQ UX42VS
File Size
2,53 (MBytes) 2013.01.07 update

 

I'm getting ready to add an SSD. Does the motherboard auto detect it?

 

Yes, I use 212 BIOS. Yes, nothing has changed.
Yes, it supports SSD (I've installed SSD and a 4 GB SODIMM right after I bought it).
No, it doesn't support i3, i5 or i7, the motherboard chipset is way too cheap/old for that.
No, it doesn't support combo audio (it's either IN or OUT, switchable in the audio control panel).
Yes, it's a piece of crap. It's not very fast. It's not quiet. But it's 14" and the price is fair.