6024W + Turbo Memory (Robson)

After confirming that there is a spare mini-PCIe slot (under the keyboard) and that the 6x24W is compatible with Turbo Memory, I decided to install the module.

Putting it in was no problem although I couldn't find a suitable screw in my collection for fixing the card down, so I borrowed one screw from the wireless card (it would be good if Zepto provided the screws in case they are needed).

The Turbo memory module came with a driver CD with an installer. This appeared to run OK but it still left the device with a yellow exclamation mark. I had seen an option in the BIOS for DFOROM (Robson) support, so I enabled that. Problem not fixed, so it was time to read the Readme.txt on the driver CD. Thats where I discovered:

AHCI mode is needed for Intel's Storage Matrix Manager. Another look in the BIOS revealed that AHCI is disabled by default. However, enabling it causes Vista (or XP) to crash and reboot. This, I deduce is because the operating system loads the wrong storage driver and while the OS can tolerate having many wrong drivers, not being able to read the HDD is terminal. Even safe mode wouldn't work for me.

I have not yet tried using the repair function of the installation CD. But adding a Turbo Memory module is not just plug-and-play unless AHCI is enabled before the operating system is installed.

Has anyone else done the Turbo Memory upgrade?

John

 

Any update, have you managed to crack this yet?

 

The AHCI needs to be enabled during initial install of Windows Vista.
A repair of Vista does not work in solving the reboot occurring when you enable AHCI after Vista has been installed. Only way unfortunately is to re-install Vista from scratch.

 

Thanks for this comforting information. It looks like Vista follows XP in only being able to repair the simple problems.

I'll probably defer the reinstallation for a while. I expect Vista will think that I'm installing it on another computer and refuse to activate.

There is the question of why didn't Zepto enable AHCI by default in the BIOS?

John

PS: This page suggests that it is possible to switch to AHCI after installation by pre-loading the required driver. SiSoftware Sandra indicates that I have the 82801H LPC hub. Which of the available drivers should I install? Can someone with Turbo Memory look in Device Manager and see what is listed under the ATA/ATAPI controllers?

 

We don't enable AHCI because it is disabled by default and we don't touch the BIOS settings before shipping the machines to the customers.

Also the AHCI setting has not been something we have been fully aware of would have such an important role when it came to Intels Turbo Memory, so we just kept AHCI disabled on all machines shipping from us.

Just as you have found out, we didn't find out that AHCI was required until we actually had the modules for building into the machines just a few days ago.

 

Another reason why we don't enable AHCI by default is because it's not supported by Windows XP, and will give XP users alot of problems with not finding the HDD during installation and lead to bluescreens after BIOS updates if you don't know that you have to disable AHCI before you can boot XP.

 

and to add on tofen comment, about 70% of our buyers are still buying without operating system or with Windows XP.

 

My current understanding is that XP can support AHCI, but the drivers are not on the standard installation disk so it's either slipstream a new installation CD with the drivers included or use the F6 to install a driver option.

XP does not currently support Turbo Memory and we are told that there is no plan to add support.

Anyway, I've temporarily removed my Turbo Memory module in order to see if it is causing my hibernation problems in spite of (or because of?) it not functioning.

John

PS: I have just tried hibernation again. The problem still exists so I can't blame the Turbo Memory module.

 

I don't think you will have any problems reinstalling Vista.

I bought a new HD a couple of days ago and reinstalled vista on it. I was able to activate it without any problem.

 

Did you have to remove your wlan card in order to install it?

I was told by a zepto employee on Sweclockers (swedish forum) that it's not possible to have both on 6024W

 

The 6x24W has two mini-PCIe slots. The wireless goes in one and the Turbo Memory can use the other.

I was told by Zepto that the Turbo Memory will work and I see that it is now standard on this 6024W (look at the bottom of the configuration - it's not an option). The real issue is to enable AHCI in the BIOS before installing the operating system. Zepto will need to pre-set that (or attach a note to each computer they send out with Turbo Memory so than anyone who installs their own operating system is forewarned).

John

 

I had another attempt to get Vista and AHCI to work together without having to reinstall Vista. I used the guidance provided by kent1146 to pre-install the right ICH driver before enabling AHCI in the BIOS. That guidance works fine for both Vista and XP (same driver).

I then put the Turbo Memory back in and reinstalled the TM driver. It seems to be working fine but something is still causing Vista to bounce out of hibernation (but never at the first time after startup). The TM means that Vista gets out of hibernation much faster. I haven't yet done any battery life test.

John

 

Actually what you can do to solve the problem is follow the instructions on this page from microsoft:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922976/en-us

It worked for me, to enable it on a 6224W.

There is 1 thing not mentioned on the site, it is best to uninstall the device already found and to reinstall the driver after the modification.

I am not sure if this works in a dual boot with Windows XP because I only have dual boot with Gentoo Linux on it.

 

I have now purchased a Intel Turbo Memory and want to place it inside my 6024w that was delivered without. Drivers and bios are all turned in right. Just the card left. Should I unscrew all screws under the computer? Will I have to bend anything? Please give me a guide.

 

Actually it is not that simple. Just look for the screws with the keyboard symbol near the hole. If the casing is the same as the 6224W there are 3 with only 2 having screws in my case.

1 of them is located unter the protection plate where the memory is sitting, so you first have to remove the memory plate before you can reach the screw. So be carefull not to damage your memory. A nice hint: when you got the screw put the memory plate back so that the memory is safe again.

Then you can turn around the portable and remove the keyboard, as always be carefull... and do not force it.

Then you will se normally the cooling elements and if you have a wireless card the wireless card and 1 empty slot to put the Turbo Memory. Put it in and fix it.

That is it.

But please note again: BE CAREFULL NOT TO DAMAGE ANYTHING ELSE

Sorry that I cannot provide you with pictures.

 

There's a photo of the TM card in place further up this thread. The card goes into the slot at an angle (similar to RAM) and then needs to go flat. You will need a screw to hold it in place (borrow one from the wireless card).

John

 

John,

Now you have had your Turbo memory in for a little while do you think it has been worthwhile? Are your boot times or application launching times any faster?

 

Vista feels a bit faster or, to put it another way, XP now feels slow in comparison to Vista.

There's also a definite boost to battery life because the HDD is able to power down.

John

 

Thanks John
I have a brand new 6224 waiting for me to open up when I get from work in darkest Africa next week. I ordered a ITM card from a different vendor (only 13 pounds!) waiting as well so I'll give it a go.

This thread has been useful, It looks like all I will have to do is install AHCI before I install Vista, right?

 

Sorry for a bit offtopic but is there any other mini-PCIe cards than Wireless and TM?

 

There's a TV tuner card but it is only suitable for notebooks with a built-in antenna connector (eg the 6625WD).

I'm not sure about an HSDPA / 3G card, but it would also need hardware support for a SIM card.

John

 

thanks, all try googling some more, last time i just found turbo memory and wireless