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Maxing out my Netbook

C

Cataulin

[H]ard|Gawd
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Joined
Nov 22, 2010
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1,132
So I have a Asus eeepc 1005HA that I've been using everyday for the past year. Im starting to slowly get into overclocking it some but it dosent seem to be helping at all. I'm currently using GMAbooster and setFSB to push it some but what is the right way to do this. I want preformance to be nearly maxed on this thing.

Tips and advice would be much appreciated.
 
Its already maxed out a 2 gigs of ram.

I'd love to put a SSD in but Im holding back still till they come down some more. I currently have WD Blue in right now. Would I really see a difference if I put one in? I was thinking of going the Hybrid drive route since its cheaper and seems to give the best of both worlds.

your thoughts?
 
TTT:

Also if I am using my SD Card slot for ready boost purposes(4gb) can I turn off my page file and or will even doing this provide me with any improvement?
 
Sooo - you have a crappy laptop and want to make it a little less crappy? SSD and more RAM. All you can do.
 
Cataulin said:
TTT:

Also if I am using my SD Card slot for ready boost purposes(4gb) can I turn off my page file and or will even doing this provide me with any improvement?
Click to expand...

You're not going to see much of a performance boost using RB if you already have 2GB RAM. Like others said, it's pretty much SSD or bust.
 
It is a clean legit install of Windows 7 pro. 2gb of ram with 4gb readyboost(it seems to help a little). I am using setfsb and gmabooster to overclock it.
 
They only upgrade you can do at this point is an SSD.

A hybrid drive will help some, but it's more limited.

How much of your HDD are you actually, regularly (more then once a month) using? Honestly.

Most people can easily get by with a 120gb SSD, which can be had for less then $100 if you watch the Hot deals forum.

As for how much difference it will make. . .

The slowest part of any computer is the storage device. Even with an SSD, the SSD is STILL usually the slowest part of the system.

A SSD is approximately 100 times faster then a HDD.

That's the slowest part of your computer suddenly being ~100 times faster (or more).

It's extremely noticeable.
 
I use my HDD pretty good. I watch alot of videos with it. my current 320gb drive is full on my D: where I store all of my videos and movies. I do have an external that I could probably get away with as using for more storage or I could buy a external drive case.......I guess SSD drive it is. I just wish they would come down a little more in price....How are Sandisk compared to Crucial drives?
 
Crucial are faster (well, the M4 that's been in the hotdeals section), but considering you're putting it on a netbook, you really are unlikely to notice a difference between an M4 and the Sandisk Ultra, and the Ultra is more durable for read/writes (at least that's my understanding).

Honestly, either would be fine. And I would seriously look at how often you watch all your movies. I have a 120gb SSD and a 750gb HDD in my MBP, but I really, actually, rarely watch most of the movies. Rarely enough I could pretty easily offload most of them and never miss them.

But I would cry if I lost the SSD speed.
 
Im constantly downloading new videos and what not and then move them to my external. but I have a large backlog since Ihave kids and a job. Im going to get a secondary external case but I will definitely go the SSD drive route. More than like the Sandisk as its a bit cheaper.
 
Well I recommend an Intel SSD, a bit more expensive than others. Intel has the best up time than most other SSD, since this is fairly new technology on the market, it'd best go with the best.

Part of your problem is Windows 7 Pro. Originally they loaded the Win 7 starter version, which is much faster due to some of the overhead and unneeded program features was removed. Since your using the N270 Atom processor it is not as robust as the newer Atom processors. You’re stuck with 32bit OS so my suggestion is to load Win 7 starter or home basic, another version would work is Win XP Home.

SSD speeds are directly related to your other hardware like processor, chipset and ram. Slightly faster SSD from another would pointless since the Netbook hardware limits your SSD speed. Now that said, if you’re looking for better long term performance choose Intel.

Asus eeepc are in my opinion is the best product out there.
 
I have a 1015pn (Dual core Atom/Ion) and dropping in a SSD made a big difference. Almost doesn't feel like a netbook other than the screen.
 
Cataulin said:
Its already maxed out a 2 gigs of ram.

I'd love to put a SSD in but Im holding back still till they come down some more. I currently have WD Blue in right now. Would I really see a difference if I put one in? I was thinking of going the Hybrid drive route since its cheaper and seems to give the best of both worlds.

your thoughts?
Click to expand...

Not with an Atom processor you won't, not to mention those craptastic chipsets will max out at SATA-I speeds, even if they are SATA-II spec.

Used a SSD in my netbook with an Atom 330 dual-core, and found that the CPU was actually bottlenecking the SSD. Switched back to a 500GB HDD and saw absolutely zero difference.

Stuck the SSD into my desktop and it, unsurprisingly, performed leagues faster.

Short answer: no, stick with a HDD.
Long answer: you should only get it if you have money to burn or can use it in a future system, as it will do nothing for a netbook.


I have a 1015pn (Dual core Atom/Ion) and dropping in a SSD made a big difference. Almost doesn't feel like a netbook other than the screen.
Click to expand...
Your HDD must have been complete crap for a SSD in that system to make any bit of difference.
I'm not saying you didn't see a difference as I'm sure you did, but Atom processors, dual or single-core are a horrid bottleneck and NVIDIA's ION, aka 730i chipset, is practically garbage when looking for performance.
 
Red Falcon said:
Your HDD must have been complete crap for a SSD in that system to make any bit of difference.
I'm not saying you didn't see a difference as I'm sure you did, but Atom processors, dual or single-core are a horrid bottleneck and NVIDIA's ION, aka 730i chipset, is practically garbage when looking for performance.
Click to expand...

Intel 80GB G2. It went from booting in 2 minutes with the 5400 rpm drive to 25 seconds. I didn't spend a lot of money on the SSD (I had it lying around). But it makes a noticeable difference. I don't see why a cheap SSD wouldn't benefit the OP. I wouldn't pay money for a SATA 3 drive to put in there, but if you get a deal on an Intel G2, I see no reason not to use it.

I didn't buy a netbook to be a powerhouse. I got it because it was cheap ($150 or so on eBay for the dual core/ion) compared to the X220 I had. I agree that the Atom is the weakest link, but the trade off is battery life. I get 8-10 hours of usage.
 
Red Falcon said:
Short answer: no, stick with a HDD.
Long answer: you should only get it if you have money to burn or can use it in a future system, as it will do nothing for a netbook.
Click to expand...


I could still use the SSD Drive for my Desktop in the future. also I may be getting the wife a new notebook this summer. I could always throw it in there. I may also just browse the FS/FT and just look for a bargin.

schizrade said:
How about put that $$$ into a faster machine?
Click to expand...

Already saving for that.


So I guess my next question really is should I really use starter? Can I use home/home premium. I remember running ultimate and having a way easier time with my netbook. Is enterprise that much of a drain on my netbook? The only reason why Im using 7 Enterprise is because I have it for free from school It was my only choice. that or windows xp.......
 
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Cataulin said:
I could still use the SSD Drive for my Desktop in the future. also I may be getting the wife a new notebook this summer. I could always throw it in there. I may also just browse the FS/FT and just look for a bargin.



Already saving for that.


So I guess my next question really is should I really use starter? Can I use home/home premium. I remember running ultimate and having a way easier time with my netbook. Is enterprise that much of a drain on my netbook? The only reason why Im using 7 Enterprise is because I have it for free from school It was my only choice. that or windows xp.......
Click to expand...

I wouldn't worry too much about Enterprise vs. other versions of Win 7 (other than starter). I use Professional 32-bit on mine and it works fine.
 
I could still use the SSD Drive for my Desktop in the future. also I may be getting the wife a new notebook this summer. I could always throw it in there. I may also just browse the FS/FT and just look for a bargin.
Click to expand...
That's probably your best bet for now, at least for short-term future proofing.

As for the OS, if your netbook supports it, go with 64-bit. There is little to no reason to stick with 32-bit, even if you only have 2GB of memory. At least you would be able to use that OS key with another system in the future as well.
 
Red Falcon said:
That's probably your best bet for now, at least for short-term future proofing.

As for the OS, if your netbook supports it, go with 64-bit.
Click to expand...

Honestly I can only use 32 on my netbook. Mine is a generation or two behind the dual core series. I've got a two keys for x64 as well thanks to the wife going to school too.

kirbyrj said:
I wouldn't worry too much about Enterprise vs. other versions of Win 7 (other than starter). I use Professional 32-bit on mine and it works fine.
Click to expand...

Damn I got home from work and it turns out Im using Pro 7 as well.......Honestly I remember having a better time with Ultimate when it came to HD video. Maybe Im just remembering things wrong.
 
I know for some netbooks there are scaled down versions of whatever OS you want. That made my older eeePC 900A run 10x better than any hardware mod. It was a barebones XP and it ran pretty fast even with the slow as hell stock SSD.
 
ItsVictorB said:
I know for some netbooks there are scaled down versions of whatever OS you want. That made my older eeePC 900A run 10x better than any hardware mod. It was a barebones XP and it ran pretty fast even with the slow as hell stock SSD.
Click to expand...

One can also just uninstall features from said OS to slim things down, just fyi.
 
Red Falcon said:
One can also just uninstall features from said OS to slim things down, just fyi.
Click to expand...

I've already uninstalled pretty much all features.


Anywho,

I forgot I have access to the entire library of Microsoft stuff. I've also picked up a second 1005HA for the sweet deal of 30 dollars. Just needs a new power jack. Im going to install Windows 7 Embedded and see if the results are any better. I am still looking for a SSD but I've had to hold off due to issues with the kids. Once I have time I'll post a pic of the twins.
 
Alright guys, I've hit a snag. I've got a issue installing a SSD. I keep getting "Windows setup cannot install windows on this hardware". I've already tried installing the ahci driver from the asus site when installing win 7 pro. Its a OCZ Vertex Plus. Any help?
 
Cataulin said:
Alright guys, I've hit a snag. I've got a issue installing a SSD. I keep getting "Windows setup cannot install windows on this hardware". I've already tried installing the ahci driver from the asus site when installing win 7 pro. Its a OCZ Vertex Plus. Any help?
Click to expand...

32-bit or 64-bit? IIRC, you can only install 32-bit on a netbook.
 
kirbyrj said:
32-bit or 64-bit? IIRC, you can only install 32-bit on a netbook.
Click to expand...

FYI, only the early netbooks were 32bit. N270 was the only popular 32bit atom (which, unfortunately, the1005HA has), and that was waay back in 2008.
 
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Its definitely x86. In fact that's the only install option I have. I've read up on this thru the microsoft site but it just tells me to install Intel Rapid Storage Tech. But that seems like general advice. Anyone else had this problem? The firmware of the SSD is 3.2.
 
You shouldn't need a special driver to install. Win7 has a built in AHCI driver that will work with the older Intel chipsets in AHCI mode. Is it detecting the drive in Bios?
 
Yes it is. Which is why Im clueless to whats causing this issue. Especially since Im using a SP1 install and its supposed to be fixed according to MS.
 
I've hit that problem before and I had to take the drive out and format it in a differnet PC then put it back into the laptop. Windows would then install just fine.
 
dan87 said:
I've hit that problem before and I had to take the drive out and format it in a differnet PC then put it back into the laptop. Windows would then install just fine.
Click to expand...

I would give that a try.

I've had, and seen, issues with Vertex Plus's and the factory format being wonky. It's unusual, but I've seen it twice, and a plug-into-another-machine-and-format worked for both.

/shrug.
 
I had 2 Atom netbooks before I finally got an 11" core i5 tablet with an SSD.

You're just wasting your life on those Atoms :(
 
plunger said:
I had 2 Atom netbooks before I finally got an 11" core i5 tablet with an SSD.

You're just wasting your life on those Atoms :(
Click to expand...

But the price is so much more expensive. I got my dual core N570 atom with Ion2 for $150 shipped on ebay. I don't think you could get an i5 11" for anywhere near $300 let alone $150. You're right though. The performance on the i5 is going to run circles around the Atom.
 
plunger said:
I had 2 Atom netbooks before I finally got an 11" core i5 tablet with an SSD.

You're just wasting your life on those Atoms :(
Click to expand...


that would be nice but theres a reason I buy second hand stuff. 2 kids a car and a wife I support. I'd like to buy a i3 or i5 laptop but I just can fit it into the books.
 
@plunger
I got a netbook because i couldn't justify the cost of a laptop, and the compromises on comfort. When you're doing serious work, you're usually at a desk, when you're on the road, you're only doing minor adjustments.

If you buy a laptop powerful enough to replace a desktop, it's expensive, heavy, and uncomfortable to use. From my experience with our half dozen laptops, to get a comfortable arm posture, the laptop has to be at arm level, but doing that means your head is looking down for eight hours. Raise the screen to eye level, and you're inviting carpal tunnel. That's why i'm not a fan of laptops.

I did recognize the need to have something to program on while in traffic. But the laptops we had we're too big to use in a cramped bus, and i can certainly feel the weight on my shoulders.

When it came out, the $200.00 netbook wasn't particularly fast, but it ran all my windows applications fine (Honestly, programming is just text editing 99% of the time). And syncing the files between it and the desktop was easy enough. It was small enough that it weighs practically nothing, battery lasts more than long enough for a two hour traffic.

It literally was a replacement for my notebook. Seriously, i was programming with a notebook and a mechanical pencil at the time. In my mind, Netbook = Desktop Accessory. It never occured to me to consider it as a primary PC, maybe that's why i was one of the apparent few that wasn't disappointed, because i recognized it for what it is?

So i have a Crysis rig at home (I name my rigs after the games they were built for), and a lightweight netbook when i go out. And the two of them together costs less than half of a desktop replacement.
 
All I do is email, IM and websurf on my 11" i5 slate. Was doing the same thing with the netbooks but it was still too weak and slow for doing that and I hated it everyday. Web videos would be slow if they worked at all. Webpages of today are resource hogs.

But if you can swing a netbook, go for it.
 
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