A31 Memory / USB Problem

[SaderBiscut]

I'm looking for A31 (just A31, not a -P) memory, and it seems fairly clear that it supports 2x512 (1GB) of PC2100 memory, none the less if someone could confirm this, it would be much appreciated.

If anyone knows if faster memory can be put in it, I'm not really looking to expriment but I've known alot of computers supported more than one speed of memory and I'm wondering if this is the case for the A31 as well.

Also, the USB port on my A31 is shot. It's physically missing the little plastic seperator/pin holder on both ports, and although one port has it's pins still aligned, trying to plug in something to it short-circuts the laptop for five minutes.

Having done this only twice and not really wishing to try my luck anymore, I've stopped, but I'm wondering if it's possible to replace the USB port on it without buying a entirely new motherboard or not.

I am aware of other options such as a PCMIA USB card, but I curious if it's possible to fix this problem on a otherwise great laptop.

[ajkula66]

Your A31 will actually take 2x1GB either PC2100 or 2700 (DDR266 or 333) laptop RAM.

USB ports can't be replaced without swapping the motherboard.

Hope this helps.

[SaderBiscut]

Thanks! Will this actually give it 2GB of memory?

[ajkula66]

Yes, 2GB is recognized in BIOS and can be fully addressed.

[sjthinkpader]

...
Also, the USB port on my A31 is shot. It's physically missing the little plastic seperator/pin holder on both ports, and although one port has it's pins still aligned, trying to plug in something to it short-circuts the laptop for five minutes.

....

This is a modified AMP (now Tyco) 2 port USB connector with a screw tab added. I was able to find this connector at local parts store minus the screw tab and replace them. If the top port is broken, you can clip the 4 contacts in the back so they don't short.

[SaderBiscut]

This?

Also how hard is it to connected/disconnect it from the motherboard, assumably it involves soldering it?

[proaudioguy]

Your A31 will actually take 2x1GB either PC2100 or 2700 (DDR266 or 333) laptop RAM.

USB ports can't be replaced without swapping the motherboard.

Hope this helps.

George, I take it you have never heard of a soldering iron? The Power jack and the USB ports are about the only things I would personally tackle on the board though.

http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/C ... 7103191922

This?

Also how hard is it to connected/disconnect it from the motherboard, assumably it involves soldering it?

If you have soldering experience it would be an easy fix. A small pair of dykes, a solder sucker, and a 25watt iron would do the trick. Make sure you have a bit of fresh rosin core solder. I think 60/40 solder should work because I'm pretty sure these boards are pre ROHS.

[ajkula66]

proaudioguy wrote:

George, I take it you have never heard of a soldering iron?

Of course I have, it's a kitchen utensil, right?

I have also had advices that I've given with the best of intentions explode in my face, so I'm extremely careful on what I advise nowadays...

[sjthinkpader]

The metal shell is actually the hardest to get off. Once the shell is clipped off, the rest comes off pretty easily with solding iron and solder sucker.

Given the weight of the A30/A31, a trip over the USB cable may break this plastic piece instead of moving the computer. This machine is the only one I've seen with quite a few broken USB ports.

[sjthinkpader]

...

If you have soldering experience it would be an easy fix. A small pair of dykes, a solder sucker, and a 25watt iron would do the trick. Make sure you have a bit of fresh rosin core solder. I think 60/40 solder should work because I'm pretty sure these boards are pre ROHS.

The long name is diagonal cutter so the short is diags. Cutters made for copper wire doesn't work since the connector shell is steel.

Yes, I got my soldering training early in life while in college working nights as a technician at TI but it is not that hard for most hobbyists.

[proaudioguy]

...

If you have soldering experience it would be an easy fix. A small pair of dykes, a solder sucker, and a 25watt iron would do the trick. Make sure you have a bit of fresh rosin core solder. I think 60/40 solder should work because I'm pretty sure these boards are pre ROHS.

The long name is diagonal cutter so the short is diags. Cutters made for copper wire doesn't work since the connector shell is steel.

Yes, I got my soldering training early in life while in college working nights as a technician at TI but it is not that hard for most hobbyists.

I would not use the dikes to CUT the tabs off. I would de-solder them then use the dikes to bend them out straight. To each there own though.

http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl ... rch+Images

[Argonaught]

You guys scare the hell outta me

[Shadikku]

USB ports can't be replaced without swapping the motherboard.

In That Case, Buy a PCIMIA USB Card I have one thier worth the investment.

[sjthinkpader]

Yes, get a full dock and keep the PCCard/USB adapter in the back. I do that anyway with my A31p.

[rkawakami]

I was able to find this connector minus the ear locally and replace it.

Halted? Weird Stuff? Or the good 'ole standby, Frys?

[sjthinkpader]

No, Anchor Electronics on Walsh behind NEC and nVidia. Elpida used to be across the street. Much better organized.