Asus Zenbook Prime: SSD & RAM Upgrade!

[@straq88]

Just wanted to thank you for this video, and for your continued attention to the questions people have had below. Using your instructions my 18 month old UX32A now absolutely flies. Thanks Austin!

[@cummins50]

Great video. I upgraded the RAM to 10 GB in my UX32A (removed the 2GB stick and replaced with an 8GB one). Under the cover it looks the same as the UX32VD.

[@enoughmoney]

Very professional filming angles when upgrading the RAM and SSD. Short and Clear video demonstrating the process and I like the small little sound effect when the Phillips #00 Screwdriver is presented but the sound effect wasn't present when you presented the Torx T5 screwdriver. I think you need a short intro and outro for your video, preferably within 5 seconds. Overall great video! Thank you for putting the effort in making this video (: Mark

[@SimHarbert]

It is actually possible to replace the drive in a UX32A-DB51. I just put a Samsung 840 250GB in mine and the insides looked almost the same as the UX32VD shown in this video. Thanks for the video!

[@katteng]

Very nice video! I'm about to do the exact same upgrade, haven't had the money for the drive until now but once my drive arrive I'll keep this video as my first hand guide!

[@B-Diddy-6]

great video. your review of the zenbook posted earlier was a deciding factor in me finally deciding on this bad beast. grabbed the mushkin RAM, and went with a 512gb vertex instead of the sammy 256. this video helped! thanks bro!

[@austinwachukwu]

Unfortunately, I have no idea. But...I actually just ordered a UX31A, so when it comes and take it apart for you and have a look.

[@GiorgosKeramidas]

Austin, a billion thanks for this *very* nicely done video! I now have to head off and upgrade the memory to my own Zenbook too!

[@Desert2GardenLV]

I have received mine and it is Excellent. Truth is it needs no upgrades so far as I can tell. Its the best laptop I ever owned. Works wonderful.

[@saberforcegmail]

Nice vid. I followed it and installed on UX32A. Works like a charm now. Just remember to clone the 500G HDD onto the new SSD before installation because some of the start up files were split between the original 24G startup SSD and 500G HDD.

[@joelewis4329]

Thanks! Just upgraded my ux303ln to 250gb ssd with no problems thanks to your tutorial.

[@calexander230]

I like that you paid attention to match the RAM to the Bus latency.

[@GTHCgthcGTHC]

Thanks for the update. I've been looking for a solution for the better half of the week, still no luck. Looking forward to your updates and I will leave a comment if I discover a solution elsewhere.

[@TheKennedDK]

Thx for the guide ! Just upgraded mine ! with Samsung 840 - 250 GB SSD - and Corsair Cl 11 - 1600 mhz - 8 gb ram :) works like a charm...

[@nevarran]

Had to open a friends Asus without leaving a trace in case it causes some warranty issues in the future. Helpful vid, mate, thanks.

[@saberforcegmail]

My UX32A originally had a quick start up ssd (24G) and an ordinary Hard disk (500G). Both were preloaded by Asus. Since I was replacing the 500G hard disk, it was necessary to clone all the files (hidden and viewable) from the 500G disk onto the new SSD (250G). I did this with Macrium Reflect (free trial 1 month) which allows you to clone from larger Hard disk to smaller SSD. Ensure your SSD is the right size ie. 7 mm (eg. Samsung and Crucial). Then install according to Austin's video

[@1337sim1]

Hi! This video is awesome! I just bought a UX32VD instead of a UX31A to be able to change the SSD in the future! I think you should mention in your video or in the comments that a 7mm SSD (height) is required to make the modification or else you will need to modify the SSD case, drill holes, etc. to make it fit the Asus Zenbook. I'm pretty sure that the samsung ssd drive you are using is 7 mm in height. :D Thanks!

[@omer260887]

a really great video! can you please tell me how exactly this upgrading will be helpful to me? my computer will run faster? better battery life? why should i do this?

[@austinwachukwu]

If you have a 7mm slot, then yes. The R3007V does have a hard drive slot, so you can upgrade that.

[@austinwachukwu]

Unfortunately, not much can be done to the UX31A. The price for the slimmer profile (in comparison to the 32VD) is the proprietary SSD and memory.

[@basstard013]

Thanks, very helpful. Upgraded UX32A-R3007V to a 840 pro. Windows 7 Home Premium (external DVD). Full SATA3 speeds (500MB / 375MBps). Noice...! Love that little notebook. A nice upgrade from my UL30A.

[@austinwachukwu]

Yeah, I actually edited this video using this computer and Sony Vegas Pro. It renders real-time really well, i.e. the preview screen never really lags (it even lagged on my Alienware, but that didn't have an SSD). Rendering times are decent but not that great, but it definitely gets the job done.

[@austinwachukwu]

Sorry to get back to you so late; yes, the UX32A is also upgradable.

[@austinwachukwu]

That was because they had a standard size SSD. You'll need the slimmer 7mm drives which are more common nowadays. The Samsung 830 is 7mm thick.

[@conman607]

A real machine! The new model is not upgradable unfortunately, should I get the ux31 or the newer model?

[@712higuy]

hey, great video! i was wondering if you have done any gaming on this machine with the ssd and upgraded ram, if so how does it do?

[@petertruong83]

Looking forward to upgrading both Rams & memory. Thanks for the instruction bro!

[@takis88]

Great video, short yet informative. A couple of questions: a. What is the RAM windows index after the upgrade? b. Could you run the following tests and provide numbers (chrome preferably)? It will take only a few minutes - Pcmark 7 - Sunspider - Peacekeeper futuremark - Google Octane (octane-benchmark) c) Do cooling fans start and stop in short cycles when running tasks, even small ones? Thanks!

[@austinwachukwu]

Sorry, I'm looking into the issue. I'll leave updates when I get some progress.

[@austinwachukwu]

Mine is 7mm thin. Either one is good, just compare speed vs price for both and make sure they're 7mm.

[@austinwachukwu]

2.5". The height should be 7mm. I've updated the links to include the newer and cheaper 840 Series.

[@jerryreal3930]

Can I use a evo 860

[@JuanAlvarez-mw8sw]

Great vid. I'm new to this ultra books and I've notice there are no CD/DVD drives. So, if you have a bunch of old apps on disk how do you load them?

[@MNusinov]

Thanks again. Two last bits: - what are your WEI (all five) now, and, if you took a note, what were they before the upgrade? - do you have this annoying problem of the left USB port constantly disconnecting and rediscovering USB3 device? Thanks!

[@luiscanamarvega]

can you do a follow-up vid showing how it performs with these upgrades? pleeease :)

[@luiscanamarvega]

hey man, where can i find instructions on how to transfer all the data and OS from the hybrid drive to the SSD? ill be doing the upgrade soon :)

[@maxmmv]

Very helpful video. Thanks! Is the 24GB (or 32GB?) SSD cache still uable after the Samsung SSD was installed? Any particular steps needed?

[@cfriedman2000]

Austin great video;need more info or link for the mushkin ram and I need to replace the battery any safety points on the speaker that looks to be attached; also any isues with the ssd or additional tips on preparing the upgrade

[@gertwallen]

Hi, thanks for the review and upgrade instructions. Aren't characters too small for a 13.3 in screen at full resolution? Also, can you disable the Nvidia and just use the Intel graphics? Will that save battery life? Have you tested the built in Wifi network card, good signal strength? Lastly, I read that the touchpad is easily touched when typing, can it be disabled and use an external mouse instead? Thanks

[@PinoyAko4ever]

How much did you save by doing this? What was the breakdown of the cost of this zenbook model + new components vs. the comparable zenbook model after the upgrade? Thanks for the vid

[@austinwachukwu]

No, it only works on the UX32 models....the 31s have soldered hard drives and proprietary RAM.

[@austinwachukwu]

You can't install Windows 7 using the ISO file itself, or by simply copying the ISO file to a USB flash drive. You need to use the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool or other tool from another software provider.

[@alex-ashka]

Hey Austin, thanks for video. How much increased battery life in active use. Web surfing via WiFi?

[@graceinlunicy]

Thanks for the video! Super helpful. I just ordered a zenbook & want to upgrade the RAM & SSD. I'm trying to buy the Samsung SSD you recommended, but I don't know much about computers. I should buy a 2.5 inch, right? Is the Samsung 840 just as compatible as the 830? Thanks.

[@mrmalonson]

Great vid Austin, what about cloning the original drive to the SSD? What would you recommend?

[@Rowrin]

The small SSD is not for booting, it is used as a cache for the actual hard disk drive and for fast recovery from sleep/hibernate.

[@RichardKrumm]

Austin, Great Video!! We use the UX31 and I'm assuming it is the same procedure to replace the hard drive. Have you had or heard of anyone having problems with the keyboard connector? We have 2 Ultrabooks that some of the keys will stop working because the connector to the motherboard gets loose. Thanks!! -Rich

[@mryanmay]

Any chance you could run geekbench on it or maybe even something like pcmark? The video was great. I am on the edge of taking my UX31A back and getting the UX32, but I was hoping to see some numbers before I do that. Thanks again for posting the video!

[@jasonkinneytutoring]

If you are doing a clean install, doe ASUS provide all the drivers for the hardware on thier website? I have heard they are not as thorough in that regard as they are in the desktop/motherboard department.

[@MrBenutzrname]

after you changed the HDD for a SDD you of course had to reinstall Windows do you really have to download and install the the drivers (for e.g. the touchpad) one by one from the asus website or is there an easier way also: is it possible, if you transfer all your data with a program like acronis, that you can just go on using your current installation?

[@kiltedcoyot3]

hi nice video. Why do you say you cant upgrade the ux32a? I'm sure you could upgrade the hdd slot.

[@villeholopainen1354]

Great for light games like Starcraft II, diablo 3. Heavier games like Guild Wars 2 and Borderlands 2 work too, but with lowered graphics (still enjoyable)

[@5iveize]

I'm planning to buy this machine for video editing. Specifically, Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Does those programs runs smoothly in this machine? And can I attach a large external monitor with it?

[@umedkhudoiberdiev7589]

very nice review! Don:t you know is there any upgradable zenbook model without discrete video card?

[@T4hKiserSose]

I have the UX32VD which came with 6GB of ram and a 500GB HD ...so my question to you is are all 32VD versions upgradable?? even with it having this amount of ram onboard?? is there a max with this motherboard ?? is the UX52VS upgradable even though some versions show 10gb ram...might upgrade to that :) Great Video!

[@austinwachukwu]

Yeah, I suppose you could burn the DVD/CDs as ISO files then put them on an external HDD and load them up. Or just get a cheap USB DVD drive for around 20 bucks.

[@AntonioCgoogleplus]

Nice tutorial! I will follow it in order to upgrade my ram. I would like to hear your opinion on this model of RAM: Kingston KVR16S11/8 8GB 1600MHz CL11 DDR3 ValueRAM Memory Kit Do you think it will fits my Asus Zenbook UX32VD? Cheers!

[@austinwachukwu]

Well, all you would need to do is make a bootable disk by visiting Microsoft's website. You would also need to install Asus drivers which can be found on there website.

[@gabriel-gd9ym]

Does it also work for the Asus Zenbook UX32A?

[@MrCliffP]

Hello Austin :-) Thank u for your video. Could u tell me pls whether those upgrades u've done affect WiDi function of laptop ? Thank u.

[@austinwachukwu]

I'm not sure about 16GB, I haven't tested it or anything, but the max is 10GB if you put in an 8GB stick.

[@rhythmcaster2018]

Thanks, for the video. I look forward to purchase this UX32VD. Do you recommend for another, or next model released form Asus PS. I'm still using Asus's product and I think it reliable.

[@tuttlen]

Found one of these laying on the side of the road, all smashed up. Screen broke. But I think it is still alive. FREE LAPTOP :D. Need to hook it to a screen is the HDMI micro or mini?

[@austinwachukwu]

Umm, if you download the Nvidia drivers you should be fine. You can specify which programs to run with the integrated graphics and which ones to run with the GPU. Also, 10GB is the best config you can have period. Lastly, I personally don't really like Windows 8, but I'm sure it will work just fine. However, if you do install it on the SSD, you'll probably boot up in around 5 seconds.

[@mikhailnusinov573]

First of all, thanx a bunch for a great and very clear tutorial. Couple of questions: - I've read that in order to get NVidia and Intel GMA 4000 to work together, ASUS had to develop some proprietary drivers, which you can't download anywhere except ASUS itself or its update program. Was it your experience? - By installing 8 Gb instead of 2, you indeed move from dual-channel to single channel memory. Where does this matter most? - Did you try installing Win8 on it? Will it work fine? Thanks!

[@gregmatas7476]

Hello, I was thinking of getting the UX31A-DH71, it looks identical to your laptop. Do you know if the hard drive can be upgraded with this model? Thanks,

[@graceinlunicy]

Thank you! Sorry to bother you again, but I got the Samsung 840, 250GB. Something my brother said about the zenbook makes me think it might not work. Are they compatible?

[@sylwestergk2075]

Coool. I think I'm going to do the same thing with my new Zenbook. Thanks for the video!

[@austinwachukwu]

Yes. The laptop came with 4gb of ram, one 2gb stick and 2gb built in. When I replaced the 2gb stick with the 8gb stick it became => 8gb stick + 2gb onboard = 10gb total.

[@80lives]

Hey! thanks for this video. Let me ask you, once you installed the SSD, how did you go about reinstalling windows. Where did you get all the right drivers? Did you use an optical drive? thanks!

[@fruguite]

Is it possible to change the HDD for a mSATA SSD, maybe with a little modding to secure the mSATA SSD in place but will the connector fits and everything?

[@austinwachukwu]

Yes, as long as it is 7mm thin.

[@pr0iphone]

I have got a question : once you've upgrade the hard drive to the ssd , how to you deal with windows ? Do you have to reinstall windows on the ssd ? or Am I wrong thinking that windows is installed on the HDD/SSD an infact it's install on the motherboard ?

[@austinwachukwu]

I believe the 24GB On-board SSD becomes negligible after the installation, meaning you won't use it or be able to access the storage...but the Samsung SSD is faster anyways. As for Windows 8, just look up how to transfer the installation to a flash drive.

[@edschaub]

how does one go about cloning? Were the steps in this video the same for the UX32A? Thank you.

[@TimDwg]

Austin, great video. I have a UX31 (warranty expired) and need to replace the msata SSD because it's the crappy U100 that's stuttering and showing performance issues. I've looked into disassembling my UX31 which is very similar to the UX32 you show here. Do you think I would be able to put any msata SSD in my UX31? The port connector looks the same on it as any msata drive on NewEgg but I'm not sure how to secure it since none of retail drives are long with the screw hole at the end. Ideas?

[@austinwachukwu]

I do not believe so. However, you can able to buy a casing for an mSATA that connects to SATA. Just look up mSATA to SATA converter.

[@maximellon5546]

Austin, can you tell as how to clean the fan on zenbook? Thank you!

[@nepoxx]

How did you do it? I will have to do this very soon and I can't seem to find any information on how to re-install windows. I have a Windows 8 64bit pro version disc laying around, but I don't think it'll work since its a different version...

[@sleepup7931]

how long did you get from the battery since you upgrade it, compared to the hdd?. thanks

[@emkings235363]

After you replace the hard drive how do you install windows on to it along with everything else that was on the old hard drive ?

[@elfego1957]

Thank you for creating GREAT videos like this one and some of the other ones I checked out. Finally something a non-techie like me can understand! I saw your reply from 4 days ago that the upgrade can NOT be done to the UX31A. So what option do you suggest, is there something else similar? When I bought it last week they said the memory could be upgraded. I'm already maxed out with my music (39GB) and just SOME of my documents. I don't want to go to having to put in an SD card every time. HELP

[@drunkonfanta5514]

Can the UX32A be upgraded? I'm not looking for a SSD (yet), but a RAM upgrade would be nice

[@Charonic]

Is there some criteria as to which SSDs can be used to mod the UX32VD? Dimensions, interface, etc.?

[@casadelnorte]

Austin - I have a client that needs to upgrade his UX31A. Did yours arrive and have you had time to disassemble yet? Any other news on type of mSATA...standard or proprietary? Thanks. Great video.

[@GTHCgthcGTHC]

Hey Austin, thanks for the great video. I've just purchased the DH71, and attempted my to upgrade to a 256GB SSD. Everything fit perfectly, however my boot went to the BIOS. I was under the impression that the OS was on the small SSD that shipped with the laptop, and therefore the new SSD could simply be dropped in. This does not seem to be the case. Any suggestions? Note: This seems to be a popular question in the comment section, I'm sure any reply would be well received.

[@jyoung8888]

Hello Austin, amazing video, very informative! I will be upgrading it with a samsung SSD but which one is better the 830 or 840? And which RAM would you recommend, Corsair or Kingston? Maybe a video of what to do after all the installations would help out many people, including myself. Thanks! :)

[@austinwachukwu]

It doesn't use a standard hard drive slot.

[@rainmain]

Go get a program called 'Deamon Tools'. It creates a virtual drive where you can mount any .ISO file.

[@jjrosaria]

When you change the SSD do you have to clone your previous drive? or does the Hdd only had files and you just boot it up normally after?

[@InThePlayroom]

Great instructions, thank you. Followed it on my UX32A and it was exactly the same too.

[@cajal6]

Did you notice any change in battery life after the upgrade?

[@stormer2710]

Thanks for the video Ausin. Do you know if a 500gb SSD will also work?

[@gertwallen]

The only thing that makes me doubt on this model is the dual core i7. Intel released the quad core/8 thread i7 3630QM CPU. Do you think that ASUS will update the Zenbook Prime with this new CPU? I researched but found nothing. Thanks.

[@austinwachukwu]

a. WEI for RAM: 7.3 b. PCMark 7: 3731, bit(.)ly/RkZqce SunSpider 0.9.1: bit(.)ly/V0vmUB Peacekeeper Futuremark: 895, HTML5 Capabilities 7/7, bit(.)ly/UNEUUn Google Octane: 9655 c. Fans are virtually inaudible.

[@shaanbhambra9538]

Do you know if the UX32A can be upgraded? I have 6GB RAM onboard, and I believe there is an open slot. I have an extra 2GB of RAM that I'd like to add.

[@canoneos5dmarkiisale]

hey dude. Is this the IPS display model? I have checked with a few suppliers and they say that the specification does state it is a 1080P display but it is not a IPS. Can you check for me on the box there should be a white label that states the display. It should say "13.3 FHD SLIM WV / USB 3"

[@subinmO]

Great video. The quality is quite low, but despite everything I give "thumbs up" because I like your performance. Greetings from Poland :)

[@austinwachukwu]

No problem! I'm just glad I could help.

[@kiltedcoyot3]

Does that not depend on the ux32a model? I have the r3007v model, which has a standard 7mm slot I believe, and an i5 3rd gen cpu.

[@austinwachukwu]

You have to download Windows 7 on a USB and make a bootable disk drive...to install it, you have to go into the BIOS and set the bot option to USB instead of the HDD.