X5L with Kingspec SSD flash disk - it works!

Konrad · 08-23-2010, 16:57

UPDATE: I had some issues on day 1, but everything turned out nice on day 2.

While visiting China, I managed to buy a Kingspec 64GB SSD disk with an intention to replace the original Toshiba MK3006GAL in my X5L 30GB, it's just not big enough. Luckily I did not spend too much money on the SSD.

The disk needed reformatting from NTFS to FAT32, which was a first small challange: Windows XP enforces NTFS on anything bigger than 32GB. Luckily there are other tools, I used fat32format.

Original firmaware: it boots up OK, I could browse folders and files, and sometimes even play them. But once in a while (like 25% cases) after pressing 'play' button the system hangs: the hourglass icon keeps rotating forever. Only reset helps, but after reset the system sometimes starts up and sometimes says 'HDD error' and needs reformatting. No fun at all.

Rockbox: it almost works. Installed fine, no problem here, playing works, but every now and then while browsing files or menu items it freezes. For a minute or few, but reset was also needed when I tried to change the theme. In other cases it unfroze after a while. The buffer is pretty big, so the music plays OK even while the unit is 'frozen'.

The SSD disk is apparently OK: while connected to the PC everything reads and writes fine (and fast!), all disk error check/format tools say all is OK.

With the SSD mounted the whole unit is lighter, completely quiet, quite likely runs longer on the battery, but after the whole day of experimenting I put back the original Toshiba into it. Because it works. When it breaks or gets 101% full, I may be desperate enough to put the SSD + Rockbox on my X5L.

As the original HD still works fine and I consider the SSD as an 'expensive garbage' now, I'm open to all suggestions what to try on it.

UPDATE: I gave up too early yesterday. After a meeting with Mr Google, I've built my own Rockbox version with a couple of flags changed and now X5L + Rockbox + 64GB SSD runs smoothly and with no problems so far.

So, hurray!, my X5L is no longer HDD-based MP3 player and has 64GB for more music...

Strat · 08-30-2010, 16:22

Cool, but I'm solely interested in having this working with the original firmware. If somebody can, I'll be tempted to try it myself.

Until then,...

WAI · 08-31-2010, 21:10

Rockbox is Rock Solid for the X5. always has been. the unit is far better with it

hovedo · 09-30-2010, 20:50

so what exactly was wrong that u found out on google

Chythar · 11-18-2010, 20:41

I'd also like to know what Rockbox settings you used to fix this issue. I have a Kingspec 128GB SSD in my player with the exact same problems; however, it's an iRiver h340 player. If you can remember anything about the settings or what websites you got the tips from, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm tired of having Rockbox lock up on me randomly.

08-23-2010, 16:57	#1
Konrad Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3	X5L with Kingspec SSD flash disk - it works! UPDATE: I had some issues on day 1, but everything turned out nice on day 2. While visiting China, I managed to buy a Kingspec 64GB SSD disk with an intention to replace the original Toshiba MK3006GAL in my X5L 30GB, it's just not big enough. Luckily I did not spend too much money on the SSD. The disk needed reformatting from NTFS to FAT32, which was a first small challange: Windows XP enforces NTFS on anything bigger than 32GB. Luckily there are other tools, I used fat32format. Original firmaware: it boots up OK, I could browse folders and files, and sometimes even play them. But once in a while (like 25% cases) after pressing 'play' button the system hangs: the hourglass icon keeps rotating forever. Only reset helps, but after reset the system sometimes starts up and sometimes says 'HDD error' and needs reformatting. No fun at all. Rockbox: it almost works. Installed fine, no problem here, playing works, but every now and then while browsing files or menu items it freezes. For a minute or few, but reset was also needed when I tried to change the theme. In other cases it unfroze after a while. The buffer is pretty big, so the music plays OK even while the unit is 'frozen'. The SSD disk is apparently OK: while connected to the PC everything reads and writes fine (and fast!), all disk error check/format tools say all is OK. With the SSD mounted the whole unit is lighter, completely quiet, quite likely runs longer on the battery, but after the whole day of experimenting I put back the original Toshiba into it. Because it works. When it breaks or gets 101% full, I may be desperate enough to put the SSD + Rockbox on my X5L. As the original HD still works fine and I consider the SSD as an 'expensive garbage' now, I'm open to all suggestions what to try on it. UPDATE: I gave up too early yesterday. After a meeting with Mr Google, I've built my own Rockbox version with a couple of flags changed and now X5L + Rockbox + 64GB SSD runs smoothly and with no problems so far. So, hurray!, my X5L is no longer HDD-based MP3 player and has 64GB for more music... Last edited by Konrad; 08-24-2010 at 13:13..

08-31-2010, 21:10	#3
WAI VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: United States, Alabama Posts: 4,842	Rockbox is Rock Solid for the X5. always has been. the unit is far better with it __________________ My Thread D2 Theme/Flash Skin Packs, FAQ, and Tools S9 UCI's, FAQ, and Tools + READ the Disclaimer Notice.Thanks! Link to All COWON Products includes: Firmware/Manuals/logos (Unable to access them without Login) FOLLOW ME! Youtube UStream Twitter

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08-30-2010, 16:22	#2
Strat Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 41	Cool, but I'm solely interested in having this working with the original firmware. If somebody can, I'll be tempted to try it myself. Until then,...

09-30-2010, 20:50	#4
hovedo Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2	so what exactly was wrong that u found out on google

11-18-2010, 20:41	#5
Chythar Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 1	I'd also like to know what Rockbox settings you used to fix this issue. I have a Kingspec 128GB SSD in my player with the exact same problems; however, it's an iRiver h340 player. If you can remember anything about the settings or what websites you got the tips from, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm tired of having Rockbox lock up on me randomly.