Installing SSD in new M14x

Hey guys,

I just bought a Samsung Series 830 128GB SataIII SSD and would like to replace it with the HDD in my brand new M14x.

My question is, once I have replaced the HDD with the SSD, how do I install the OS onto the new drive?

I read that cloning isn't a good option, because the computer may not recognize the SSD properly and therefore the SSD will only read and write at the same level as the original HDD.

1) Is the above true?

2) What other method other than purchasing the OS is there?

I am sorry if this has been answered, but I am a long time Mac user and am new to these forums (and PCs).

Thanks.

 

Just use the key in the sticker underneath your laptop for OS installation.
check this out after installing windows.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...er-install-order-guide-alienware-systems.html

also a word of caution. the a08 bios will only run on sataII speeds. you need to have the a05 to get to sataIII. instabality issues are also very common.

 

Thank you for this. Much appreciated!

 

I have a video of me installing exactly that SSD.

Alienware M14x SSD Install Tutorial - YouTube

Its only the hardware switch part. But I also did the Windows Re-install.

Just hit the boot button and a screen saying "Insert Boot device" will appear. Or at least somewhere it will say that. Then insert the disk and just run the install

 

Thank you for this!

 

I just installed my corsair force gt today, and Im loving it, remember to set the bios to achi if it isnt already, and set trim later. I can confirm sata 3 6bg/s speeds with bios a05 with my drive. getting 555 read 515 write.

 

I bought a SSD that didn't require the sandforce controller because I read that there were some issues with it. Seems like there are a lot of tweaks I have to play with to get it working properly. Luckily, my IT guy can get this going correctly for me, and all of your guys information is great for us to reference.

I may end up giving this one I ordered to my fiance and buy another one once the r2 is released. Gotta wait and see what the specs are first though

 

Here is another vid for the SSD install;

Alienware m14x SSD install guide - YouTube

 

I got it in and it works great. Thanks for all the help/links/howto guys!

 

Remember to do some tweaking to your computer. set achi, trim, remove the page file, or lower it, stop system restore if you want, turn off or reduce shadow storage, turn off hibernation. Doing all of that should save you around 10-15 gigs. Id just set the page file to 1 gb just incase your ram tops out. Oh and if you havent, get a cheap 10 dollar external enclosure for your old hdd to take it an external drive.

 

Where would I go to play with these functions and do "tweaking". Sorry installing a SSD was HUGE for me to do myself, not the biggest techie out there.

 

Guide * Windows 7 Ultimate Tweaks & Utilities *

These are the tweaks you want to do.
SSD Windows 7 Tweaks
Make your SSD Drive Faster
Enable Write Caching
Disable indexing
Disable defragmentation
Turn Off the Disk Defragmenter Schedule
Disable Superfetch
Disable Prefetch
Firefox - Use memory cache instead of disk cache
Disable the Page File
Disable System Restore
Disable Hibernate
TRIM Commands
TRIM Utility Script

If you run out of memory, like during a game, (happened to me) just make page file a gigabyte.

Shadow Storage- Reduce to like a 1gb.
How to Reduce Shadow Copy on Windows Vista - wikiHow

With a 128 gb ssd, probably around 115gb usable, I know you'd want the most space saving features. With windows, my files, music, pics, vids, etc, and bf3 installed, and a lot of programs, I only use 50 gigs after the tweaks.

 

This is awesome. Thanks for the information. I will start this asap.

 

So do you install the Intel RST software with the SSD?? Iv read many threads , some say install the IRST , some say dont.

 

Do not install Intel RST, Same laptop, same HDD. Running at SATA 3. Stable.
Thanks.

I have an installation video of my SSD if you want. Some pic's too.

Thanks. Ask questions anytime. Samsung SSd's are from what I understand the most stable.


BTW, do NOT clone. Bad idea. Cloning from a mechanical to an SDD is bound to mess you up. Do what I did. Fresh install using the reinstallation disk provided.

 

Hey guys, I would just like to clarify. I have an M14x and wanted to put an SSD in there, I have to pick between an SSD and the 750gb I have in there right? I can't have 2 drives in there? Thanks in advance.

 

if you take out the dvd drive you can. thats what i did.

 

oh cool! I'm not much of a hardware buff, is it a hard job to do? thanks.

 

also would the OCZ Technology VTX4-25SAT3-128G work? I have the m14x from late last year, the lower end i7 2630 I think.

 

you just need something like this to put the hard drive in and then it replaces your dvd drive, there should be some guides on you tube how to do it.

9.5mm SATA TO SATA 2ND HDD HARD DRIVE caddy for Sony ASUS ACER HP Dell Benq | eBay

 

thanks for the help man, I found a few videos that show how to do it, I should be fine. One last thing, any particular model you suggest? OCZ Vertex 4 is out, will it work with M14x? thanks again, really appreciate it.

 

Hi All -

Great thread. I'm a little new to this, and I just wanted to ask a 'simple' (ie: n00b) question...

Will any SSD drive work to put in after purchase? I thought I read that the previous 14x had issues...

I can't justify a 512GB SSD from Dell.... I just want a simple 128GB, but want to make sure that if I buy the 14xr2, I can put an after market in.

Thanks for humoring the n00b question.

 

Yes , but you need to install OS into your SSD , alienware respawn is the best way to install , try this topic. http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m14x/576703-alien-respawn-factory-image-transfer-ssd.html

 

Thanks, iPhantomHives -

The whole HDD setup on these laptops confuses me... One option is 7200 + 32GB SSD, another is 7200 + 64GB mSata.... Is the 64GB not a SSD?

Just trying to figure out best solution... Seems silly to spend $$$$$ on a Dell SSD when you can pick up a Crucial or Intel 128GB for around $130 USD.

Does putting this in void the warranty?

 

64/32GB both are (mini)mSATA , they are running SATA ll , they are a bit slower than regular 2.5" SSDs.

Yes you can pick up own ssd , it won't void the warranty.

Personally , I think mSATA is kinda waste , if as OS , its kinda slow... As storage...it can't store much.....unless you think 64gb is good for you to store your songs/photos/etc.

I'd say , just go for 256GB SSD , you could find some discount good price SSD here. http://forum.notebookreview.com/notebook-tech-bargains/

 

last week I installed a samsung 830 256GB unfortunately with BIOS A8 because I got the new GF116 GT555 card with the last motherboard replacement which requires it (Sata 2 speeds).
I used the Alienware Windows 7 DVD that came with the laptop and it didn't require a product key at all. System 100% stable from the install. For SSD optimisation I followed this guide: The SSD Optimization Guide - The SSD Review and for Alienware Look and feel this guide: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...ook-feel-after-clean-install-windows-7-a.html and to learn how to open/work/close your M14x watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXGkRKrjv70

 

so can I buy the OCZ Vertex 4? is it compatible?

 

Hi, after setting the bios to ahci, wouldn't that automatically have TRIM set? I'm still confused on how to make TRIM active. Thanks.