Replacing the HDD with a SSD on the m14x r2

Hi all

Firstly, I know that some of this info has probably already been posted scattered around in different threads but it would take ages to look though it all (forum search tool isnt working for some odd reason)

I'm looking at replacing the 1Tb 5400rpm HDD my m14x r2 will come with, with a 256gb Samsung 830 SSD. I would then use the 64gb mSATA drive it comes with as my OS drive and install games etc on the 256gb. I would also carry around a portable hard drive for crap that dosn't fit (music, movies, downloads, backups, etc). My questions are...

1. Is the Samsung 830 the best option out there?
2. Is there any equipment i need to safely store the 1TB HDD?
3. Would there be any way to use the 1TB HDD as portable hard drive which I can connect via usb? My mate told me that this can be done but it may very well be a myth
4. Slightly off-topic but do SSD's need defragmenting like HDD or is it not important for them
5. Is it true that SSD get slower the more they are filled up?
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Also feel free to add what you think of my overall plan in general

+ rep to useful answers - thanks in advance!

 

Let me try to address some of that
1. Samsung 810 and 830 are drives Alienware Recommends
2. I don't fully understand your question
3. Connecting a 1TB Portable drive to the computer via USB 3.0? Sure it will work just fine. WD had some issues with that (check this post out)
4. They don't
5. They will tend to do so, yes. But still a lot faster that a regular drive. Specifically: The Samsung 830 will tend to do so as well, but they recommend you to leave a min of 10% to take advantage of full performance

 

I just replaced my HDD with the Samsung 830. It's a great drive.

1. There are others, but as far as I've read, it seems to be one of the best options. There are plenty of posts concerning it here: Solid State Drives (SSDs) and Flash Storage

2. If you are going to store your 1 TB HDD you can maybe use the box that the Samsung is shipped in; however, you may want to look for one of those anti-static bags that HDDs ship in.

3. You should be able to use the 1TB as an external drive. You will need a USB adapter to connect the drive and a case to enclose the drive.

4. SSDs do not need defragmenting. Check here for info about optimizing your SSD: The SSD Optimization Guide Redesigned - The SSD Review

5. Samsung ships with software to help you manage the drive and the space you need to keep the drive running at its fastest.

 

Hey guys thanks for the replies - great, helpful info. +rep

By 2 I just meant how should I store the 1tb drive if I needed to - the answer seems to be in a static bag which hopefully the Samsung SSD will come with

So in terms of making my 1TB Hd an external drive all I need is an enclosure (is there a standard 1-size-fits-all size or must I find one to match the exact model?) and a USB adapter?

 

is you 1tb hdd samsung m8? in that case you need 2.5" HDD enclosure.

Just an example - Newegg.com - Vantec NexStar TX 2.5" SATA to USB 2.0 External Hard Drive/SSD Enclosure - Model NST-210S2-BK

They also included a video , hope that help you understand about the size of hdd/ssd.

 

Code:

No its a Toshiba MQ01ABD100. I think though it's still 2.5" so will it still fit do u think? Thanks for the help +rep

What about this external enclosure NexStar 3 SuperSpeed?

 

Yea , it will fit since your Toshiba MQ01ABD100 is Slim design with 9.5 mm. The Enclosure you mentioned , it supports 7mm, 9.5mm, 12.5mm HDD/SSD base on their information.

 

more questions - with the samsung 830 SSD will i need to get the one that comes with the internal laptop kit? Also anyone know if the warrenty is worldwide? (If i buy from US)