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    Simply Question M14x R2

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by fu19900514, Feb 10, 2013.

  1. fu19900514

    fu19900514 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just received my M14x and created recovery image on USB. Now I want to reformat with clean install... question is, should I reformat recovery drive too or no I should keep it there.
     
    fu19900514, Feb 10, 2013
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  2. fu19900514

    fu19900514 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Because the recovery is taking 20GB on my SSD
     
    fu19900514, Feb 11, 2013
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  3. Alienware-Karen_M

    Alienware-Karen_M Company Representative

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    Yes, to complete a clean installation of windows you will need to delete all the partitions including the recovery one, I would also recommend you use the msata SSD as a caching device instead.

    How to Enable Caching on mSata SSD for Alienware Laptops?
     
    Alienware-Karen_M, Feb 12, 2013
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  4. rfielder

    rfielder Notebook Consultant

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    Given the (relative) good prices on larger mSATA drives, would one not be better using an mSATA drive as the boot drive?
     
    rfielder, Feb 14, 2013
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  5. Mastaa

    Mastaa Notebook Consultant

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    Given enough capacity, I'd tend to do this, yeah :thumbsup:

    Unless you already have a "big" SSD in your slot, then choose it as your bootdrive :)
     
    Mastaa, Feb 14, 2013
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  6. Alienware-Luis_Pardo

    Alienware-Luis_Pardo Guest

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    There's a few things to consider here:

    - Price --> I believe prices are very similar, on a quick search I actually found some 256gb SSDs to be a bit cheaper than same size mSATAs.
    - Installation --> Installing an mSATA is not an easy task, it may get a bit complicated as you have to teardown most of the laptop to get to the mSATA slot.
    - Storage --> It all comes to this, will you need lots of space for data backup? If so, mSATA is the way to go as you'll have 2 other SATA ports.

    Regardless of the option you choose you'll certainly notice the difference when upgrading from a regular HDD.
     
    Alienware-Luis_Pardo, Feb 15, 2013
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  7. Descalzo

    Descalzo Notebook Evangelist

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    You can have the OS installed to the mSATA, even if it's only a 32GB one. It involves redirecting your Users and Program Files directories, but it's totally worth it if you can't afford a new SSD.
     
    Descalzo, Feb 15, 2013
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  8. Quix Omega

    Quix Omega Notebook Evangelist

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    I have a 256GB msata SSD in mine, but I wouldn't recommend installing the OS on a drive smaller than 64GB. Frankly, it's a lot of work and fairly difficult to set up windows on a smaller drive. If you have a small one, caching is the best usage of it.

    It's pretty easy to change the msata SSD if you want to, all you need to do is remove the bottom plate and the battery.

    Dell has a guide here:
    How to remove the mSATA SDD in the Alienware M14x R2? | Dell
     
    Quix Omega, Feb 16, 2013
    #8