Install SSD w/ Existing HDD (17x-R2)

Ave,

I have an Alienware M17x-R2 with two 500GB drives setup in RAID0 to give 1TB of drive space.

I'm interested in adding an SSD to my notebook and install the OS on it and keep the 1TB for storage. Couple of questions ...

i) First of all, is this even possible? Can I install an SSD in my notebook? If yes, what kind of an SSD? SATAII or SATAIII?

ii) Can the SSD be installed alongside the 2 X 500GB drives? Or will I need to break my RAID, remove 1 500GB drive and install the SSD? In other words, can 3 drives be installed in this system or only 2?

iii) If I want a 64GB SSD (for OS) & a 1TB HDD (for Storage) ... how can I do that?

Thanks!!

 

First off, this question has been asked and answered a lot.
You need to do a search to find the relevant information.

Now that is out of the way,

The M17x only has space for 2 hard drives.
If you want 3, you need to remove the cd/dvd drive and put in an modified bay which holds a hard drive.

If you dont want to do that mod then you need to break your raid (back up data first) then remove HDD0 and put in your SSD in that place.

Then install OS to your SSD and put data on HDD1 (your 500gb HD).

If you still want 1TB storage, then you can buy a 1TB 2.5" 12.5mm height drive and it will work in the 2nd HDD bay (HDD1)... it will just be a tight fit.
If you dont want to worry about that, then buy a 750GB 9.5mm 2.5" HDD and it will slip right in.

If you do remove the dvd/cd rom then get the enclosure that will hold a 12.5mm HD and you can pop that right it.

D.

 

First off, Thanks!! This is exactly the information I was looking for. You gave me a very detailed breakup of what I needed to know.

Strictly due to budget reasons, and the fact that I do need my optical drive, I think for now I will break my RAID and install the SSD in my HDD0 slot and leave the 500GB HDD in the HDD1 slot. I'm imagining I will still be able to use the OS Disc that I got from Alienware with my system to install the operating system?

Can I use any SSD? Is there any limits/restriction or specifications I should be looking for? Newegg.Com has tons of SSD's.

Let me ask you a question - this is somewhat unrelated to Alienware, but I have a feeling you may have the answer to this. I'm in the process of building a 3D HTPC based on the Intel Sandy Bridge platform (Just waiting for an ASUS/Gigabyte H67 Motherboard to hit the stores). I was going to buy a 500GB Hard Drive to install in this HTPC. It's mainly for OS & other HTPC related applications - not really for media. Media is stored in an external NAS Enclosure.

Is it possible for me to use & install the 500GB Hard Drive coming out of my Alienware in my HTPC build? Generally PC or HTPC's require the standard SATA Hard Drives ... and the ones in the laptop are generally small in size ... I don't know if it's actually possible to install & use a laptop hard drive in a regular HTPC/PC setup with a regular motherboard, case etc. Or if it's even viable.

If it is possible - this would work perfect. Instead of purchasing the 500GB HDD for my HTPC - I would just get the SSD for my Alienware and use the removed 500GB HDD in my HTPC.

Thanks again for your help!

 

Yes, you can use that OS disk just fine.

Yes, you can use any SSD.
The R2's dont support 6gb/s but the drive will run at the speed your system will support.
I like the samsung 470 (dell oem 810) 256gb or the ocz vertex 2 240gb ones.
Intels are also awesome (except I would stay away from the new 510's since they do not actually use an intel chip despite their high cost)

Yes you can.
You just have to buy a tray/converter.
These typically come with retail SSD purchases.... so if you buy a retail SSD just make sure it comes with the adapter and then use that with your 500gb in your HTPC (save money)



D.

 

Perfect!!! This would be Excellent!!!

Thanks I really do appreciate this.