M17x R3 Upgrades

Hello forum,
This is my first post, so please be easy with my lack of knowledge in terms of computers.

Recently, I've ordered the M17x R3 3D, with all the basic features as I had been planning to upgrade them myself (thanks to Joebarchuck's videos).

My original plan was 16 GB RAM with the Kingston HyperX at 4 x 4 GB, as well as a 60 GB Vertex II SSD for my OS.

However, I have now decided to instead get an Intel 510 120 GB as they seem much more reliable, and I realized that 16 GB RAM is slight overkill for simply games, so I will instead be getting 8 GB.

Here are my questions, is the Intel 510 worth the high price tag?
When I get the SSD, how can I go about installing it, I want to keep the 320GB Hard Drive the M17x comes with and use that as my second hard drive, so can I simply open up the laptop, put the SSD in the Hard Drive Slot 0, and put the 320 GB in the Hard Drive Slot 1 then go for a fresh install, or is it necessary to first wipe the 320 GB hard drive, then take it out and proceed from there.

As for the 8 GB RAM, is there any difference in doing a 4 x 2GB configuration and a 2 x 4GB configuration?

Also, on the topic of RAM, since I have the i7 2630, what's the issue with using 1600 RAM, as from what I've understood I may need to change BIOS settings in order to use the RAM properly?

And my final question that isn't really M17x related, but the 8 GB HyperX RAM is out of stock, does anyone know approximately how long it takes to restock, as I'm having all my equipment sent to a relative in the US, who's leaving on the 29th of May permanently.

I'm sorry for the massive read, and I'd really appreciate any help at all.

Thank you.

EDIT: Another small question, does adding your own RAM and SSD void the warranty?

 

I think the intel 510 drives are pretty nice, I would definately get that over a vertex 2. In terms of installing it, I believe that slot 0 is a sata II port where as slot 1 is sata III, if that is the case then you will want to install it in port 1. You don't have to wipe the 320gb drive, you can install windows, but you may want to just to ensure your drive shows up as the proper drive letter on your intel (or unplug it while you install and then plug it back it, but ensure that bios is set to boot off the ssd).
16gb would be overkill for just games, I think 8gb would be a cheaper alternative. I would go with 2x4gb of ram, it's easier on the cpu's memory controller, has more upgrade ability in the future, and means you won't have to take the keyboard off to install it.
Newegg gets the hyperX every so often, I have yet to see a pattern for it. Your best bet will be just checking it every so often.

*on edit*
forgot to mention to get your memory to run at 1600mhz, follow this post
And welcome to the forum!

 

Thank you very much for the reply to everything, so from what I understand I should just unplug the 320 GB, put the SSD in the Slot 1, Install Windows, then put the 320 GB in once that's done? Could the fact that Windows is also installed on the 320 GB cause any problems?

 

if you go into the bios, it will have boot options that will allow you to select which hard drive to first boot off of.

 

Just a suggestion for, and this is what I have done. Keep your original 320GB drive unaltered, put it in an antistatic bag and stick it in a drawer. Keep it for any issues where you may want to verify system functionality, receive service, etc. A 500GB 7200 drive can be had for 75 bucks or less, pick one up and use it as your data drive instead of the original.

Just a thought ...

 

Unless something has changed (someone correct me if I am wrong) the 2630 can't run 1600 RAM. If you are willing to take off the keyboard, you may as well just buy another 2x2 ram for your total of 8gb.

For the hard drive/ssd, I would take out the 320gb, put in SSD, install windows, then put 320 in. This will avoid any confusion on your or the computer's part. I installed with my 320 still in and I think it messed my install up a little. I had to enable trim, disable defrag, etc, which supposedly win7 is supposed to do automatically.

Also, maybe consider the crucial 128gb. Cheaper than intel, still great.

 

The fact that the RAM is 1600 isn't the real reason I'm buying it, it's just one of the best ones there (the HyperX) and in case I do decide to upgrade to a better processor, I can just keep the RAM.

Thank you for all your replies, but I think I will stick with the Intel 510 as it seems to be the most reliable one.

However, no one has answered my question on the voiding of the warranty, would two simple upgrades such as RAM or Hard Drive void the warranty?

 

No, the warranty is still valid. Unless you break something within the laptop while replacing those parts heh. The only problem you might come across is that Dell may refuse to work on the laptop unless the stock items are in it.