M17x R4 from 1TB RAID 0 (2x 500GB) 7200RPM to SSD, possilbe?

I want to install a Crucial m4 256GB 2.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s SSD into my brandnew Alienware m17x. I have it will the 1TB RAID 0 (2x 500GB) 7200RPM. Can you give me a good explanation on how to do it without loosing my original data (OS, command Center) and progarams? Will I need to remove 1 500 GB hardrive?

 

I'm not sure if it's possible to clone a RAID 0 array and put it on a single drive but I'm inclined to say no, it's not possible. If it is possible, I wouldn't recommend it. Back up what you need (documents, music, videos, pictures, program settings, internet browser bookmarks etc.) and to a fresh install on the SSD.

 

Tell me a bit more about the fresh install. Thats what everyone recommends but I have no idea how to do it. Do I have to get the Kit for the clone? Are the 2 CD's that come with it all that I need without loosing data? Do I need a Software to transfer then?

 

Fresh install means re-installing Windows, just like you would a program. You can't clone it if the disks are smaller - your RAID-0 1 TB would need 1TB of SSD to clone, which would be expensive.. Also, as a practical matter, HDD's are designed to run differently than SSDs and thus, cloning HDD onto SSD kills some of your performance gains associated with the SSD.

If you have your Windows 7 CD, it should be easy enough for you to reinstall Windows. The hard part is downloading all the drivers + restoring the Alienware look and feel.

 

This tutorial basically covers all the bases: Clean Install Windows 7

I would take out both HDD's and only have the SSD installed during installation to avoid problems. If you need help with taking the HDD's out and installing the SSD, refer to the Service manual in my sig.

After installing Windows 7 onto your SSD and setting up your accounts, you'll need to install your drivers. The tutorial for this can be found here: HOW TO: Clean Windows 7 Install (Driver Install Order) Guide for Alienware Systems

To restore the Alienware theme, follow this: HOW TO: Restore the Alienware 'Look and Feel' after a clean install of Windows 7

There are also various tweaks and optimizations for running Windows 7 on an SSD that will help squeeze out a little more performance and lifespan from your SSD. A quick google search will lead you to many tutorials. Pick and choose which tweaks are right for you.

 

Some say I cant take out just one of my 1 TB. Are you sure its compatible for the r4? I need a video somewhere. Or a full explantation with simple language. Im terrible at this

 

@aznpos531 What about the 2 CD's? isnt that the windows with it? Do you know video links to this?

Also by drivers, what drivers do you mean? graphics? tell me more I dont know what you mean.
I will defiantly do I re-install, no cloning. I just need to know each step and maybe sure I dont loose anything from my original setup.

 

If you intend on running Windows off the SSD and using one of the 500GB HDDs as a storage drive you'll have to do a clean install of Windows 7 on the SSD and then completely wipe the HDD, deleting all partitions and formatting the entire drive.
Here is a 2 part set of videos that detail how to remove and replace the HDD:
Alienware M17X R3 HDD swapping re done
Alienware M17X R3 HDD swapping re done part 2
It's pretty easy to swap out the HDD for an SSD. Just watch the videos and make sure you understand the procedure. You may want to follow along with the service manual in my sig. Also, if you're not familiar with working with electronics, it's very important to ground yourself to prevent eletro-static discharge (ESD). If you accidentally zap a component, it will cause damage that will render the laptop useless.

The 2 dvd's included with your laptop should be labeled. One will be labeled "Microsoft Windows 7 ***"; the asterisks being the version of Windows you ordered (Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate etc.). This is the Windows 7 installation DVD that you use to install Windows onto the SSD.
The other will be labeled "M17xR4 Resource DVD". This contains all the drivers for the devices in your computer. I recommend that you don't use the DVD and go directly to the Dell website and download the drivers needed from there by entering your service tag number.

To answer your question, drivers are basically programs that tell the computer how to control and interact with devices connected to it. The device drivers required and the order in which to install them can be found here: HOW TO: Clean Windows 7 Install (Driver Install Order) Guide for Alienware Systems

The links I referred you to in my previous post should be clear enough on how to perform the clean install. Please read them over carefully a few times and take note of things that you feel need clarification. That way it will be easier for me to help you, rather than re-writing a whole set of step-by-step instructions.
The only things that I can see needing clarification thus far are: how to boot the computer from your Windows 7 installation DVD and setting your SATA operation to AHCI.
When I have some time tomorrow I'll write up some brief instructions on how to do this. In the meantime, please watch the videos and follow along with the service manuals and familiarize yourself with the "anatomy" of your laptop.
Also, in addition to the links in my previous post, please read and familiarize yourself with the following:
Sean's Windows 7 Install & Optimization Guide for SSDs & HDDs
SSD Tweaks and Optimizations in Windows 7
* Windows 7 Ultimate Tweaks & Utilities *

I realize that it may seem like a lot of information to take in if the process is new to you but it's really quite simple. If you are to do this right, you're going to have to familiarize yourself with the process involved. Just take your time and carefully research everything there is to know about it and you'll be fine. If you have any questions after your research, just post back and we'll help you through it.

 

Perfect man, those videos and your instructions is very much appreciated. ok lets start this step by step. First step for me is to order it from ebay or amazon, tomorrow I will need to go to the bank. So you give me assurance its compatible and I should go ahead with the purchase?

I will go over those videos and instructions over the next few days and will contact you back. I will probably have lots of questions LOL but thanks again

One more question. Some people said I might loose my alienware touch and feeling. what do they mean? like my command center? is it in the cd's

 

those are my specs
3rd i7-3720QM Intel
2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 675M
1TB RAID 0 (2x 500GB SATA 3B/s 7,200 RPM)
17.3-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 120Hz
Killer™ Wireless-N 1103
Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader

So what I want to so is make my boot drive the SSD. I will purchase the 256GB Crucial m4 2.5-inch SATA 6GB/s. Can I make 1 500GB storage also?

 

you can also have ssd and 1 TB raid 0.
get a 256GB MSata ssd. crucial has those too M4.

Crucial CT256M4SSD3 (Light-Retail, RealSSD M4)

 

Yes you can, but you'd need to clean install and get rid of the RAID setup.

Right now, you have TWO hard drives (both 500 GB) sharing data. This adds up to 1TB. The problem is you only have space for two hard drives. Removing one of them will effectively cause you to lose everything on BOTH (because of the RAID-0 setup).