Need Clarification On SSD With R4 Model.

Hey Everyone,

I ordered a new R4 a couple days ago, I am expecting it in the next 7-10 days, although I have some questions regarding an upgrade I wish to do once it gets here..

First off my R4 was configured with 1TB Raid 0 (2x500Gb)
From what I understood reading a couple other post on here is that the 2 main bays are actually sata 3 , but the msata is sata 2

Knowing that, do you think that keeping the raid configuration with the same drives , but adding a SSD drive but using the msata 2 ihas any benefits, since it will be limited in speed.. ?

I don't really care about the space on the SSD, I am looking toward 128Gb crucial M4, the ssd will be used for the OS, Photoshop, Office and some other things I use often.. but it won't be use for games or starage at all.

Is that a good investement?
Actually is it even doable to have 3 drives in R4 model??

Thank you.

 

Hi, if you're planning to have an msata for the OS, Photoshop and Office, go ahead. You're going to notice the difference in speed even if it runs as Sata2. However you will need to reinstall the OS. I'll leave you the link to find drivers. Since I'm guessing you will be installing games or progams and you won't be using the HDD's as mere storage, then keep the Raid 0 as it'll perform faster.

 

Thank you for your quick response,
Althought just want to make sure of something,

I am looking at some youtube videos and I can't seem to find where to fit the third drive, you are saying that I will be able to have 2x HDD 500GB and fit a third drive 128GB SSD ?

Thank you very much once again

 

The mSATA connector is underneath the keyboard/palm rest area. It is quite a tear down to access it. You have to remove the LCD screen and many other parts. TAke a look at the m17x Owners Manual before you buy.

 

No. There are 2 drive bays (for either HDD or SSD), and 1 mSATA slot. You cannot keep the RAID array AND add an SSD.

 

You can keep the RAID array and add the mSATA (which is solid state) to use as a boot or caching drive.

but keep in mind SATA ≠ mSATA ..... they are different.

 

loll so now who should I listen to
Cause both of you seem to be giving me different informations..
Unless I don't understand clearly what you two are saying.

It is not that much of a problem to perform the teardown, but then will there be enough space to fit the SSD while keeping the 2 HDD with the raid array?

As I mentioned msata will be use for boot and some programs that are accessed on a daily basis.. so basically like anthony said.

Thanks

 

Yes you can have all 3. There are two normal "bays" which can hold two HDDs or SDDs. Then there is a mSATA slot underneath the keyboard or palm rest area. The two bays run sata3 at 6.0gb/s while the mSATA only will run at sata2 3.0gb/s. However the Solid State mSATA running at 3.0gb/s should still be noticeably faster than a mechanical drive. Just make sure the drive you bought for the mSATA slot is a mSATA drive and you should be good to go

 

The M17xR4 has two main bays, but in that machine there's a port for 3rd msata SSD. You will have enough space for all 3. This article will show you how to locate it and install it

 

Sorry, I didn't understand your question. We were saying the same thing. I thought You were asking if you could add a 3rd 2.5" drive.

 

Thanks to all of you once more,
this community is just amazing