SSD installation questions

Hey guys,

I am getting a new M17X, and had a few questions about installing a SSD in it. I've tried searching the forums, but some of the information is piecemeal / outdated. Thanks in advance for any answers!

1. Does installing an aftermarket SSD void the Alienware warranty?

2. I am thinking of getting the 1TB 5400 option, and installing a 256GB SSD myself. Of course the SSD will be used for Windows / programs / games. If I just use the harddisk for storage purposes, will I notice a performance drop because it's 5400 as opposed to 7200?

3. The other option will be to use the 500GB 7200 +64GB mSATA from Alienware. Does this option take up both hard disk slots? Or will I be able to install another SSD on top?

4. How difficult is it to do an installation of an external SSD? I've read here about doing a clean Windows install + drivers etc. on the new drive, but I've also read on Crucial forums about using the data tranfer kit to clone the HD to the SSD and bypass all the configurations required. Would this option work?

 

1. Does installing an aftermarket SSD void the Alienware warranty?

Yes.

 

No installing an aftermarket SSD does NOT void the warranty unless you installed it wrong and broke something. Hard drives, RAM are considered CRU (Customer Replaceable Units) and do not void the warranty but for obvious reasons Alienware will not cover non original parts.

 

1. No, as long as you don't damage the system yourself. Obviously, new components will not be covered under warranty.

2. This is the setup I'm running. A 256GB PM810 and a 1TB WD Blue. What do you mean by performance loss? If it is being used for storage it should be fine. 5400 is more ideal for storage, IMO.

3. Edit: I'm not sure on this. I don't think it has been clarified.

4. There are several threads on clean installing Windows 7 around here, and ones to restore the Alienware look and feel. It is highly recommended to clean install for a SSD, as Windows will optimize itself for it, rather than a mechanical drive.

As far as searching the forum, use google.

 

i do not think so, i am pertty sure it wont hurt ur warranty, cuz dell just replaced my lcd on M11X with aftermarket ssd (m4) on it

 

i bought a samsung 830 series 256gb ssd and it came with norton ghost 15.. decided to do a clone and everything is perfect.. windows did all the changes required to run ssd..

 

Everything you need can be found in this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...llation-questions-troubleshooting-thread.html

Cloning from HDD to SSD sometimes results in degraded performance issues. Doing a clean installation produces consistently better results, but cloning is much easier for a novice. Windows recognizes an SSD and will complete the installation in a manner that optimizes SSD performance. When you clone from HDD to SSD, that does not happen in the manner it should.

 

Thanks for the excellent suggestions. Is the cloning performance issue mainly due to misalignment? Or are there other optimization issues?

 

eh if it were me I would stick with the SSD/HD combo that dell offers. They almost are all the same. Some have better write/read speeds/more gb, but SSD just in itself does the job well enough.

I always got a strange fear on everything I buy. I mess with it and they try there best to prove its me and somehow do. Happens a lot on cars.