Upgrading HDD on a new R3

I'll be receiving a new R3 in a couple of weeks and was going to buy from HIDevolution and get the 1TB (2x500 GB) Seagate Momentus XT Hybrid drives in RAID 0, but the 15% off deal just kicked in on Dell.com and I couldn't pass on it

My question would be how hard is it to install the HDDs myself? My configured system has 1.5 TB (2x750 GB) in RAID 0. Also, would that void my warranty?

Thanks.

 

I think responses to your questions are 1. easy 2. no

 

You have 1.5TB RAID 0 already configured. So what do you want to install? The Hybrid drives?

 

Yes, I would like to install the Seagate Momentus XT 500GB Hybrid drives in RAID 0. I would assume it's possible since it is offered on HIDevolution... just wanted to know if it's more or less plug-and-play rather than opening up the internals, and whether that voids my warranty.

Thanks airacutie for the reply, the warranty would be my biggest concern...

 

1: Its not hard at all to install a hard drive.
2: No, but keep the drive that came with the computer for warranty issues. If Dell ever needs to replace your system, they want the same parts that came with the computer.

 

Thanks for the answers, I might think of different HDD configurations in the mean time

 

I was just curious why you would not just bump up to an SSD?

As long as you get a SATA 3 SSD, if you can afford to make the switch, I think you'll be extremely happy with the decision. For me, it's been like the switch from dial-up to broadband. I've swapped out the drives on older machines and am continually shocked at the noticeable differences.

 

I know, I just don't have the budget for an SSD, I found the Hybrids for 79$ each on eBay, plus I need more space than the SSD provides anyway.

 

Also curious, if you get the 320GB HDD, does the laptop ship without the second HDD bay?

 

They include the mounting bracket for the secondary HD port. I have only heard of maybe one case where it wasn't sent. If they don't send it, that means they made an error and you just need to call and they will send it to you for free.

 

Well, problem with that is you don't reach the 2399$ mark in order to get the 15% discount... will fiddle around with the configuration, my order got cancelled because I did it through EPP and somehow the 15% off went through. I was supposed to order through Dell.com...

 

What specifications did you choose? Try upgrading the processor to the 2820QM if you have not already done so. Maybe you could also add a Blu-Ray drive, better wireless card, some gaming accessories and/or a longer warranty?

 

Tried a few things... Blu-ray is utterly useless for me, and the 2820 is probably a wasted 200$. Does the extra 8 MB cache actually increase performance visibly?

 

You will only notice a difference if you are benchmarking or doing something that is CPU intensive. Won't the two 750GB drives be useless if you are just going to replace them? If you would like any further suggestions, can I see a list of your specifications?

 

Here is the configuration that I'm debating:

i7 2720QM - 4GB RAM - Radeon 6990M - 1.5TB in RAID0 OR 320GB - 1920x1080 WLED - Intel Advanced N 6250 OR stock wireless card - DVD Burner

I'll be upgrading the HDDs to 2x500GB Hybrids in RAID0, so my thoughts are as follows. If I get the 1.5TB I could sell those drives and get some of the investment back, BUT that will jeopardize my sending the system back for repairs, right? With the 320GB drive I can save 100$ overall on the initial system and keep it for future problems.

Also, do I need the initial RAID0 configuration in order for it to work with the hybrids or can I set that up myself?

EDIT: price with 1.5TB + Intel Advanced N is 2399 which nets a 15% discount, and with 320GB + stock wireless it's 2099, which nets a 10% discount

 

You can set up the RAID yourself when you install Windows. I suggest you get the 320GB drive and set it aside so you can pop it back in for any warranty issues.

You will save more money with the 10% discount.
$2399-359.85(15%)=$2039.15
$2099-209.10(10%)=$1889.10

 

I know, I think I can get on the horn and have the 100$ or so worth of tax off... Thanks for the input.

 

Trust me when I say NO. Dell has never wanted my old hard drive or cared which one I sent back. I have had 4 system replacements and they understand-especially with AW-that changes are made to hardware by the end user. If/when you send it to the depot, they tell you to back up or remove your hard drive. I always keep a similar hard drive that came with the system around just in case, but if you upgrade the drives and they send you a replacement, it will be configured like the original (or better). Then, you just make the swap again and send them the 'orginal' parts. I've done it 4 times-I know.
The only thing you need to be aware of is IF you put an XT or SSD in yourself, that particular part WILL NOT be warranted.

 

Wow, this is the first time someone actually didn't say "keep the old hardware"! Now I'm stomped

 

Just got off the chat line with a rep, told be the mounting bracket for the second HDD bay has to be purchased if unit is initially configured with a solo HDD...

EDIT: 2 more reps confirmed the bracket is NOT included. Does anyone know what brackets the R3 uses, I remember someone mentioning Addonics... Also, I'm assuming it's a pretty easy operation...

 

Notice the BOLD

Both R3 I have gotten had the brackets. Well, one had a RAID setup so I guess it had to. The other had a single HDD and the bracket WAS included.

 

I see, guess I got excited someone wasn't so adamant about sending the same hardware in for repairs. No matter, I'll keep the 320GB drive, not like I can get that much on it anyway

Thanks for the advice, hope the brackets will be included in mine.