Upgrading M17x r4 - New SSD + More Ram? Windows 8?

Hello, sorry if this has been asked before, but I have a few questions..

I have an M17x r4, and after owning it for nearly a year, I've decided it's time to get an SSD. I have the standard 750gb 7200rpm HD that I ordered with the system.
I'm thinking of buying a Samsung 840 pro (256GB) Amazon.com: Samsung Electronics 840 Pro Series 2.5-Inch 512 SATA_6_0_gb Solid State Drive MZ-7PD512BW: Computers & Accessories

1)Now, I would like to do a complete fresh install, but this will mean I'd have to reinstall Alienware plugins for Alienware FX, Reinstall all my other programs and of course the drivers. What's the best way to ensure I get all the drivers?

2)I have 8gb 1600mhz ram, that came with the laptop. I read somewhere, that as long as the ram is the same speed, it doesn't matter if you buy different types. I'd like to have 16GB and if I can buy 2 more 4GB sticks instead of buying 2x8gb memory sticks, I'd rather do that. Can somebody clarify this, and suggest what ram I should buy?

3) I would also like to know if I should upgrade to Windows 8, and if I was to get it what's the best startbar app? Should I just stick with WIndows 7? Does Windows 8 work fully with all the games, and with the Alienware fx winamp plugin? What benefits does Windows 8 offer over Windows 7? Are there issues with the 7970m and Windows 8 / Msi afterburner / AMD overdrive for overclocking?

4) What's the best way of going about installing the SSD as the primary boot drive / are there any good videos? I'd like to have the 750GB drive to store all of my media, and my less used programs.

5) WILL THIS VOID MY WARRANTY / ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE COVER? I really don't want this to happen, since this is why I chose dell in the first place, to get the warranty. It's surely just a simple swap??

I'm new to SSD's + not sure if I should upgrade to Windows 8 or not.

Until I buy a new PC, which I don't think I will happen for another 2 years, I'd like to think this is all the upgrading I will do. Probably won't upgrade the GFX either.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

First of all, it's great that you are looking to upgrade. SSD is also the right path. The Samsung 840 Pro is my recommendation and I'm sure other users here will concur.

1) Fresh install, I have done this many times, best is to get your drivers from the Dell website and the newest AMD drivers from AMD or there are threads in this forum pointing the way to beta drivers etc.

2) Yes as long as you get another 2x4GB sticks that are the same speed - 1600Mhz you will be fine. Personally, as yourself if you need 16GB. If you do virtualisation or have productivity apps that have loads of plugins then maybe but for gaming, 8GB is fine. Also in order to install an additional two chips, you'll need to remove the media board and keyboard to get to it.

3) I don't use Win8 but if you want to upgrade, 8.1 is coming in October and that will be a bit better than the current iteration. I'd wait until then. Start8 by Stardock is what I think is the best but it isn't free. I'm gonna pass on the rest of this questions as I don't use Win8.

4) The M17x R4 has two HDD bays, both are SATA III speeds. All you need to do is put the SSD in, boot up the news windows installation and select the SSD to install on. Then you are free to do whatever you want with the HDD.

5) No. Your warranty will stay intact. You do not void the warranty by opening up your laptop.

 

Agree with it all, couldn't have explained it better. Just to provide an official word on the warranty. Opening the laptop will not void the warranty but any aftermarket parts may need to be removed if anything breaks (please keep the original components)

 

Thank you so much for your responses. Just waiting for somebody to comment about WIndows 8, and whether or not I should install it. Windows 8.1 can just be installed with a simple service pack update right? Since I have free time to format my laptop + install an SSD and do a fresh install towards the end of September.


I basically need to know if I should install WIndows 8, or Windows 7, when I format my system. I will keep the 750GB HD installed, want to use it as a secondary storage drive, and will format it.

Does Windows 8 actually reduce gaming performance? I've heard this, also what actual changes / benefits are there? I won't use the metro interface, will use a start bar, but I guess it would be better to have the "newest" thing (lets forget about the vista-age), since it's not much different from Windows 7?

Also, surely adding in 2 more sticks underneath the keyboard isn't exactly hard? Right?

 

Why would you ever want windows 8 for a non touchscreen laptop. IMO you are better off with win 7 pro or ultimate . Win 8 or coming 8.1 works great for tablets and cellphones and maybe touch screen laptops. me personally will never ever use windows 8 or forth coming 8.1. pc sales have dropped since the introduction of that OS BIG FAIL FOR MS.

 

I like some of the features and I only had to pay $40 because of that promotion they had on release. If you've got windows 7 now, I wouldn't spend the $140 or whatever the cost is to upgrade to windows 8. Just isn't worth the current price at all.

 

And what if I already had a windows 8 pro key? So cost wasn't an issue. I can choose either.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

 

comes down to preference really. I learned to love windows 8 once I got the start menu back in its proper place, but it all boils down to user preference.

 

Windows 8 is not so bad, you also mentioned that you would use a 3rd part software to bring the Start back.
I think it is the right thing to do, which would make Windows 8 almost better than Windows 7.
You can try StartISBack, use Google and you will find it.
Very cheap and very nice, almost no learning curve.

 

Thanks! And it works fine with games? No issues with any?

 

I personally haven't had a single compatability issue.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S2 running Resurrection Remix

 

Thanks, I think I'll give Windows 8 Pro a go!

 

Windows 8 is awesome IMO