HDD to SSD questions

Hi, just got an ssd.

I want to replace the original HDD that comes with my m11x.

My question is, can i do a reset to factory default settings to the SSD?

Or the only option i have is a generic Window 7 OS without all the unique programs(respawn something) that comes with the Alienware?

 

connect both to a pc, copy partition to ssd, then boot with new ssd and do a registry clean and voila

i think.....

 

If I remember correctly, the factory reset is dependent on the recovery partition on the original HDD so you cannot just reset the SSD to that. The simplest way is probably to clone the HDD and plonk that image onto the SSD. I normally take occasional images of my drives (eg. before and after major changes) to can return a laptop to a working config, and also if I decide to swap some drives around.

 

How to clone and image? Can you kindly teach me? Im still trying to learn some pc things hehe.

Want to learn as much as I can.

 

If you are adamant on the cloning method: use Acronis Trueimage.

Personally I would not clone an HDD and image to a SSD as it throws off alignment Clone HDD to SSD with proper alignment - AnandTech Forums. There are other threads on the subject matter and also pertaining to the m11x specifically if you do a quick search on these forums too.

Cloning from HDD to HDD is fine and i do that all the time.

When upgrading to a SSD in my m11x. I just did a fresh install of Win7 on the SSD and downloaded all the latest drivers and Alienware software (Command Centre etc.) for the m11x from the DELL website. The respawn CD is nothing more than a generic Win7 installation DVD. It doesnt contain any drivers whatsoever so you're not really missing out.

 

Oh i see. So I all I need to do is download all the driver and software at the website. And I'm back to the factory configuration. There is no other way to factory reset to an ssd even thru another pc?

 

Well you can drive clone to perform a "factory reset" but i find it easier (and much less hassle) to do a clean install of Win7 then installing drivers manually afterwards.

i forgot to mention that in order to change the Windows 7 logon screen from the default background image, use this freeware program:-

Tweaks.com Logon Changer for Microsoft Windows 7

just remember to save the appropriate Alienware wallpaper image to set as the new background (alternatively, even that can be downloaded from the DELL website too).

 

If you want to go back to factory settings, I think the best thing to do, would be to clone the hdd to the ssd, then perform a recovery from the recovery partition. I used True Image to clone my hdd when I did a swap and it works like a charm.

 

I will try the clean install first since its more familiar to me. Anyway, the hdd that comes with the set will still have the partition, incase I decide to try cloning method.

So these are the only options for me?

 

Will you be using an external DVD-RW or installing from a USB?

Maximum PC | How To: Install Windows 7 from a USB Key!

Review of the Hard Drive Cloning Utility Included with Acronis True Image

 

wow that's great. I was planning to buy an external drive to install win7, but I would put it off at the moment.

thanks.

 

You can also try this instead of a clean install.

Reset Important Windows Registry Settings and Services

 

By the way, another question, though not related to SSD, im planning to upgrade my RAM, is it like SSD installation?

All i know is that th R3 comes with 1333 DDR3. I can buy any 1333 DDR3 RAM? I was looking at NEWEGG, there's PC10600, PC10666 etc. Are they the same?

 

That's what I like about this forum - the things you learn! I'd not heard of alignment problems when cloning to SSD so will be researching that when I have a moment, thanks Hello Moto

In terms of replacing the RAM, you just have to match the format of it (DDR3), with speed mattering less as it will throttle appropriately, for example I have the G-Skill PC3-10666 8GB set and it works fine. When upgrading you just have to swap the new sticks for the old and the laptop will recognise them automatically - no cloning or installing... kust make sure they are seated correctly and off you go.

 

i have 6gb RAM, 1x4gb and 1x2gb. If I want to replace it to 8gb, should i replace both and buy 2x4gb? or I can buy a 4gb and just replace the 2gb one?

 

There is a lot of belief that having paired RAM is better, i.e. same manufacturer, model, etc. but I'm not convinced, but I'm no expert in RAM.

One thing I do know is that 6GB should be plenty for most things that you might want to do. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be able to answer it better, but I don't think that the extra 2GB will make that much of a difference. I only went for 8GB because I ordered the minimum RAM as the price on the Alienware site was stupidly high and when I was searching for a new kit I found a great deal.

 

Yes, thats what I did. Works fine and dual channel.

Check in CPUz first to see what the jedec settings are, and if nothing else, match those. If possible, get the same brand of actual memory chip. But not necessary unless your overclocking.

 

So as long as it has the same settings, should be fine regardless of brand? Will try to do some more research. Because i read somewhere that when the 2 rams are not the same, they will actually slow down the laptop. I dont know if its true. Reason Im contemplating to upgrade is because I'm using CAD 3D Max (No idea if it will actually help to add more RAM though).

 

It wont slow down in your case, because your not already doing dual channel. Versus afterwords you will be.

Its more like if you had a dual channel vs a dual channel with non matching. The non matching would be not as effective as the matching. But more than anything that depends on the JEDEC/SPD setting being the same for both.

And hey, I use Max as well. Do you have that issue with the viewport rotation only working correctly if you rotate VERY slowly with DX9, and DX10 only showing tris? I have had this on both an r2 and r3, so I'm pointing to ty Nvidia drivers.

 

But the 4+2 gb pre-installed on the r3, is it matching dual channel?

Or its better for me to just buy twin sticks and sell the 4+2 gb that comes with the r3?

The laptop is not with me yet. My wife's still in the US, she won't be back til next week (though she already has the laptop). Will post if I encounter any problem reagarding Max.

 

That's old news, previously if you had mismatched memory you couldn't dual-channel and there was a slight hit in performance. Today any Intel chipset that supports dual-channel also supports asynchronous dual-channel. Mismatched memory (4GB and 2GB chip) will use asynchronous dual-channel... meaning 4GB will run in dual channel and the other 2 in single. Basically getting all the benefits of dual channel but adding the benefit(s) of more memory.

The tests I've seen, synchronous dual-channel vs. asynchronous dual-channel (mismatched memory sizes) look like

Synched Dual Channel (two 2GB matched memory chips for 4GB)
Write: 100% speed
Read: 100% speed

Asynchronous Dual Channel (different sized memory, one is 4GB the other 2GB for 6GB total)
Write: 99%
Read: 100%

Single Channel (three 2GB chips, dual-channel disabled).
Write: 83%
Read: 88%

Which makes it a moot point... more memory wins over dual-channel (if you use more memory). That is, mismatched 6GB will beat 4GB dual-channel in memory intense applications, and run at 99.5% of the speed of matched for those that don't making it the winner. Only if you find 6GB isn't enough would I move to 8, but not worth getting for synchronized dual-channel. Although all Intel chips that support dual-channel also support asynchronous dual-channel, the mobo has to support it as well. I could be blowing smoke out my butt if the m11x mobo doesn't support it! I would think it does, but then again we're dealing with Dell. I'll download CPU-Z and see what it says and report back (prob tomorrow). I have 6GB.

 

Verified with CPU-Z, 6GB memory on an m11x runs in dual channel. The only way to make that happen is the m11x runs in asynchronous dual-channel. CPU-Z reports I have 2GB in Slot1 and 4GB in Slot3, so 4GB of my memory is running in dual-channel mode and 2GB is running in single. Only go for 8GB if you're filling up memory with 6GB.

 

Wow thanks for all that. So if I want to go for 8gb, I can just buy any 4gb ddr3 1333 and replace the 2gb? Would that work?

 

Again. Just match your spd settings. Download cpu-z see what they are on your 4 gig stick. Buy a stick with matching specs. Done.

 

Thank you so much guys for all the info. I will be getting my r3 later, finally