Upgrading stuff in my m15x

I plan to do a few things to my m15x, since I've already upgraded the RAM. First order of the day: New hard disk. But there's a few problems. Where I am, the Seagate 7200.4 500GB isn't available. So it's between the 5.4k RPM Seagate or the WD 7.2k RPM 320GB. Which do you think I should go for? Does the 7.2k have significantly better load times for programs and stuff?

And also, how would I continue using AlienRespawn in my new hard disk? Any way to place it in the new hdd?

Other than that, I'm guessing it should be the standard reinstalling of the OS, followed by the drivers in sequence, should be pretty straightforward. Unless there's anything I should be looking out for?

And next, I also want a SmartBay hdd. I've heard it's possible to buy just the faceplate and casing and put your own hdd in there? How do you order that?

 

Anyone? I probably shouldn't have put this in side topics.

 

Yeah. You shouldn't have put this in the side topics.

I'd definetely go for 7,200RPM. You'd get about a 20% increase over 5,400RPM in most areas which is worth the not-so-big increase in price.

Or even better, get an SSD. If you can afford it. That really is a massive speed increase.

 

You would need to use a program like Norton Ghost to copy your HD image over to the new HD if you wanted to keep it in the exact same condition as it is now. You can do that for both the main partition and the respawn partition.

 

Guess I'll go for the smaller capacity then. SSD is out of my price range for now, and it's not worth the smaller capacity.

Is there no other way to get AlienRespawn on the new HD?

BTW, could a mod please move this to the main section?

 

There's no way to get AlienRespawn on a new HD. Once it's gone it's gone.

 

yes you can

you need to make a partition on the new one then use a program and mirror that partition onto the new driver with the partition and then install the OS on the other partition

for guides how to upgrade anything in your system refer to my m15x how to guides

 

I just ordered an APRICORN ADW-USB-KIT IDE/PATA/SATA to USB HDD Adapter. I can let you know how it works out but it seems like it would work for you as well.

Easily clone your hard drive with the DriveWire adapter from Apricorn. This USB adapter works with 2.5" and 3.5" PATA/SATA drives. All you have to do is plug everything in then boot from the CD and the software will automatically do the rest. Once it's done copying then all you have to do is switch drives and you're all set.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=12-161-002