How hard is it to install an SSD on an Alienware 17?

Is this all you do?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsj50dc7aSU


I called my local computer store and they are charging 30$ to install the ssd and $60 to "clone" the information from the regular HDD. $90 total to install the SSD. Is windows pre-installed on a new alienware 17, making me have to clone the information to the SSD? I'm so confused

 

I would not PAY $90, you can get free or low cost cloning Software, and the install of the SSD may take you 10 minutes (if you get coffee 1/2 way through). There are many links here I will post one that looks good for your model AFA installing the OS
PS the video is very well done, but I would recommend using a grounding strap whenever opening a computer (if even just to clean it).
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-17-m17x/758201-alienware-17-ssd-upgrade-please-advise.html

Do you plan to order a new machine?

What OS are (or will you be) running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 ?

100% agree with ajkula66 but it is still a very good idea to make a full image of your machine to an external hard drive; with the HDD still in before you change anything.

 

Thanks. I have an extra copy of windows 8.1, would it be easier to just clear the hard drives and install my disc onto the SSD?

 

Yes.

A clean install beats cloning from a spinning drive to SSD every day of the week, and every hour of the day.

 

If you're lazy, you can simply clone your OS to the SSD by putting it in a USB 3.0 enclosure of even by connecting it to your system. After cloning, make sure you set it as the boot drive in BIOS and format the old HDD and use it for storing videos and files where performance doesn't matter.

Me personally, I'd do a clean install every time! it's just worth it for squeezing every bit of performance out of the SSD

 

I already ordered a new machine and it's on it's way. The machine has Windows 8.1 already, but i also have a extra windows 8.1 disc laying around.

 

If I'm not mistaken you'll be able to utilize the code that's already in the machine's BIOS and you'll be left with a license to spare.

 

Yup

/10char

 

So what does that mean? Excuse my noobiness

 

Your new machine already has an activation code for W 8.1 in its BIOS.

You'll remove the hard drive, install the OS on the SSD using the media that you have but you will NOT need the license that came with media, the machine will activate the install from BIOS leaving you with a license that you can apply to another system.

 

So basically, I just install the SSD, turn on my computer for the first time and I will be able to install windows 8 with no problems and not have to worry about anything else? And keep that windows 8 disc I have at home right now.

 

You WILL need the disk. The OS will not install itself.

You will NOT need the license. It's already in the machine's BIOS.

In other words, you'll be able to utilize the same physical disk along with the unused license that came with it to install/activate W 8.1 on another PC.

 

Oh ok. So basically, when i get the new laptop, I install the SSD, boot it up, install windows on SSD with disc and i'm good to go? Easy as that? No messing with BIOS or anything?

 

Correct.

Good luck.

 

Here is a question, which may be pertinent. Don't you need to set the SATA controller for the SSD in the BIOS to ACHI with the AW 17 or at least verify the setting?

 

I don't know AW well enough but on most recent units with UEFI boot - which is what I'd use with W8.x - that's a non-issue. You'd have to go out of your way to set the machine to "compatibility" mode.

 

The SATA controller was set to RAID in mine and it doesn't require being set to ACHI.. It just means that when your start up, there is an Intel RAID screen which increases start time for 1-2s... OP, you should set it ACHI anyways if you want to..