Want to install mSATA in new Sager np8230, TOTAL newbie. Help!

Hello all!

I just recently purchased a brand new sager np8230 from xotic pc. I am potentially interested in inserting this Plextor mSATA immediately upon receiving the laptop Newegg.com - Plextor M5M PX-128M5M mSATA 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD).

So, as a total newbie, I've been scavenging the internet trying to find something of a step-by-step guide to install one of these. From what I've gathered, I figure I'll probably just do a fresh install of Windows 7 after physical installation of the mSATA (as the computer will be brand new with nothing on it). Xotic will be shipping the physical copy of Windows 7 as well, so I won't need to burn anything correct?

Beyond that, I am really in need of some guidance through something of a step-by step to install this thing and get it running ! Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. If you have any other recommendations as far as the mSATA choice itself feel free to suggest as well.

THANK YOU!!

 

Installing a mSATA is the same regardless of the machine (usually). See this from around 8 minutes on. Opening the bottom is just a matter of taking out a few screws. The video shows where the mSATA sits. It is easy to plug in.

That being said, is there a reason you are looking at mSATA? Do you have a SSD as your primary? Because if not, you should probably be looking at purchasing a SSD instead. You would need to remove your ODD for that. Do you need the ODD? If you absolutely need the ODD, you can use the mSATA instead. The M5M is a pretty good drive.

 

I just got my 256gb Plextor mSATA and I can't seem to make it fit on top of the screw hole :X I have the 8230 also.

I'm afraid it'll break if I try to force this any more

Feels like the end is too thick and it won't go in all the way. GRRRR

 

Check the inside of the mSATA slot to make sure some small piece of whatever hasn't made it's way in there. Also, post a photo of how far it goes so we have a better understanding of how much wiggle you need to make it fit.

 

Sorry for the necro, but I found this on google and thought that I may as well post in an existing thread.

Is there a reason you would prefer not using mSATA? I thought the new Clevos had upgraded speeds on the mSATA slot.

 

mSATAs are usually more expensive per GB. I don't know what SATA standard the mSATA slots on the newer Clevos use. Even if they are SATA III, I don't know why one would want to get a mSATA unless s/he already has a SATA drive on the primary drive bay.

 

The newest Clevos are SATA 3 for mSATA and 2.5" drive bays. The ODD bay is SATA 2.

For ultimate performance the 2.5" SSD will perform better than the mSATA comparing the same model lines. For example: Plextor M5M mSATA and Plextor M5 Pro Xtreme use the same 8 channel Marvel controller and the same Toshiba 19nm NAND. The M5M only uses 4 controller channels while the Xtreme uses all 8. Most, not all, mSATA use only 4 channels. This leads to less interleaving equaling lower performance with data on the drive.

A mSATA may be perfectly fine as an OS drive depending on your workflow. It will also be fine as a data drive.