Windows 8 and aftermarket upgrades

So i've had my laptop for just over a year (Dell XPS L502X). Recently i've noticed like many of you im sure, i've really clogged the damn thing up. When I first got the laptop the amount of spamware was simply ridiculous although I never undertook a clean install out of general laziness. I also have 2 user accounts which have really messed with my organisation (im the only user) and i've stopped using my main account as its so slow to boot and everything is just messy as hell!!

Basically I have a few ideas which i'm considering and was interested to know whether the community thought were a waste of time or may actually improve performance, or just worth the time to get everything cleaned up.

1. A fresh install of windows 8

My first question here is do you think wiping the HDD (only contains vast library of music, films and games) and install windows 8 from disk is a good idea?

2. Install of SDD in caddy DVD bay

Been meaning to do this for a while but can't decide whether to invest in my current machine or keep it at factory spec and save the money when I upgrade; probably another 3/4 years. My current HDD is 500GB which is tiny, but I do have a cheeky 250GB external and a 1TB LaCinema for my film collection when I can be assed to organise them! I do like the idea of a larger HDD so really the question is 500GB HDD + 128 SSD OR 750GB HDD on its own Is an SDD combined with Windows 8 a sensible investment? Will my computer feel fresh and new again?


THANKS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BOTHERED TO READ THIS THROUGH. I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO DISCUSS OPTIONS AND HELP YOU GUYS WITH AFTERMARKET UPGRADES ASWELL.

One last question for those in the know. How much do you think an average high street computer shop would charge to wipe HDD and install windows 8 (not including the £50 for windows 8)

THANKS

 

1) I think a re-install is a good idea; whether you want 7 or 8 is your preference.

2) Definitely get an SSD if you can; that in and of itself may help more than the re-install.

 

Options from BEST to worst:


Option 1:
Windows 8 x64 PRO clean install.
8GB RAM or more.
256GB SSD partitioned with at least 30% 'unallocated' space (not simply 'free space').
External enclosure for your existing 500GB HDD for ANOTHER backup location.

Option 2:
Windows 8 x64 PRO clean install.
8GB RAM or more.
750GB HHDD (hybrid hard disk drive) partitioned to ~100GB for 'C:' and the rest for DATA.
External enclosure for your existing 500GB HDD for ANOTHER backup location.

Option 3:
Windows 8 x64 PRO clean install.
8GB RAM or more.
500GB HDD (your existing one) partitioned to ~100GB for 'C:' and the rest for DATA.


Option 4:
Windows 7 x64 clean install - using your existing Win7 license (you can use your x86 license to install x64).
8GB RAM or more.
256GB SSD partitioned with at least 30% 'unallocated' space (not simply 'free space').
External enclosure for your existing 500GB HDD for ANOTHER backup location.


Option 5:
Windows 7 x64 clean install - using your existing Win7 license.
8GB RAM or more.
750GB HHDD (hybrid hard disk drive) partitioned to ~100GB for 'C:' and the rest for DATA.
External enclosure for your existing 500GB HDD for ANOTHER backup location.

Option 6:
Windows 7 x64 clean install - using your existing Win7 license.
8GB RAM or more.
500GB HDD (your existing one) partitioned to ~100GB for 'C:' and the rest for DATA.



I don't know how much an 'average' computer shop charges for a clean Windows install: I know I charge $200 minimum. (Highly recommend you do this yourself: great learning experience and put the money towards getting the 'best' option above: Win8x64PRO + 256GB SSD).

Key points: without a clean install on an x64 bit O/S and 8GB RAM you are kinda wasting your time and money. Getting an SSD smaller than 240GB/256GB and not leaving any additional 'overprovisioning' for better WA/GC routines (depending on controller used (Intel 520 Series, Sandisk Extreme and Crucial M4's highly recommended) is also deceiving as the performance will drop off the cliff (especially with your workflow habits).

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

 

Wow. I was about to reply and then saw the great reply tilleroftheearth left.

If you are going to wait 3 or 4 years to upgrade...definitely get yourself an SSD. You'll be doing yourself a favour.

I second the advice about learning to clean install Windows yourself. Shops overcharge for it, given how simple it really is. I've done it dozens of times with my own computers. Basically, it is:

1) Back up all the files you want to keep onto an external/other drive.
2) Insert Win7/8 install DVD and reboot.
3) Follow prompts.
4) Wait.
5) Windows is now installed. Go and install the programs you want and update as necessary.

The only difficult part may be when you decide the partioning of the drives and such. But as above, you should set the SSD to at least 30% unallocated, and then the rest as the primary drive. Your secondary HDD can be partioned as you like.