install a mSATA & transfer OS over

I got a new IdeaPad U530 Touch (i7 4500u - 8gb - 500gb).

Opening the system, I realized that it has a mSATA port inside, reviewing the hardware guide, it said that I can install up to a 32GB mSATA on it.
(this is what I have: http://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mobiles_pub/ideapad_s400_hmm_1st_edition_jul_2012.pdf )

I am wondering:

1- is the 32GB is the max? anyone tried a 64gb or a 128gb?
2- when I got my mSATA storage, how should I transfer the OS from the HDD to mSATA, and force the system to boot from it?
3- any advice or suggestion?

thx

 

32gb is the maximum it comes with, but it supports more than that.

 

Perhaps image the existing OS and apply it
To the msata

Then boot into bios and change the boot up order

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/notebook-dummy-guide-articles/695844-installing-msata-ssd-guide.html
this is a thread i made for the MSi Ge60. In prinicple it will work the same on your Lenovo. Make a back up, boot from the backup discs, install OS again, then manage your settings. You will have a 2 disc system now, mSata C drive, HDD, D drive.

Important to do the maintance after you installed the mSata. Things as pictures, files, downloads, programs will all be installed in your C drive. So make sure to move some of em to your D drive.

 

You can use EASUS Todo backup free to backup whole drive or partition. You can as well use it to move your old partition C to a new hard drive if you don't wish to reinstall Windows.

 

OP - where did you purchase your u530?

I have narrowed my search for a new laptop to the u530 - Lenovo's site currently has only one 1080p model for $974.
Best Buy has a 1080p model but with a 500g hybrid HD, the description is somewhat ambiguous as to the exact specs.

Lenovo's maintenance manual shows the u530 as having a mSATA port - I am just uncertain if the BB model is a dual hybrid drive or integrated.

I also would want to immediately upgrade to a larger mSATA and transition the OS to it.

 

One other note - the manual the OP listed is incorrect for model.
Here is the correct link for the u530 http://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mobiles_pub/ideapad_u530touch_hmm.pdf

Looking at both the Lenovo site specs and the manual - the site states mSATA slot in the 'specs' tab......however the manual states a m.2 NGFF slot.
hummm, which is it? does one screw or two screws secure the SSD?

 

With HDD to SSD it is highly recommended to do a clean install for a couple reasons. One is to ensure alignment, because if sectors are not aligned properly performance will suffer greatly. And also so Windows "knows" it's an SSD and won't run maintenance tasks on it like a defrag which is unnecessary and with continued defrag will just degrade performance and added wear to the SSD.

 

FYI, I Just picked up a u530, it does in fact have a M.2 x 42mm port.
I found this thread useful in keeping a pulse on the availability of the 42mm size drives.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ide...ase-post-any-42mm-m-2-hdd-you-have-found.html

 

I got it from Futureshop:

Lenovo U530 15.6" Touchscreen Ultrabook - Silver (Intel Core i7-4500U/8GB SSD/500GB HDD/8GB RAM) : Laptops - Future Shop

 

I am wondering if this Super Cache thing that goes to U530 (not a mSATA) acts like a read HDD storage?! or its just a cache to boost up the I/O ?

can I install OS on this Super Cache? anyone done that? (I just bought a mSATA for about $200 which is not fitting in my system, I don't want but another useless part)

 

As I stated in my last post - keep an eye on that thread.
As Lenovo produces u530 models that utilize the m.2 port for cache on small 16gb drives, it likely is possible to install a large enough drive to contain a full OS + programs.
I purchased my u530 without the 16gb as it was just going to be immediately replaced, so I thought I would save the $
As long as the bios errr...... UEFI (been out of computers for awhile) allows for adjustment.
I have purchased a 128gb M.2 drive to install a full OS on and will update when I have something to report, likely end of the week.

 

Looking forward for it, as I just ordered a 64GB one from Amazon, and then saw your post!
tell me how did you get to the bios / UEFI ?

 

see page 25 & 26 for bios info - User Guide - IdeaPad U530 Touch.

also 64gb is likely going to be too small for a dedicated OS drive - you will likely need to utilize cache software, either intel SRT or the fnet free download that is offered with the ssd.

My 128 drive should be here tomorrow, unless the weather delays.
Looks like the transition from SSHD to SSD should be pretty straight forward.

I have not powered up the u530 yet - I wanted to make certain the m.2 drive will be detected in the bios before I initiated the windows user configuration of the new computer.

As with any new computer - the first thing I always do (when no disc's are provided) is create factory restore disc's. However in the case of win8 it appears this is not possible - a usb drive is indicated - see How to create "Factory Default Recovery Disc" with... - Lenovo Community

I have already ordered a usb3 64gb thumb drive for this , also due tomorrow.
I intend to initially configure in dual boot for the time being until I feel assured of the m.2 performance - then later wipe the 500gb for storage only...not sure yet.

 

I got my 64GB mSATA installed in, and I could format it in win 8 storage manager and use it as a new partition, without any issue. but not able to move the OS over yet.


using FN+F2 I could get in to my BIOS. (fn+F12 got me Boot order page too - but you need legacy mode turned on first to see other drives)

to be able to boot up from a USB driver, in Boot menu I set both to "Legacy Mode Support" (in BIOS page menus)

then I re-start, and entered the Bios again, to see the USB , and mSATA drive in the boot list order to put them in order that I wanted.

having said that, I end up to put it back in the original setting to be able to boot from the original HDD.

I am still trying to boot from a USB, and move the OS partition to the mSATA drive to make my system faster. (Acronise was not helpful ( )

 

That is good news - an active m.2 port, woohoo.

Confused - were you able to boot from the usb - sounds like you did not have the bootable usb configured correctly.

 

I updated my thread here with the install process.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sol...orage/739714-lenovo-u530-under-hood-peak.html