Np9170

My NP9170 is currently in phase 2. I ordered it with just the 750gb HD. I have a 250gb Samsung 840 on the way as well. My question is, what is the best way to install?

My thinking is:

1. Start it to make sure everything works. Create boot disk.

2. Shut down. Install Samsung in 2nd bay. Install firmware.

3. Shut down, swap Samsung to primary. Clean install.

Is this the best way?

 

1. Good idea to test the unit. But by boot disk/c - are you referring to a recovery or a Windows install disc? Did you order the laptop with the OS?

2. The firmware for the drive is a good idea but it may not be absolutely necessary - I'm not aware of any major flaws with current firmware for the 840 drives.

3. You can pop the Samsung in the primary bay from the get go if you don't bother loading new firmware onto the drive, but otherwise, yes: it seems like you know what you're doing!

 

Also check the BIOS to see if the SATA type is ACHI. It usually isnt when a HDD is preinstalled but you want it that way for SSD.

 

Apparently you're supposed to install the Intel Chipset drivers before doing anything else (after your clean install).

 

I actually ordered from xotic last week. I've never installed an OS on a clean drive, so I'm kinda new to this. I ordered the laptop with windows 8 (I know, but I like the OS).

 

Once you get the computer just give us a holler if you have any questions about setting it up.

 

will do. My biggest fear is screwing it up before I even get started.

 

Its not too tough. Its just like installing a really big program then some small ones after.

 

I know nothing of SSDs; why would he put it in bay 2 to install firmware? Can it not be done in bay 1?

 

It sounds like he wants to update firmware right away before installing the OS on it. You wouldnt be able to get online until the OS is installed and since the HDD will already have Windows on it you can do it from there.

 

The SSDs are typically shipped with the latest firmware.
You can update the firmware if you have another PC with windows preinstalled.

 

Ah. So he was thinking of firmware-updating it on his pre-existing windows/making recov disc then putting his OS on the SSD and using his mechanical for storage?

 

exactly. And maybe when data gets cheaper still, a 512 (or bigger), to replace the storage drive


I just got the Samsung today. There are no screws in the package. Will I need them?

 

When data gets cheaper....not sure if the jacks of trade want this to happen.
Im sure they cost less than 20 bucks to manufacture, though....
China does this on a daily basis....

 

Eventually they're going to become the new standard for storage. Faster, less power, smaller form factor and if you drop it the data doesn't just break and be all "LOL BUY A NEW ONE *trollface*" or anything like that. But for now, they're gonna get their money's worth out of it I'd bet.

 

Screws will be with the computer.

 

Thats why you never wanna buy anything from Samsung.
They are not even decent enough to provide something to screw the drive in.
Even OCZ had screws in the package.
Thats because screws are absurdly expensive these days...

 

I'll get some titanium screws to shave some weight.




...wrong forum?

 

OK, The laptop will be here in the morning. I'm going to install the the SSD in the primary, install the OS, then the chipset drivers? Would these be on one of the disks that will be with the laptop?

 

All should be on the included disk. If for some reason you cant find a specific one here is a link to Sager's driver page Software Upgrade

 

Once I've reinstalled everything, do I just reformat the data drive?

 

Yes you could do that to reclaim all the space.

 

K. I have an unknown PCI device, and I can't seem to get off the integrated graphics.

Other than that, this thing is awesome!

 

Make sure to install the Intel drivers then Nvidia drivers. It should then switch over to the Nvidia card when you turn on a game.

You'll kinda have to do some trial and error to see what the unknown PCI device is. Check all the components you can think of to see which is missing in device manager.

 

I'm not home right now, but could it be hot keys?

 

I guess its possible if you havent installed the hot key drivers yet but im not sure if that connection is considered a pci slot. Try installing those drivers once you get home.

 

I lost the keyboard backlight application. Anyone know where it is?


edit: nm, I found it

 

If you have "unknown device" stuff in your Device Manager, all you have to do is click the "manually update driver" and point to the drivers DVD.
It will find and install the driver automatically.

 

I am absolutely loving this thing! I do have to get used to the size of the thing though. It is a pretty big difference from my M11X r1.

 

Good to hear!

 

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned this, but the first port of SATA is under the battery? You would think it was the HDD bay easiest to access. I had put in my SSDs, booted up and my screen said that my largest fastest SSD was in the secondary port. ? So I had to take it apart again and switch them around.

 

Actually doesn't matter which one it's plugged into, the primary or secondary, they're both Sata III channels and provide the same performance. Just put the boot priority to the one you want to boot from just in case and you're getting the exact same thing.

 

How much would the bluray drive run me if I were to add it later?

 

Price is going to vary over time but I think they generally stick around the $60-$80 range for having it installed. Might find cheaper pricing if you were willing to do the install yourself.