New SSD for Precision 7730

I just ordered a Precision 7730 from Dell with a single 256 SSD. I want to get a Samsung 970 EVO to install and use as the boot drive and install the OS and CAD software that I intend to run. My thoughts are that this should hopefully load and run Windows and my CAD software quicker. I will use the factory installed 256 for music, photos and general storage. When I ordered the laptop, I ordered the Windows 10 Pro recovery media if that helps. Also, this will be a brand new laptop straight from Dell when I do this, so I won't have to worry about transferring any additional data. If anybody could tell me the best way to accomplish this, it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Chris

 

1. Easy way — Use the Samsung data migration tool to copy the factory OS install to the Samsung drive after you install it.
2. If you're experienced doing clean Windows installations — Wipe the drive that comes with the system and do a fresh Windows install on the Samsung drive. (You can wipe the drive from the screen that shows up early on during the Windows install, asking which drive you want to install Windows on — just delete all of the existing partitions from there.)

You don't need the Dell install media necessarily. Windows 10 is freely downloadable. This tool will create a bootable USB drive or DVD for you.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Some notes...

When installing the new drive, make sure to notice the little bit of plastic film that you need to remove from the pre-installed M.2 heatsink, it's easy to miss.

If using option 1, after a successful cloning, I recommend that you disable or remove the original drive before booting up Windows on the Samsung drive for the first time. (I've seen strange things happen if the original drive is still present after a clone.) You can disable individual drives from the BIOS setup screen. After a successful boot, you can add it back and wipe it.

If choosing option 2, note that you will not have the touchpad available during the Windows install, so you'll want a USB mouse available. You need to install the Intel serial I/O driver for the touchpad to start working. Pretty much all of the remaining drivers will be pulled down from Windows Update automatically once you get the system online (which will also require installing the Ethernet or Wi-Fi driver). Make sure to install the current BIOS, Thunderbolt driver, and Thunderbolt firmware from Dell's site.

 

Thanks for the fast reply.
Sounds like option 1 is the way for me. I assume if the drive is cloned everything will continue to operate as usual on the new drive with minimal chance of problems. That being said, I wonder if the recovery has all of the required drivers already installed on the usb flash drive. I guess this wouldn't be the quite the same as the clean install from the link you provided. I have heard that the Precision series comes with very minimal bloatware compared to other computers.

Another question, does it matter which port the boot drive is in, or can it be placed in any location?

Chris

 

Doesn't matter, all slots work the same.

 

Hi Chris, did you by any chance install Windows using the ISO on a clean drive? I am having lots of issues doing a clean install of Win 10 on my Samsung PM961 (OEM equivalent of the 960) on my Dell 7530.

 

Hi Radio, Actually I just received my laptop today. I did buy the Samsung 970 EVO, But I plan on using the Samsung Migration Tool to clone the Factory SSD.

 

I am not so sure about that, but can't explain why right now. I will when I can.

 

I must have missed it when I installed the NVMe on my 7710. Is there an illustration on where to look for the plastic film?

The dell 7710 guide did not mention it.

 

I'm actually not sure about the 7710. The 7530 heatsinks that came with the system (covering the slots that did not have an NVMe drive prinstalled) had a little plastic film covering the "squishy" thermal pad on the bottom of the heatsink. Blue, if I recall correctly. It has to be removed in order for the drive to make physical contact with the thermal pad.

 

Darn, the sevice manual does not mention it (either for the 7710 or the 7730)