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    Upgrading to a SSD, will this one work?

    Discussion in '2015+ Alienware 13 / 15 / 17' started by Chris_Wayne, Sep 12, 2015.

  1. Chris_Wayne

    Chris_Wayne Notebook Consultant

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  2. Game7a1

    Game7a1 ?

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    You don't have to replace the HDD if you get an M.2 SSD. There are two M.2 slots, which the SSD you linked will fit and work.
    To make the HDD a storage drive, you just format and wipe it. And there you go, storage drive. You'll want to take out the HDD before putting Windows on the M.2.
     
  3. Aleckhz

    Aleckhz Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have the same but in 128 gb and works perfect 500mb/s read and write
    Windows takes about 28gb

    Enviado desde mi Nexus 4 mediante Tapatalk
     
  4. kgh00007

    kgh00007 Notebook Evangelist

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    Yep it will work, I just installed the same one, a 500GB 850 EVO m.2 a few days ago and it flies!

    One thing to check before you install Windows on the SSD is to switch the SATA mode to AHCI.

    Mine was set to Intel smart response by default. AHCI allows the SSD to perform at its peak.

    Shout back if you have any more questions!
     
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  5. kgh00007

    kgh00007 Notebook Evangelist

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    Oh and you'll probably need to order the screw to hold it in place cause it doesn't come with it!

    The screw size is M2x3mm I think!
     
  6. Chris_Wayne

    Chris_Wayne Notebook Consultant

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    How do I switch the SATA mode to AHCI?, do I need to change something in the BIOS in order for the computer to boot from the M2 for the first time? (for when I install w10 on the m2)
     
  7. kgh00007

    kgh00007 Notebook Evangelist

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    In the BIOS. It will boot either way, just that AHCI is the preferred option. Samsung Magician will tell you if you are not in AHCI mode, which is what happened to me.

    PSX_20150912_160512.jpg

    If you switch to AHCI before you install Win 10 you will have the best performance from the SSD.

    There is a section here about the benefits of AHCI for Samsung SSD's, it's an interesting read!

    http://www.samsung.com/global/busin...site/SSD/us/html/whitepaper/whitepaper02.html
     
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  8. Chris_Wayne

    Chris_Wayne Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks, much appreciated, very excited for my new SSD!
     
  9. kgh00007

    kgh00007 Notebook Evangelist

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    No worries!