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    M14X R2 SSD Upgrade

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by Foan, Oct 11, 2013.

  1. Foan

    Foan Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi guys,

    I am looking forward to do a SSD upgrade (replacement) on my M14X R2. A 250GB SSD would be in the perfect price range for me. Before upgrading, I have a few important questions:

    -Which SSD should I get? The 250GB samsung 840 EVO looks nice? Is it good, and should I get it?

    -How do I replace my current hard drive? Do I just unscrew it, screw in the SSD and boot?

    -What do I do with the original hard drive?

    -Is it possible to transfer my copy of Windows on the SSD? Or do I need to buy a new Windows copy?
     
  2. StockDC2

    StockDC2 Notebook Consultant

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    1. Samsung 840 Pro's are great.
    2. Yes, unscrew and replace.
    3. Swap it out with your optical drive or throw it into an external.
    4. No, you'll need a new copy of Windows.
     
  3. Mastaa

    Mastaa Notebook Consultant

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    Everything fine, except I disagree with point 4 of your explanation.

    You sure can use your same windows license, you either create a backup and load it onto the new drive or
    (better solution in my opinion) do a clean install. Good guides for changing your harddrive, fresh installs and driver installing order etc.
    have been collected in this thread.

    Hope I could help.
     
  4. Foan

    Foan Notebook Enthusiast

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    OK, a few more questions, thanks!

    -Which external should I get? Are there some avaible on eBay and if yes which one is the best?
    -Do I need to use a particular screw?
    -For the Windows clean install, do I just install it with the same CD key?
     
  5. Mastaa

    Mastaa Notebook Consultant

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    I can't help you with the external, depends on what you plan on using it for (gaming, graphical works -> IPS, response time, budget etc...).

    You can just use the same screws that held your "old" HDD in place to fixate the SSD.

    And yes, just use the same key.
     
  6. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    `
    - Same, it depends on what you plan to use it on.
    - Same
    - Yes, you may use the same key, here is how you do the installation.