So I was wondering, if I'm replacing the M.2 drive in my laptop right when I get it, is the easiest way to do it by cloning the drive (using another computer) or is there any way to do a clean install of Windows 8.1 straight to the new drive. I won't have any other files on the drive, so cloning seems like a waste, but perhaps I am missing something.
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You can request a usb drive from Razer containing the install medium for their Windows 8. Cloning doesn't take too long, so if you have the cables/setup for it, then that might be faster than getting a drive from Razer.
Edit: Also, you can just use your own copy of Windows if you have one. -
Plus you need to get the right M.2 version SSD. M.2 comes in two flavours - SATA (not to be mistaken for mSATA) or PCIE. To the best of my knowledge I think the M.2 on the Razer Blade is SATA so make sure you check.
More info here:
Understanding M.2 NGFF SSD Standardization (Or The Lack Of) | The SSD Review -
I was asking more from the standpoint of once I have a compatible drive (like the crucial m550) what's the best way to go about swapping it in. -
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I have an Windows 8.1 ISO that I've made a bootable thumb drive out of, and yes, I would also put the drivers onto another thumb drive (or the same one once Windows is installed).
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You don't need another copy, you can generally activate a fresh install with the OEM key that came with your laptop (I had a Lenovo Y510P that self-activated because the key was embedded in the bios). You just need a disk or ISO to make a bootable thumb drive out of.
Unless of course you want to image the original drive, which might be easier.mturkel99 likes this. -
mindinversion Notebook Evangelist
Windows 8.1 Tip: Download a Windows 8.1 ISO with a Windows 8 Product Key | Windows 8 content from Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows
This will allow you to download/create a windows 8.1 .ISO [and it is perfectly legal, TYVM, as you will need your 8.1 windows key to access it]
From there you can just install via DVD/USB and use your key to reactivate [may require phone call to their automated system, fairly painless] -
If I try to download and ISO from Microsoft using the Windows 8.1 Product key given to me by Razer than it tells me the product key can't be used with a retail version of Windows 8.1...
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I have a crucial m550 m2 coming tomorrow I'll be putting in blade 2014 - will let you know how it goes.
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Sounds good. I had the same drive arrive today (along with my Blade). But the adapter I am using to let me clone the drive is simply not working. Nothing is showing up on the computer. I ordered the only other one I could find which should be getting in tomorrow.
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I replaced the M.2 drive in my unit tonight with my 512GB M550. I'm actually a little disappointed to see the M550 is a little slower than the stock SSD in some read benchmarks. It's vastly superior in almost all writes, but still disappointing nonetheless. I had no issues USB-boot installing Windows 8.1 onto it. I wish Samsung made an M.2 Evo 840.
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Things aren't nearly as snappy as my desktop, like opening programs or the file explorer. I'm not sure if it's SSD related or not. It doesn't really help my desktop is super fast, so I'm not sure if there's any kind of fair comparison. I don't recall if this was a problem before I switched out the drives since I was not paying attention. -
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Just an idea. -
. Or if someone finds that pcie SSDs work like samsungs xp941
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The Samsung xp941 won't work out of the box even if the blade takes a pcie drive since they are not bootable drives... it had been said many many times, for now I would forget about that drive but not the pcie possibility in which Hidevolution said they would test and report, where are you guys!?
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Well then, the 512GB M550 will hold me until whenever the next thing comes along
Speaking of which, where is my UPS truck
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Re the bootability, the new ARock MB reviewed on thessdreview can boot from the XP941; apparently, you need to install support in the BIOS since the drive itself doesn't have it? -
. CrystalDiskMark 4K Read for me won't go above 23MB. My 840 EVO hits 37 and the stock 256GB M2 (Samsung PM851 according to label) hit 28MB. I'm not sure whether I want to continue with this or wait for the 512's to ship.
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I think I might just return my Crucial drive. The second adapter I bought doesn't seem to be working either. It lights up (something the other one didn't) but still no drive appearing on the machine. No idea what's wrong.
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Replacing the M.2 in the new Razer Blade 14
Discussion in 'Razer' started by mturkel99, May 3, 2014.