A few questions to the forum:

 

I have a Alienware Aurora R!, build date 11/11/2010. ATI Radon HD 5670, 9 GB ram, 512 GB Hard drive. In discussions with Dell, regarding some issues with the lights on the chassis and keyboard, some freezing issues, and my box's insomnia (does not sleep and awaken properly), they suggested I wipe the drive and install the factory image. If I am going to that trouble, I decided to upgrade the drive to an SSD, and install a USB3 card to speed up backups (using Acronis  TrueImage 2009 Home Edition). currently using WD MyBook USB2 external (1 TB) for backups... machine spends way too much time managing this archve.

 

1, If I replace the hard drive with a SSD will this invalidate my Dell Support agreement?

2. Any known issues with the OCZ Vector SSD 512 GB?

3. I have read post regarding SATA3 vs SATA2 support on the R1, suggesting the R1 supports SATA2 on the motherboard.. Some have opted to install PCI SATA3 controller cards to get around this issue. I never saw any feedback on the success of these efforts... did you get 6 GB speed doing this?  I also read Tesla's responses on the return of this effort... makes good sense to just stick with SATA2 throughput as the SSD provides a huge benefit. Still, interested in experience from those that installed SATA3 controller.

4. Does the Alienrespawn image contain the factory image backup as a part of its image? Also as the box came with MSOffice 2010 and Macfe, are those in the image as well?

5. I am impressed with the Lacie Porche 9223 USB3 external drive.... it is geared for the MAC, but seems to support Win7. Any suggestions for alternatives? With USB3, I need a drive that can exploit the increased transfer rates....

 

Thanks!

 

Dirtdober