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Installing an SSD into a Dell XPS 8300 Desktop
Hi,
I have a relatively new Dell XPS 8300 Desktop, with 16GB RAM, 2TB HD and Windows 7 Home Premium. I would like to add an SSD, move the OS there, and have it boot from there. I don't have much new data yet on the HD, except for what was installed at the factory, so I could easily copy everything over to the SSD.
However, from what I've been reading, I gather that it is best to do a fresh install of the OS onto the SSD, then use the boot device selection menu to instruct the computer to boot from the SSD. Is this correct? I understand that this is because of certain hidden partitions which do not copy over properly, and because of certain settings that have to be different for booting from an SSD vs. booting from a magnetic HD. Is this so?
If anyone has done this, can you please share with me what else I need to do and what pitfalls I need to watch out for? So, far I am aware that I am to use SATA 3 connectors, and that I need to be sure that I am properly grounded. Oh, also that I need to use a 3.5" to 2.5" bay converter. Do you know of any diagrams of the innards of my computer that identify each part clearly?
I would appreciate your help!
David
Davet50
14.4K Posts
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May 25th, 2012 12:00
Yes it is higly recommened that when you add a SSD as a boot device you do a clean install of windows One of the main reasons is window will recognize the SSD and set the proper conditions for operatin the drive. You can leave all your programs on the orginal drive and then just add shorts on your desktop to them. This is what I did.
You will also need some type of adapter for the drive to convert it to either a 3.5 or 5.25 drive bay.
Davet50
14.4K Posts
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May 27th, 2012 06:00
Yes. That is the standard. F8 is used to enter safe mode and in some systems access the system restore function
Davet50
14.4K Posts
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May 29th, 2012 19:00
Yes it should automatically set it as the C: drive. Your other hard drive will then be assigned a new letter it might end up as d or not but you will we able to I'd it
jsktx
729 Posts
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May 25th, 2012 09:00
If the XPS 8300 case is like the Vostro 460 case then you'll also need to get the two hard drive brackets if you haven't already. As far as I know Dell doesn't sell these individually so you may have to look elsewhere.
2davidc8
8 Posts
0
May 26th, 2012 02:00
Dave,
Does Windows 7 "automatically" detect that it is being installed on an SSD, or do I have to use some sort of configuration or setup screen and set the appropriate parameters? If so, what are the correct settings (or parameters, or environment variables, or whatever they're called)?
Thx,
David
Davet50
14.4K Posts
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May 26th, 2012 03:00
Mine appeared to detect it automatically. I just pop in the disk and loaded it up.
2davidc8
8 Posts
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May 27th, 2012 01:00
On this Dell XPS 8300, is it F2 to get to setup, and F12 for the boot device selection menu? Are these function keys pretty much standard these days?
2davidc8
8 Posts
0
May 29th, 2012 17:00
Dave,
Thank you for help.
One more quick question, if I may. Once you boot from the SSD, does Windows automatically recognize it as the c: drive and your original magnetic HD as the d: drive? Or do you have to configure this in setup?
Thx,
David
Philip_Yip
7 Technologist
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16K Posts
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May 29th, 2012 17:00
I was considering putting a Crucial Adrenaline SSD in my XPS 8300 as here. I need to have a look at the reviews before deciding to get it or not.
shesagordie
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46K Posts
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May 29th, 2012 18:00
natakuc4
I've using the Crucial Adrenaline SSD in my home built AMD T1090 desktop, for a couple of months, without any issues and yes, it does speed the system up,
Bev.
Philip_Yip
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June 5th, 2012 01:00
I bought one of these and have nothing but problems when the software is installed. It always give me this screen upon reboot.
I evenutally have to keep booting to hard drive (F12 and then select one of my hard drives). Till I get
I press d to get rid of the software. Crucial support have been less than helpful any ideas?
shesagordie
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June 5th, 2012 07:00
natakuc4
It's better to contact Dataplex directly about software issues, not Crucial.
If the software is installed correctly, the Adrenaline SSD is hidden, not assigned any drive letter, does not show in Disk Management and should never be used as the C: / drive. The C: / drive is only used as the 'Target Drive' where the windows operating system is installed.
To verify that Dataplex is installed, go to 'All Programs' and open Dateplex and check the Dataplex Status to see if it's enabled
Bev.
shesagordie
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June 5th, 2012 08:00
natakuc4
Have you read and followed the installation instructions, the install guide is here,
http://www.crucial.com/store/ssc.aspx?gclid=CI2qysmht7ACFSMDQAod_hNP9Q&cpe=pd_google_us
Bev.
shesagordie
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June 5th, 2012 09:00
natakuc4
Good luck.
Please post back any solutions that Dateplex has, that resolves the issues.
Bev.
Philip_Yip
7 Technologist
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16K Posts
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June 5th, 2012 09:00
Yeah unfortunately I have done all that. The dataplex works on the reboot after it is installed and everything seems to be fine. However if I am to shut down or restart my computer after that, then I get the screens as before. I have remade the issue 2 or 3 times now. I guess I will try to contact dataplex.