Aurora R8, SSD Upgrade Question

Question

Greetings.Firstly, I'm interested in upgrading the SSD on my R8, and I'm curious if I can swap out the SK Hynix SC311 128GB that came with my system, with a Sabrent 1TB , or would I have to get an adapter and install it in one of the slots below the GPU? This is my first time dealing with an SSD. Secondly, Crucial states that their P5 2TB is a suitable upgrade for the SSD currently installed in my system. Perhaps I'm mistaken, but having read various forum posts here, I was under the impression the max size for that slot was 1TB? Is this not the case? Thirdly, I'd like to do a fresh install of Windows 10 on this new drive. Would I download the USB thing from Microsoft, install the SDD into the computer, and then boot off the USB? Or do I need to contact Dell for a W10 copy/key, since I purchased the computer through them? Thanks for your time.

r72019 · Accepted Answer

You can swap out the OEM m2 drive with another M2 pcie nvme drive.  If you want more than 1 M2 drive, you can add it via adapter, or install it in the M2 slot, and wipe the 128GB drive and drop it into an adapter as a storage drive.  Adapters run around $10 so it may be a good way to extend the life of the OEM drive (use it as storage).

r72019 · Answer

On #2, I'd recommend the Samsung Evo 970 Plus 2TB over the crucial option. It is currently $249 so cheaper too. You can run a 2TB m2 nvme drive in the R8.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MFZXR1B/ref=twister_B08D7638C8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

r72019 · Answer

On #3, you would download the free win 10 from Microsoft.com, boot from USB, and install that way.  It won't ask for a license key, that info is based off the mobo, it will active windows automatically.  If you had additional purchased add on programs or software you'd need to install that separately. I'd also use the opportunity to switch RAID to AHCI, and eliminate (not install) Intel RST.

r72019 · Answer

Yeah, Dell actually sold the R8 stock with a 2tb boot m2 option.  When the r8 first came out it was just 1tb max offered (there was no hardware limitation to 1tb though), so some materials list the 1tb because that was highest sold by Dell (validated) and they didn't update the launch specs.  But Dell later included a 2tb option and RTX option shortly before rolling out the R9 facelift, same z370, same chassis, new facelift, and also a 2tb option at launch.

Krexen · Answer

'You can run a 2TB m2 nvme drive in the R8.'Oh, it can? Interesting.I'll check out the EVO, and go from there.Thanks for responding to my questions.K

r72019 · Answer

Here's an old OOS R8 listing with the 2tb m2 boot option as configured

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Alienware-Aurora-R8-Gaming-Desktop-Intel-Core-i7-9700-Upto-4-7GHz-16GB-RAM-2TB-NVMe-SSD-1TB-HDD-NVIDIA-GeForce-RTX-2060-DVDRW-HDMI-DisplayPort-DVI-Wi/788210041

r72019 · Answer

Also, remember that the m2 slot in the R8 is right behind the gpu so you have to use a low profile heatsink or it will hit the gpu.

r72019 · Answer

One thing to keep in mind, especially with all that data packed so closely in a tiny form factor, is that extended exposure to high temperatures (like 70 to 80c) could reduce that longevity of the drive and lead to premature failure. If put to heavy use like large file transfers these little gumsticks get really hot fast. But when you're just doing stuff like web browsing that's no sweat for the drive. If you get a pcie adapter they come with freebie heatsinks that prevent rapid heat spikes and help it run a couple degrees cooler.

You can also get standalone heatsinks like this ekwb:

https://www.amazon.com/EKWB-EK-M-2-NVMe-Heatsink-Black/dp/B073RHHYCM

Krexen · Answer

Hi. In your recommendation of the Samsung Evo 970 Plus, I was curious if a heatsink was needed as well? I was trying to research this question online, but the answers are both for and against the idea on the 970+, including Samsung stating it's unnecessary. I figure, since you recommended it for this specific case, you'd know. For what it's worth, I've upgraded my Aurora R8 with an H75 AIO liquid cooler from Corsair, to replace the standard air cooling hint sink that came with my computer. I also replaced the case fans with NF-F12s from Noctua to help cool the case, due to the RTX 2070 I'm using pushing out a bit of heat when it gets going. Thanks again. K

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Aurora R8, SSD Upgrade Question

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