Thanks a lot for the information. So basically the process of replacing the hard drive for the SSD does not need extra cables or converters? I ask because I have seen people mentioning a bay converter in some forums...
The beauty of SATA is the connectors are the same between 2.5" and 3.5" drives so the connectors are the same - you just need to unscrew it from the case if you want to use the tray. You'll see what I mean once you see it.
BTW. Just a minor point, fixed in the wiki, but a single-quote ' means _feet_ whereas a double-quote " is _inches_.
Thanks for the answer. Still, for example if I only have the original x51 and I get the SSD drive, can I install it directly to the HDD holder that comes with the x51 or do I have to get a converter (2.5' to 3.5') or modify it?. I am planning to remove completely the HDD and only use the SSD in the original mount and holder, but if it is not possible then I would like to know what else I have to get it to make it fit correctly...
Sorry for all these questions, but I only received my x51 yesterday and still have 1 more week to get the SSD ;)
If you use the original HDD holder from the X51 plus a 2.5" to 3.5" tray to hold the SSD, then the SATA/Power connector won't quite line up when you mount it. You have to unscrew the connector from the X51 case then it will plug in.
Thanks again and specially for contributing to the Wiki :)
Its incredible what you learn with the guidance of people that owns a x51 and have been playing and modding it... not to mention that are open to help newcomers like me.
I could not find any wiki with the sum of all this knowledge and that is why I wanted bit by bit to retrieve the information that I found on many forums so the information and its sources is as updated and synchronized as possible, still it will only be with the help of people like you, that would like to contribute, that we can achieve something meaningful :)
This seems like a good place to ask - what are the pros and cons of using the windows disks to clean install the os onto the ssd as opposed to using respawn (or whatever it's called) to clone the drive onto the ssd? When my new x51 arrives, I was hoping to get it all set up, set up my 8GB thumb drive with the respawn backup, install my new 240GB Sandisk Extreme SSD, then use that respawn backup on the thumb drive to restore eveything to the ssd. It seems to me if I do it that way, I don't need to worry about downloading and setting up all of the drivers and stuff like that, which would come into play if I used the windows install cd's that come with the x51. Does this sound right? Thanks
The main thing to worry about is "partition alignment" - a fresh install of Win7/8 will get this right according to the type of drive installed, but if it's wrong you'll increase the read/writes your SSD will be doing. Google around for "ssd partition alignment" for how to check and fix if necessary.
Thanks again and specially for contributing to the Wiki :)
Its incredible what you learn with the guidance of people that owns a x51 and have been playing and modding it... not to mention that are open to help newcomers like me.
I could not find any wiki with the sum of all this knowledge and that is why I wanted bit by bit to retrieve the information that I found on many forums so the information and its sources is as updated and synchronized as possible, still it will only be with the help of people like you, that would like to contribute, that we can achieve something meaningful :)
No worries, I'll try to spend a bit more time adding what info I have.
This seems like a good place to ask - what are the pros and cons of using the windows disks to clean install the os onto the ssd as opposed to using respawn (or whatever it's called) to clone the drive onto the ssd? When my new x51 arrives, I was hoping to get it all set up, set up my 8GB thumb drive with the respawn backup, install my new 240GB Sandisk Extreme SSD, then use that respawn backup on the thumb drive to restore eveything to the ssd. It seems to me if I do it that way, I don't need to worry about downloading and setting up all of the drivers and stuff like that, which would come into play if I used the windows install cd's that come with the x51. Does this sound right? Thanks
The main thing to worry about is "partition alignment" - a fresh install of Win7/8 will get this right according to the type of drive installed, but if it's wrong you'll increase the read/writes your SSD will be doing. Google around for "ssd partition alignment" for how to check and fix if necessary.
Thanks for the reply. So what if I did a fresh install with the CD's which would set up the partitions correctly, and then restored with the thumb drive? I've never done anything like this before, and I'm paranoid about missing something, or installing something in the wrong order, or something else unexpected. To me, the restore option from the thumb drive seems pretty fool proof. Thanks again.
Thanks for the reply. So what if I did a fresh install with the CD's which would set up the partitions correctly, and then restored with the thumb drive? I've never done anything like this before, and I'm paranoid about missing something, or installing something in the wrong order, or something else unexpected. To me, the restore option from the thumb drive seems pretty fool proof. Thanks again.
I couldn't tell you as I've never used Respawn, but I suspect it would repartition the drives so potentially undoing the corrected partitions. Try it and see as you won't lose anything but time as your original HDD will be fine - just check after restoring that the partitions line up correctly and if not use the various instructions you can find on how to do it: this ones good http://lifehacker.com/5837769/make-sure-your-partitions-are-correctly-aligned-for-optimal-solid-state-drive-performance
I personally use the Windows 7 Backup software that does a full system backup, then using a Windows boot CD/USB restore it to the new drive.
I couldn't tell you as I've never used Respawn, but I suspect it would repartition the drives so potentially undoing the corrected partitions. Try it and see as you won't lose anything but time as your original HDD will be fine - just check after restoring that the partitions line up correctly and if not use the various instructions you can find on how to do it: this ones good http://lifehacker.com/5837769/make-sure-your-partitions-are-correctly-aligned-for-optimal-solid-state-drive-performance
I personally use the Windows 7 Backup software that does a full system backup, then using a Windows boot CD/USB restore it to the new drive.
Hmmm, didn't realize that respawn would change the partitions. My main issue is that if I use the windows cd that the x51 comes with, then (as close as I can tell), I'll need to install all of the alienware drivers from this page http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kcs/document?c=us&cs=04&docid=536191, and I'm afraid of screwing something up - that page doesn't even list the driver for the gtx660! Do the windows install disk come with the alienware software also - like AlienFX?
Does anyone know if the following scenario would work?
set up new computer with normal hdd
backup system to thumb drive using Alienware respawn
install new SSD
clean install windows 7 using install cd's that came with x51 (setting up correct partition)
use the respawn thumb drive to restore the alienware drivers and not a complete restore?
I couldn't tell you as I've never used Respawn, but I suspect it would repartition the drives so potentially undoing the corrected partitions. Try it and see as you won't lose anything but time as your original HDD will be fine - just check after restoring that the partitions line up correctly and if not use the various instructions you can find on how to do it: this ones good http://lifehacker.com/5837769/make-sure-your-partitions-are-correctly-aligned-for-optimal-solid-state-drive-performance
I personally use the Windows 7 Backup software that does a full system backup, then using a Windows boot CD/USB restore it to the new drive.
Hmmm, didn't realize that respawn would change the partitions. My main issue is that if I use the windows cd that the x51 comes with, then (as close as I can tell), I'll need to install all of the alienware drivers from this page http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kcs/document?c=us&cs=04&docid=536191, and I'm afraid of screwing something up - that page doesn't even list the driver for the gtx660! Do the windows install disk come with the alienware software also - like AlienFX?
Does anyone know if the following scenario would work?
set up new computer with normal hdd
backup system to thumb drive using Alienware respawn
install new SSD
clean install windows 7 using install cd's that came with x51 (setting up correct partition)
use the respawn thumb drive to restore the alienware drivers and not a complete restore?
profit?
Thanks again!
Actually - I think I'm going to use the process laid out here; http://lifehacker.com/5837543/how-to-migrate-to-a-solid+state-drive-without-reinstalling-windows. This seems to be a very reliable way of making sure that not only is the ssd an accurate clone of the hdd (including all alienware software and drivers), but also that the partition is set up correctly. Thanks for the breadcrumb that led me to that page!
will824
21 Posts
0
November 26th, 2012 20:00
@CSOCSO
Thanks a lot for the information. So basically the process of replacing the hard drive for the SSD does not need extra cables or converters? I ask because I have seen people mentioning a bay converter in some forums...
bills889
133 Posts
0
November 26th, 2012 21:00
@will
Nope you use the same sata cable to power/run the SSD that works with the HDD. It's just plug and play if you replace the HDD with an SSD.
If you want to keep the HDD that is when you may have to get extra cables etc
will824
21 Posts
0
November 26th, 2012 21:00
@Bills
And the we can just install and screw in the SSD into the bay that comes with the 3.5 HDD without any type of mods?.
Thanks for the answers.
By the way, I am trying to gather all the valuable experiences people has had with the x51 (as I am a new user) and created the wiki: alienware-x51.wikia.com/.../Alienware_x51_Wiki
Please do contribute if you can! :)
Taomyn
131 Posts
0
November 27th, 2012 07:00
@will824
The beauty of SATA is the connectors are the same between 2.5" and 3.5" drives so the connectors are the same - you just need to unscrew it from the case if you want to use the tray. You'll see what I mean once you see it.
BTW. Just a minor point, fixed in the wiki, but a single-quote ' means _feet_ whereas a double-quote " is _inches_.
will824
21 Posts
0
November 27th, 2012 07:00
@Taomyn
Thanks for the answer. Still, for example if I only have the original x51 and I get the SSD drive, can I install it directly to the HDD holder that comes with the x51 or do I have to get a converter (2.5' to 3.5') or modify it?. I am planning to remove completely the HDD and only use the SSD in the original mount and holder, but if it is not possible then I would like to know what else I have to get it to make it fit correctly...
Sorry for all these questions, but I only received my x51 yesterday and still have 1 more week to get the SSD ;)
Taomyn
131 Posts
0
November 27th, 2012 07:00
If you use the original HDD holder from the X51 plus a 2.5" to 3.5" tray to hold the SSD, then the SATA/Power connector won't quite line up when you mount it. You have to unscrew the connector from the X51 case then it will plug in.
Other than that it's pretty much plug'n'play.
will824
21 Posts
0
November 27th, 2012 08:00
@Taomyn
Thanks again and specially for contributing to the Wiki :)
Its incredible what you learn with the guidance of people that owns a x51 and have been playing and modding it... not to mention that are open to help newcomers like me.
I could not find any wiki with the sum of all this knowledge and that is why I wanted bit by bit to retrieve the information that I found on many forums so the information and its sources is as updated and synchronized as possible, still it will only be with the help of people like you, that would like to contribute, that we can achieve something meaningful :)
Taomyn
131 Posts
0
November 27th, 2012 08:00
The main thing to worry about is "partition alignment" - a fresh install of Win7/8 will get this right according to the type of drive installed, but if it's wrong you'll increase the read/writes your SSD will be doing. Google around for "ssd partition alignment" for how to check and fix if necessary.
Taomyn
131 Posts
0
November 27th, 2012 08:00
No worries, I'll try to spend a bit more time adding what info I have.
yeaber
1 Rookie
•
27 Posts
0
November 27th, 2012 08:00
This seems like a good place to ask - what are the pros and cons of using the windows disks to clean install the os onto the ssd as opposed to using respawn (or whatever it's called) to clone the drive onto the ssd? When my new x51 arrives, I was hoping to get it all set up, set up my 8GB thumb drive with the respawn backup, install my new 240GB Sandisk Extreme SSD, then use that respawn backup on the thumb drive to restore eveything to the ssd. It seems to me if I do it that way, I don't need to worry about downloading and setting up all of the drivers and stuff like that, which would come into play if I used the windows install cd's that come with the x51. Does this sound right? Thanks
yeaber
1 Rookie
•
27 Posts
0
November 27th, 2012 09:00
Thanks for the reply. So what if I did a fresh install with the CD's which would set up the partitions correctly, and then restored with the thumb drive? I've never done anything like this before, and I'm paranoid about missing something, or installing something in the wrong order, or something else unexpected. To me, the restore option from the thumb drive seems pretty fool proof. Thanks again.
Taomyn
131 Posts
0
November 28th, 2012 05:00
I couldn't tell you as I've never used Respawn, but I suspect it would repartition the drives so potentially undoing the corrected partitions. Try it and see as you won't lose anything but time as your original HDD will be fine - just check after restoring that the partitions line up correctly and if not use the various instructions you can find on how to do it: this ones good http://lifehacker.com/5837769/make-sure-your-partitions-are-correctly-aligned-for-optimal-solid-state-drive-performance
I personally use the Windows 7 Backup software that does a full system backup, then using a Windows boot CD/USB restore it to the new drive.
yeaber
1 Rookie
•
27 Posts
0
November 28th, 2012 10:00
Hmmm, didn't realize that respawn would change the partitions. My main issue is that if I use the windows cd that the x51 comes with, then (as close as I can tell), I'll need to install all of the alienware drivers from this page http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kcs/document?c=us&cs=04&docid=536191, and I'm afraid of screwing something up - that page doesn't even list the driver for the gtx660! Do the windows install disk come with the alienware software also - like AlienFX?
Does anyone know if the following scenario would work?
Thanks again!
yeaber
1 Rookie
•
27 Posts
0
November 28th, 2012 11:00
Hmmm, didn't realize that respawn would change the partitions. My main issue is that if I use the windows cd that the x51 comes with, then (as close as I can tell), I'll need to install all of the alienware drivers from this page http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kcs/document?c=us&cs=04&docid=536191, and I'm afraid of screwing something up - that page doesn't even list the driver for the gtx660! Do the windows install disk come with the alienware software also - like AlienFX?
Does anyone know if the following scenario would work?
Thanks again!
Actually - I think I'm going to use the process laid out here; http://lifehacker.com/5837543/how-to-migrate-to-a-solid+state-drive-without-reinstalling-windows. This seems to be a very reliable way of making sure that not only is the ssd an accurate clone of the hdd (including all alienware software and drivers), but also that the partition is set up correctly. Thanks for the breadcrumb that led me to that page!