“can the hdd be switched out for a 1tb ssd? or can an ssd be added to the already installed hdd?”
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i've done a lot of digging on SSD upgrades for this model, since it's been difficult to get a very clear answer about exactly what i was asking haha! my goal was to use dual hard drives, the HDD for mass storage and the SSD as a boot drive (meaning, you install windows or your OS of choice onto the SSD to improve speed). SO! this is what i've found (note i am not a computer expert ,this has just been the result of like 2 weeks of research on this particular model for this particular use. im going to try and be as clear/straightforward with this, so that people with very little prior knowledge can know what to look for): -this model of laptop only has one hard drive slot, so normally to use SSD you would have to remove the HDD. typically this would sacrifice hard drive space for speed, unless you want to pay a whole lot to get a 1TB SSD. they are much cheaper than they used to be though! -what it does have, though, is an M.2 slot. lots of newer models appear to have these slots, but dont advertise that for some reason. -you can use an M.2 SSD in addition to the HDD which comes installed on purchase, so that you can take advantage of the SSD speed with the HDD storage space. -you need a 2280 SATA III M.2 SSD. -the 2280 refers to the size (22mm wide, 80mm long) and SATA refers to what type of slot is compatible (the other being PCI. this is compatible with SATA not PCI. i believe PCI is newer/faster) -lots of laptops are compatible with multiple lengths of M.2 SSDs (so you might see 2240 or 2260 or something) but this model appears to ONLY support 2280. -to install the M.2 SSD appears to be fairly straightforward, but requires a screw to mount it. the laptop DOES NOT come with the screw. depending on who you buy from, the M.2 SSD sometimes comes with a screw, and sometimes does not. pay attention to this when buying! i have no idea where to get the screw if it doesnt come with the SSD. the samsung model ones are easiest to find but i am fairly certain they DO NOT come with the screw. check in the reviews, customers usually say if it came with it or not. -to install, you have to open up the back, stick the M.2 SSD in the slot, and screw it in place. then, put the back back on. i have checked with acer and they said that this does not void the warranty as long as you do not damage the laptop in the process. they don't list the M.2 drive in the specs or anything, but i have verified with both best buy and the acer website that this laptop does, in fact, have the slot. the only reason i knew to check this was because of a reviewer on the slightly older model of this laptop (R5-571TG-78G6, also on best buy, you can check this review yourself). i'll add a compatible M.2 SSD that you can buy here at best buy as a recommended product, but keep in mind that you can find cheaper ones from different sellers, and can also have different sizes depending on your needs. also, once again, samsung DOES NOT appear to include the necessary screw. just linking the best buy one so people (like me) who are coming in with very little knowledge have an example. okay! i think that's everything. comment on this or whatever if i was unclear or made a mistake. just thought i'd add this here in case anyone else was having trouble, since it was such a struggle for me to gather this fairly simple info. for instructions on installation, there are a lot of videos readily available on youtube to show you how!
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.I upgraded it with SKU 4825401 which is a 480GB with no issues and so one would say yes to a 1tb SSD.
I would recommend:
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.If you have laptop repair experience and willing to take the risk to void system warranty, you can easily replace stock HDD with SSD of your choice. Just remove 12 screws from the back of the case to access HDD. Carefully remove stock HDD (sole lame part of this laptop) and replace with SSD. Make sure you create a system restore disk using a 16GB USB Drive using the stock HDD and OS. You can restore system from the USB to newly installed SSD and this system will work like a monster truck!
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.While this model has an SSD slot, this system does not ship from the factory with an SSD card and will not include the screw to secure it to the mainboard. There also could be a standoff pin missing from the mainboard as well that would go under the SSD card. Unfortunately these are parts that cannot be sent to users.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.You should be able to switch out the hdd for an ssd.
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