Anyone replaced the 5400rpm HDD with a SSD? Were you able to reinstall Windows 8.1 with the original product key without issue?
468547
I just added an SSD in the m2 slot and used imaging software to clone the drive. In my experience with Windows 8, it actually stores the Windows 8 key in the BIOS, so it will install with the correct key by itself (only with computers shipped with Windows 8).
1995148
I removed the 500G drive (it was 7200 RPM, BTW) and replaced it with a 250G SSD. Because of the fixed position of the disk connector a 3.5 to 2.5 adapter doesn't fit. I just plugged the SSD in and secured it with a couple pieces of tape. Since it lies flat, it's not going anywhere. I loaded a pre-release copy of Windows 10 on the SSD and have been running it for a couple months. Not a gaming rig, but a good general purpose unit. Boots fast, very stable. When Win. 10 is released I'll put the 500G disk back and run the upgrade so I'll have a genuine licensed copy.
1884274
Hard drive is only 5400, but Windows boots much faster than I imagined and the laptop comes with 2 drive bays, so you can throw in a SSD in it's SATA 3 port if you wanted.
1761414
Hmmm... Not so fast :)The original drive has all of the lookup tables and the WHS operating system on it.Replacing that would require a complete reinstall of the product. You cannot un-mount the OS drive for replacement.
778430
I've had a mixture of strange issues with mine which is the N56VM-AB71 ... Random freezing etc. but I installed an SSD and I'm hoping that's the issue. I am fairly sure I can't get it fixed under warranty having removed the hard drive.
2063339
Hi,I would think 32GB is way too small for an SSD for this machine, or any machine with Windows 8.1. The backup disk image I burned after installing updates was larger than that.I would recommend a minimum of 128GB, but it depends in the end what you wish to do with the laptop, whether you will have networked storage available and how much you can afford.
736710
Thanks Terence!This is exactly the info I was looking for! One more question, do you know if the copy of Windows 7 that is factory-installed comes already activated or do you have to activate it on first-boot? If I am to replace the hard drive with a new one (that being the only change) I don't want to face potential activation lock-out because Microsoft thinks I'm trying to install it on an entirely different machine.
514606
My HP laptop came with a 750gb hdd and I have no problems clonning the disc to the new SSD. I used the Acronis version that came with the SSD and the original disc had only 35gb used
1130508
I agree with Eric. I always thought the SSD was just there as a disk cache and that appears to be the way it is treated. It works and it is fast. Take a look in Control Panel at "System" and then "Device Manager" and then "Disk Drives" and you will see the SSD listed separately from the hard disk drive. (I'm running Win 8.1)
1128359
Yes, I did end up replacing our hard drive and it worked seamlessly! I got the WD 1TB sata II 7200 rpm 8 mb unit. (Wd10jpvt) It looks cheaper now too by about $30!I now have a lot more room and the laptop speed is back up to normal now. I also got the vantec nexstar tx 2.5 sata to usb external he enclosure and definitely nice! Well built and solid!
2261081
In my system the drive is not split into SSD and non-SSD. It operates as one drive, just one with wicked fast speed. I have not had to work with restoring Windows yet so I can't answer your second question. I will tell you almost 30 days into having it that I love it. It was a great purchase, and one I would buy again!
77507
Thanks for the info, just out of interest how fast does your laptop boot windows 7 with the ssd going at SATA II?
1013992
ok 2 points .... first i cant answer your question as i bought teh machine for my son at school. but I can tell you that one of the selling points wa that this laptop had an SSD and traditional HD. so not sure why you feel the need to replace onboard HD with another SSD. but i would imagine its pretty simple to do so
593024
Thanks very much for your help. I finally succeeded to replace my hard drive with the 128GB SSD with the help of a technician.
413505
As long as you don't change the motherboard, you're OK. I have changed out both my laptop and desktop (OS) hard drives to SSDs with no problem.There is a Microsoft Licensing FAQ on this --- it's under Refurbished/Used PCs.http://www.microsoft.com/OEM/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/licensing_faq.aspx#fbid=ZeL6n4MrK8a
492060
I did install SSD drive in mac book, to replace old drive, using duplicator/recovery machine to copy the drive. I would pick any other slim drive, and avoid the Seagate. The Seagate is NOT Compatible with most systems.
648056
Yep, works great... we use the SSD for the OS and installed programs. Then use a 1TB drive for data. Very fast boot times with this configuration.