Has anyone replaced the low spped 5400rpm HDD with an SSD?
1354713
Not me. If you have extra storage somewhere else it may worth changing. Otherwise stay with the 5400
1465307
This link works just tested it. http://poweredbymushkin.com/support/ssd-firmware-updates
22704
Yep worked just fine for me when I switched to a ssd in my laptop. No issues
1528657
No. Standard 5400 drive. I added an Msata and took out the mechanical drive and added a Samsung EVO 840 SSD drive (7.5mm) and this machine screams. This unit has no Msata installed as is, but the case is easily opened and adding an Msata to the empty slot is no big deal.
1128355
I'm going to replace my 500MB 7200rpm hard drive. How will this compare in speed? I'm basically at 90-93% full due to photos and music!
1950819
The 5400rpm Best Buy's (NP700Z5B-W01UB) model HDD was a deal breaker for me. Besides Amazon's tax savings offset the price difference, so you get all 4 additional features (7200 HDD, 8G SSD, backlit keyboard, better video) for about $100 considering shipping and the current $150-$200 price difference. However the mention of the 5400rpm drive in S03 (and I'm sure S04) models made me think again. It's gotta be some difference with S01/S02 and the drive seems to be it. Another thing that one reviewer (of the S04) confirmed is that the 8G SSD is indeed proprietary tech (built into and inseparable from the HDD) and thus unavailable as a separate drive letter. I use Linux as my primary OS, so I don't care about Windows startup or IE speed. I don't think Linux would pick up the SSD at all. Which makes me go back to the stripped down Best Buy model. I'd simply swap its slow HDD with a full-size (256G+) SSD which can be had for $300 nowadays. I can live w/o the backlit keyboard and as far as the less capable video card, it's a business notebook, not a water-cooled gaming rig anyway.
353910
Probably get an SSD on Amazon although I have never owned one. I would not recommnd replacement on your own.
1740970
I haven't done that so I can't completely answer but really any SSD should work in it. This laptop really boots up fast compared to a regular HD. I suspect it is one of the new hybrids.
2053252
I wouldnt! I think it is used for cache and is software and hardware based. You would probably waste it. You need to look further but I though about buying a 256GB SSD for $120 on sale and replace the 500GB spinning drive with the new SSD and let it still cache if it likes I guess??? not sure lol.
634579
Yes, provided the SSD has as much space as you need. I moved the data folders (documents, pictures, music, etc.) onto a standard hard drive, then cloned just the operating system and most-used programs onto the SSD. That gives fast boot and response from the SSD, but cheaper bulk storage on the standard hard drive.
537350
The Intel SSD HD can replace any 3.5 or 2.5 SATA drive (there is an adapter to fix in space for the HD 3.5 inch). I prefer to reinstall the software on the new HD. My desktop was very fast.
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.
951222
I had to send mine back because the power key stopped working. It currently is dead due to possible hard drive failure. I don't have the heart to keep putting money into it, and the proprietary SSD business is crap.
100537
Yes, I have. There is no problem doing this as these drives are generic. However, the company I bought it from sent me one which appeared new (with new packaging) but tested as having thousands of hours of use on it. The test said it was working just fine but it wasn't a new device. I did not pursue the matter further as I did not intend to put this computer into daily use and it was not worth the hassle.
799948
I installed a Samsung 840 products ssd and it works great. Also, the included ram is inaccessible, however there are 2 empty slots easily accessible to add up to 8 more gb.
1358785
Sure, actually that is what I'm doing with my old HDD. You can do it with your SSD.
52950
Yes, I actually just ordered a 500 GB drive for mine and will be doing it as soon as it arrives. There are several "how-to" threads on the web that details the steps required. My only caution would be to take your time, take plenty of pictures along the way and keep the old drive in a safe place so you always have a backup. The new SSD will not only shorten your boot time to seconds it will also dramatically increase your battery life. Good Luck.