I have these really nooby questions, please don't mind me.
I just got this laptopand have some questions before I start it up.
As you can see in the link, this comes with a 1TB HDD, which I'd like to upgrade to an SSD.
A) This laptop comes with Windows 10 Signature Edition; where is that stored? Is it stored in the HDD? If I replace it with an SSD, will I need to somehow reinstall windows?
B) 256 GB sounds like not enough storage space for a laptop (yes, I know about the cloud). Does THIS Crucial 525GB SATA work nicely? Or is it worth paying an extra $40+ for the Samsung 850 EVO 500GB?
C) Again, please excuse my terrible ignorance, but are these the same exact physical size as the HDD it's replacing? Is the "slot" the same size in all windows 13"-17" laptops?
D) Is upgrading/adding RAM from 8GB to 16GB something that makes sense for someone who habitually keeps dozens of tabs and multiple windows open at once?
Does installation involve anything complicated or is it rather simple? And (this one is so embarrassing ) how do I go about buying one (there doesn't seem to be a huge selection)? And is there any specific one that's highly recommended?
Would really appreciate if someone has the patients to respond to my ignorance.
TIA!!
My friend, there's no need whatsoever to point out every 2nd line that your ignorant or noobie...you may ask advice even if you aren't (hint: you aren't...)
I'll try to answer as for what I know and I hope with other guys' input something will come out for you...
A) Windows is stored on the (1 TB) HDD. If you'll replace it you'll have two options, first - and best - is cloning (in plain English, copying the whole thing) the old HDD to the new one (for which you'll need an accessory like
this to have them both connected at once.) 2nd option would be reinstalling Windows. (which isn't that hard either, but you should first sign into the laptop with your MS account so that the license will work automatically even after changing drive.)
B) IMHO 256GB is more than enough "working" space if you don't plan on having a huge collection of Music or Videos saved on there. And if you're going with 250GB the Samsung and the Crucial are almost same price so the Samsung would be the way to go. If you do wanna go with the 500GB it is hard to make the decision, it is not just like five bucks more, but the Samsung is after all the king, and as a bonus the Samsung comes with 2 more years warranty and a great easy to use cloning software (if you go with option 1 for the previous answer.)
C) Yes, all normal laptops use the same 2.5" SATA slot which fits all 2.5" SATA drives.
D) It is more complicated. Not necessarily the mere installation which is a bit more delicate, but the choosing should be complete exact (some tiny, almost unnotable, specs may make all the difference between success and failure) match and some problems that may arise. So I would not recommend it for a first or 2nd-time laptop tinkering.
BTW, as I noted in that deals thread lately laptops come more closed down and in order to change a thing you need to crack them all the way open (unlike in the past that most came with easily unscrewable covers to open and make these upgrades.) How is this specific model in this regards?