Adding an SSD to my laptop..

FinglisHobbit · 24 Nov 2014 at 14:23

Whats the easiest way for me to add an SSD to my MSI Gt60.

It currently uses a 1tb 7200rpm HDD. It has Windows and all of my games installed on this.

Ideally I want to make a seperate boot SSD and then just have the 1tb for game installs etc.

I also notice my laptop doesnt have a Windows sticker or anything. Im assuming its now built in somehow, so I can reinstall Windows onto the SSD yes?

Any tips on the smoothest way to go about this?

AMDPower · 24 Nov 2014 at 14:35

Hi

I don't know anything about that specific laptop but you would have to first use software to either clone over your partition on the HD over to the SSD and then install the SSD and restart. Or you can make a back up CD/usb of the windows operating system and then use those to install windows onto the SSD, sometimes there is an option to create a backup from the Menu system of the laptop by pressing some F key combination. You should not have to re-enter the windows key if you do as above its pre installed already. There is a way to obtain your windows key if you really wanted to, depending on which windows operating system you have.

I am sure others will be along with more experience with these things to give you more details.

FinglisHobbit · 24 Nov 2014 at 15:32

Thanks for the reply.

I think ill look into creating a USB OS backup then install fresh from that. Most of my HDD is my Steam folder so I might just accept the loss and then redownload everything :-/

HugsHeal · 24 Nov 2014 at 16:26

If you opt for the crucial MX100 it comes with a licence for the acronis cloning software.

It's easy to use and beats reinstalling. I had reservations before using it but it worked a treat, doesn't take that long either, certainly the easiest way.

MX100 should fit in any laptop as is 7mm with 9.5 adaptor.

tom_e · 24 Nov 2014 at 16:31

I'm pretty sure this model takes mSATA drives rather than the usual 2.5inch SATA drives, if you install one then just switch the boot priority in the BIOS then you can install Windows onto the SSD and then copy your stuff from the mech drive.
The Win 8 key is stored within the firmware so it'll be automatically picked up on reinstall.

hugobosslives · 24 Nov 2014 at 19:30

definitely advise not cloning the drive. fresh installs are much better in the long run. and it really doesn't take that long to install some programs and transfer your files across