add a HDD aspire M5-581TG

berbec1000

I have just ordered an Aspire M5. The model is  M5-581TG-73516G12Mass NX.M5MEK.003  http://www.acer.co.uk/ac/en/GB/content/model-datasheet/NX.M5MEK.003

 

Seems a good build quality with a decent hardware. My concern is related with the low storage capacity. As I have read a HDD bay is available but probably the hdd cable is misssing. Also the boot sequence can not be changed (will automaticaly boot from HDD).

 

Question is if and HDD or SDD can be added, if the cable is there (seems stange not to be), if the boot sequence can be mantained to boot from Msata and if the waranty is voide if the operation is done by myself.

 

Thank you

ScottyC

The warranty won't apply if you add the hardware because Acer only supports devices in factory original condition. That being said it's nothing to remove the drive if necessary.

 

Now if there is a second drive bay (I haven't checked and I don't remember) you don't need a cable. It will slide into place and mount to the connectors.

Finally, if you do add the drive you should have no issue booting from the second device (assuming you installed an OS to it). But you could always just replace the original drive with your new one. I would say create recovery media using your original drive, remove it and install the new drive, then install your os onto the new drive with recovery media. If ever you needed to service your device you could always just swap your original drive in and it will look as though it's never been changed. If it were to be functional the system would be in the same state it was when you shut it down.

berbec1000

I have asked Acer and the waranty will not be void if I add a hdd but the bigest problem is that the cable is not there so I have to find one (seems imposible in Romania).

 

Still I do not know about the boot seqvence. 

 

Acer offers very good price-quality-performance balance but their biggest problem are the spare parts. I have a problem with an phone (Acer S500). A good device for the price but I have broken the screen and the seller informed me that Acer does not provide any spare parts and can replace the device but the cost is like for a new one.