Can I Dual Set-UP SSD with Existing HDD? (System: ASPIRE Z1620-UR31P)

WJB-2

While shopping for DDR3 Memory Modules a manufacturer tool identified several "Compatible SSDs" for upgrading the above system.  These are Crucial MX300 2TB SATA 2.5" 7mm (with 9.5mm adaptor) Internal SSD models.  The current HDD is fine so I would only purchase an SSD now if my system has space for dual drives.  I know having coexisting HDD and SSD is possible for some systems, but I'm unable to determine if a Z1620 can handle a dual setup.  Anyone know how/where I can determine that?

JackE

Mainboard seems to have 2 SATA connectors & a power connector for cabling to the HDD or SSD. But that doesn't necessarily mean the case has enough room for two separate 2.5" drives. You may have room if antistat foam instead of a bracket is used to immobilize and protect the second drive. Jack E/NJ

 

JackE

My documentation for the Z1620 is incomplete, particularly wrt HDD sub-system, so I'm not quite sure what you're gonna find lurking around inside. But if it were mine and if the DDR3 module issue is resolved, I'd be tempted to replace the HDD with an SSD to get the most bang for the buck out of this older machine. And if it originally came with Win7 and normal BIOS, I'd upgrade it back to Win7 ASAP cuz its maintenance support doesn't end till 2020. Due to Microsoft's new and unimproved lifecycle policies, Win10 maintenance support typically ends a year or so after a major update is released. And it continues to be a crapshoot on if a machine that is only a few years old will work properly with each new major Win10 release. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet .

As for Mint, I've already turned one of my newer Win10 machines into an 18.3 Cinnamon-flavored laptop. It was installed alongside a bare minimum size Win10 partition with grub loading first. Win10 is rarely used on it any more. And Cinnamon's GUI can be set up with the look & feel of Win7 except for being a lot faster and totally free of MSOffice nonsense. Yes, as I've said to others, I think Win10 might actually be an open window of opportunity to finally break the status quo in PC GUIs in the next year or so. 

Jack E/NJ 

JackE

Mainboard seems to have 2 SATA connectors & a power connector for cabling to the HDD or SSD. But that doesn't necessarily mean the case has enough room for two separate 2.5" drives. You may have room if antistat foam instead of a bracket is used to immobilize and protect the second drive. Jack E/NJ

 

WJB-2

I figured this form factor would pose a problem -- if not impossibility -- for dual setup.  I sought the input because it's no fun opening the back of that case.  But I must open it anyway to follow your advice about reseating the DDR3 module.  However, given your assessment of the tight space and suggestion for antistatic foam I'm wondering if it would be wise to risk a dual set-up.  Any thoughts?  This would have been more a luxury than need for space, as my Intel-powered E1 is my more serious machine.  The Z1620 tends to be for causal use and I plan to turn it into a Linux Mint unit when Windows 10 support ends. (Yeah, I expect my Acer's to last long as all have, except for my Iconia A210.)

JackE

My documentation for the Z1620 is incomplete, particularly wrt HDD sub-system, so I'm not quite sure what you're gonna find lurking around inside. But if it were mine and if the DDR3 module issue is resolved, I'd be tempted to replace the HDD with an SSD to get the most bang for the buck out of this older machine. And if it originally came with Win7 and normal BIOS, I'd upgrade it back to Win7 ASAP cuz its maintenance support doesn't end till 2020. Due to Microsoft's new and unimproved lifecycle policies, Win10 maintenance support typically ends a year or so after a major update is released. And it continues to be a crapshoot on if a machine that is only a few years old will work properly with each new major Win10 release. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet .

As for Mint, I've already turned one of my newer Win10 machines into an 18.3 Cinnamon-flavored laptop. It was installed alongside a bare minimum size Win10 partition with grub loading first. Win10 is rarely used on it any more. And Cinnamon's GUI can be set up with the look & feel of Win7 except for being a lot faster and totally free of MSOffice nonsense. Yes, as I've said to others, I think Win10 might actually be an open window of opportunity to finally break the status quo in PC GUIs in the next year or so. 

Jack E/NJ