Upgrade from hard disc to SSD? Aspire xc-115

RolandL
RolandL Member Posts: 10 New User
edited March 2024 in 2020 Archives
Startup is slow - I want to try a faster disc, not necessarily larger. 
Aspire xc-115  product id 00326-10000-00000-AA786, 64 bit os x64 based processor, serial ATA-600 Disc interface
win 10 upgraded from preinstalled win 8.1
Is it possible to upgrade to a SSD-disc? 
If yes - what is needed to move system and win to the new disc (only one disc slot as far as I can see)?

Best Answer

  • RolandL
    RolandL Member Posts: 10 New User
    Answer ✓
    Ok thanks.
    I only use that computer a short while every day so I don' t need a really fast machine. But the slow startup, browser starting and antivirus update/checking disturbs my daily routines so I'll try upgrading to a SSD disc rather than bying a new machine.
    I'll use a USB flash for moving the OEM windows to the SSD. The DVD drive is needed for use with an old application.

    Thank you all for your help. I think I learned what I need to know to be able to succeed with the upgrade now.

Answers

  • Commodore_1995#
    Commodore_1995# ACE Posts: 98,349 Trailblazer
    You can install a 2.5 "ssd, but you will need to purchase an adapter to install the ssd:
    Compre HP 654540 001 25 SSD De 35 SATA Adaptador Do Tabuleiro Conversor SAS HDD Suporte Do Compartimento De Dahonghu 4793 PtDhgateCom
    Or you use the pcie port, see:
    Adaptador Pci Express Ssd M2 Pcengff-n03 Pci-e - Aztech Hardware
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                                                     egydiocoelho Trailblazer
     
    ProductKey clique aqui para descobrir o serial do windows! click here to discover the windows serial!
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  • RolandL
    RolandL Member Posts: 10 New User
    OK, thanks. Forgive my uninformed questions, I am an amateur computor user:
     If I use such an adapter to fit the ssd, can the system/bios handle a small ssd without problems or does it take some reconfigurations?
  • Commodore_1995#
    Commodore_1995# ACE Posts: 98,349 Trailblazer
    You can use this adapter:
    ADAPTADOR HD SSD 25 PARA 35 KINGSTON SNA-BR235 KINGSTON METAL
    That way, just use the hard drive sata cable that will work.
    Oi! Eu não sou sou a cortana! Mas estou aqui para ajudar! Hi! I'm not the cortana! But I'm here to help!
    Se você gostou da minha resposta, marque como solução clicando em sim! If you liked my answer, mark it as a solution by clicking on yes!
    Aceite somente a resposta que ajudou a solucionar o seu problema! Please accept only the response that helped to solve your problem!
    Detection tool click here to find the serial number or partnumber of your model!                                                          
                                                      
                                                     egydiocoelho Trailblazer
     
    ProductKey clique aqui para descobrir o serial do windows! click here to discover the windows serial!
    Para usuários da comunidade inglesa, espanhola, francesa e alemã, usarei o google tradutor! :)
    For users of the English, Spanish, French and German community, I will be using google translator! :) 
  • RolandL
    RolandL Member Posts: 10 New User
    OK Thanks.
  • ttttt
    ttttt Member Posts: 1,947 Community Aficionado WiFi Icon
    @RolandL
    If you can use the PCIe x16 port with the PCIE 3.0  x4 M.2 NVMe SSD, the speed can be like 4-5 times faster than typical 2.5" SSD.
  • RolandL
    RolandL Member Posts: 10 New User
    Two more questions:
    1 Would upgrading from 4 to 8 GB RAM increase Windows startup speed significantly or
    would changing to a simple SSD disc have a greater impact?

    2 I read somewhere that all Bios versions cannot address all SSD dics. My Bios version is P11A1. Will that work with any of these two inexpensive discs:
    Kingston SSDNow A400 240 GB
    WD Green SSD disc 240 GB
  • ttttt
    ttttt Member Posts: 1,947 Community Aficionado WiFi Icon
    @RolandL
    I would say increasing the RAM from 4GB to 8GB will somewhat increase the "STARTUP" speed but not significantly, as this will enable the Dual Channel capabilities of the memory sticks, this cannot be achieved with just one memory stick. Depending on your memory usage, if you see that your normal memory usage will hit the 4GB limit, then doubling the memory will definitely increase the speed significantly. You can open the Task Manger (typing it in from the Task Bar Search Field), look at the "Process" tab to track it.
    Using a M.2 NVMe SSD or 2.5" SSD will benefit the speed most.
    The two SSDs that you pointed out are kind of typical 2.5" SSDs, I'll bet they will be compatible with most PCs in the past decade if not all of them. If proven un-compatible, then think about updating BIOS.
    Have you opened up your PC and take a close look how many SATA data ports and power connectors are still available? I'll worry about the mounting bracket later, after transferring the Windows OS.
    I would suggest creating an image file under Windows 10 first before proceeding to migrate your Windows from HDD to SSD.
    Here is a link, different model, but the concept is the same:
    https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/932025#Comment_932025
    Feel free to ask if you have more questions.
  • RolandL
    RolandL Member Posts: 10 New User
    OK tack.
    Så vitt jag kan se finns det bara en sataport. Jag har ***** några tips om montering och överföring via USB flash i tråden ovan.
  • ttttt
    ttttt Member Posts: 1,947 Community Aficionado WiFi Icon
    @RolandL
    Oop ! What is that? Can you resend the message?
  • RolandL
    RolandL Member Posts: 10 New User
    Ok, tack
    Så vitt jag kan se finns det bara en sata port. Jag ***** några tips om montering i tråden ovan.

  • RolandL
    RolandL Member Posts: 10 New User
    Seems like a translation problem. I'll try with english instead.
    As far as I can see there is only one sata port. I got som tips on mounting in the thread above.
  • ttttt
    ttttt Member Posts: 1,947 Community Aficionado WiFi Icon
    @RolandL
    Then you should be able to do it.
  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 35,014 Trailblazer
    There are two SATA connectors on the XC-115 motherboard. Typically one is for the ODD and the other for the HDD.
    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • RolandL
    RolandL Member Posts: 10 New User
    Ok thanks.
    I saw a hdd that filled up the disc cabinet. I thought that there would be an empty space above or under the disc if there was space for a second disc.
    I am not sure what a sata contact looks like. The computer has a dvd burner. Would that be connected to a sata?
    Tomorrow I will open the cabinet again and take another look.
  • ttttt
    ttttt Member Posts: 1,947 Community Aficionado WiFi Icon
    @RolandL
    If you trace the wire at the back of the DVD drive/burner to the motherboard and unplug it from the motherboard, you can see a connector with the look somewhat like 'L" shape rotated 90 degrees, that is the SATA data port. See how many still open SATA ports are there.
    Don't forget to plug back your DVD drive connector.
  • RolandL
    RolandL Member Posts: 10 New User
    This is what it looks like. Even if the dvd is connected to a sata, I don't see how that would help me. I still need the dvd.
  • ttttt
    ttttt Member Posts: 1,947 Community Aficionado WiFi Icon
    @RolandL
    It's too dark there, cannot see how many connectors.
    Your PC is a low end model it is slow by nature. If I were you, I'll apply the money for a new PC such as TC-885 or TC-895. You will appreciate how much time you save every year with the newer PC.
    If you want to keep this PC you can do ( assuming you do not have other open SATA connector):

    Borrow from your friend a set of Windows 10 installation disks or go to Microsoft web site to download it ( which I am not sure if Microsoft will permit that,  but I believe you probably can, I did such a download and only use the product key during installation.)
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

    After downloaded to DVD disc, you have a set of installation disc. 
    You don't have to worry about Windows 10 product key, as that should be burnt to your motherboard BIOS already. This will be the "Digital License". Changing from HDD to SSD should not affect it.

    Do a clean install of Windows 10 with the SSD in.

    Don't forget to backup all data before the clean install.

    I can see your X16 slot is unused, maybe you can put a M.2 NVMe SSD there with the adapter.
  • RolandL
    RolandL Member Posts: 10 New User
    Answer ✓
    Ok thanks.
    I only use that computer a short while every day so I don' t need a really fast machine. But the slow startup, browser starting and antivirus update/checking disturbs my daily routines so I'll try upgrading to a SSD disc rather than bying a new machine.
    I'll use a USB flash for moving the OEM windows to the SSD. The DVD drive is needed for use with an old application.

    Thank you all for your help. I think I learned what I need to know to be able to succeed with the upgrade now.

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