My HDD recently died, and I'm planning to get an SSD but I have a few questions PH315-51

Mimicr3yyy
Mimicr3yyy Member Posts: 9

Tinkerer

edited September 2021 in Predator Laptops
My HDD is dead, my laptop won't boot anymore, it can't even go to recovery mode. For my first attempts it was just on a restart loop. I have came to the conclusion that my hdd is probably dead now, it has been showing signs for the past few months that it has been dying. So now im planning on getting an SSD. But I have a few questions, my plan is to get a 2.5" SSD, but im not sure if I can use that as my main drive and install the Windows OS on it. And another question is how would I get windows installed on it, do I have to contact Acer? My laptop is a Predator Helios 300 PH315-51

Thread was edited to add model name to the title


Best Answer

  • xapim
    xapim ACE Posts: 7,257 Pathfinder
    edited September 2021 Answer ✓
    @Mimicr3yyy so yes for content creation i would definitely recommend going nvme i would still go wd  (SN550 1tb are at good prices now) but if u really want the best speeds for rendering and you have the budget for it get samsung evo 970/980 but they are way more expensive well whichever you got for good luck and bare in mind you can alwasy get a normal 2tb 2.5" hdd for gaming most games run just fine from hdd not many need ssd and if you get a 1tb nvme driver youre covered for the few that need sdd good luck :)

    PS bare in mind your ram to be in dual channel mode and have 16gb minimum 2x8gb fr gaming but for rendering/content creation would need more ram i would recommend 32gb 2x16gb either hyperx or vengeance 2666 as thats the max supported by your cpu :)


    https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/11532543

    UserBenchmarks: Game 43%, Desk 61%, Work 40%
    CPU: Intel Core i5-7300HQ - 63.5%
    GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050-Ti (Mobile) - 41.9%
    SSD: WDC WDS200T2B0B-00YS70 2TB - 71.4%
    HDD: WD WD10SPZX-00HKTT0 1TB - 93.7%
    RAM: Kingston HyperX DDR4 2666 C15 2x16GB - 76.8%
    MBD: Acer Predator G3-572

    I'm not an Acer employee. (just here to help in the best way i can)
    If my answer fixed you issue please accept it for any other users who search for it would find it quickly thanks :)
    If you want to learn more about undervolting/optimizing windows join the Predator fb group and youtube channel:

    Owner/Admin (HOTEL HERO/Red-Sand/Opoka Opoka)
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/PredatorHelios300
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJwGUHxSJ8FKqAhnOqQuAw
    Acer support:
    https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/service-contact
    http://www.acer.com/worldwide/support/  


Answers

  • William_mk2
    William_mk2 Ally Posts: 4,044
    @Mimicr3yyy

    Yes.  You can use the ssd as an main drive to install operating system.     Once the operating system is installed you can go to bios - chose the ssd as an first bootable device.  You an also purchase another hard disk drive , connect it to computer and use it for storage.    So you can use one for installing the operating system to boot the computer and the other hdd for keeping it as storage.    

    You can either get a acer recovery media which is designed for your computer or you can download and install windows 10 from the internet. 


    Please visit the website - support.acer.com - chose your country - click on shop.  Scroll down.   Select e-recovery media on the bottom.   Enter the snid no of computer.  It will inform you whether it is available.  You can place the order.    Alternatively,  on the top right corner you can find the phone no to contact Acer store to get the recovery media. 

    Please go through the details from the link given below:

    https://www.newegg.com/insider/how-to-improve-pc-performance-by-installing-your-os-on-an-ssd/

    Please find the download link to install windows 10

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/software-download/windows10


    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful 

    Click on "Yes" if it answers your question.


    Please click YES if I answered your question

    I am not an ACER employee
    B  Thank you and have a BLESSED AND HAPPY DAY  B


                                         ★★ WILLIAM - MRK ★★

  • Balatekie
    Balatekie ACE Posts: 1,353 Pioneer
    My HDD is dead, my laptop won't boot anymore, it can't even go to recovery mode. For my first attempts it was just on a restart loop. I have came to the conclusion that my hdd is probably dead now, it has been showing signs for the past few months that it has been dying. So now im planning on getting an SSD. But I have a few questions, my plan is to get a 2.5" SSD, but im not sure if I can use that as my main drive and install the Windows OS on it. And another question is how would I get windows installed on it, do I have to contact Acer? My laptop is a Predator Helios 300 PH315-51
    Hello!!

    @Mimicr3yyy, 

    Sad to know that computer failed to boot in to Windows and you are going to replace the drive. Before doing that there are few things to notice. 

    The main driver which contains the OS is SSD in the laptop. Below is the complete storage specs of the unit. 


    Upon going with the above specs, I am sorry to inform that you cannot use 2.5" SSD.

    To help you I have provided the SSD list which are tested and released by Acer officially. Below is the list. 



    In order to reload the OS, you need to get eRecovery Media by contacting Acer Technical Support in your region. 

    I Hope the information helps!!

    Regards, 
    Balatekie
     :) If you think I've answered your question, please hit the Accept Answer:)

  • xapim
    xapim ACE Posts: 7,257 Pathfinder
    edited September 2021
    Mimicr3yyy u have a m.2 slot for a m.2 drive way faster than the sata ssd why would u want to install the OS in the slower 2.5"sata ??  im just wondering anyways also when u say your hdd is dead and u cant boot do u mean that you got your laptop cheaper with hdd only and without any m.2 ssd  ?? please explain :)

    In order to install windows since your OS drive died you need to have access to another pc/laptop get a usb flash drive ( i recommend 16gb flash drive as most times 8/32gb and over will have issues creating the bootable install drive) download windows media creation tool and create a usb bootable flash drive to install it
     :)


    https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/11532543

    UserBenchmarks: Game 43%, Desk 61%, Work 40%
    CPU: Intel Core i5-7300HQ - 63.5%
    GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050-Ti (Mobile) - 41.9%
    SSD: WDC WDS200T2B0B-00YS70 2TB - 71.4%
    HDD: WD WD10SPZX-00HKTT0 1TB - 93.7%
    RAM: Kingston HyperX DDR4 2666 C15 2x16GB - 76.8%
    MBD: Acer Predator G3-572

    I'm not an Acer employee. (just here to help in the best way i can)
    If my answer fixed you issue please accept it for any other users who search for it would find it quickly thanks :)
    If you want to learn more about undervolting/optimizing windows join the Predator fb group and youtube channel:

    Owner/Admin (HOTEL HERO/Red-Sand/Opoka Opoka)
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/PredatorHelios300
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJwGUHxSJ8FKqAhnOqQuAw
    Acer support:
    https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/service-contact
    http://www.acer.com/worldwide/support/  


  • Mimicr3yyy
    Mimicr3yyy Member Posts: 9

    Tinkerer

    Balatekie said:
    My HDD is dead, my laptop won't boot anymore, it can't even go to recovery mode. For my first attempts it was just on a restart loop. I have came to the conclusion that my hdd is probably dead now, it has been showing signs for the past few months that it has been dying. So now im planning on getting an SSD. But I have a few questions, my plan is to get a 2.5" SSD, but im not sure if I can use that as my main drive and install the Windows OS on it. And another question is how would I get windows installed on it, do I have to contact Acer? My laptop is a Predator Helios 300 PH315-51
    Hello!!

    @Mimicr3yyy, 

    Sad to know that computer failed to boot in to Windows and you are going to replace the drive. Before doing that there are few things to notice. 

    The main driver which contains the OS is SSD in the laptop. Below is the complete storage specs of the unit. 


    Upon going with the above specs, I am sorry to inform that you cannot use 2.5" SSD.

    To help you I have provided the SSD list which are tested and released by Acer officially. Below is the list. 



    In order to reload the OS, you need to get eRecovery Media by contacting Acer Technical Support in your region. 

    I Hope the information helps!!

    Regards, 
    Balatekie
    Wait, but I can put a 2.5" SSD in the 2nd Storage room right? So can't I just use that as my main drive and install the os there? Im planning on getting the Crucial MX500. And also because Im just too scared to completely disassemble my laptop to get the part where the my dead hdd is stored
  • xapim
    xapim ACE Posts: 7,257 Pathfinder
    edited September 2021
    @Mimicr3yyy my advice dont use the 2.5" drive as main OS its slower as i stated above read my post get a proper m.2 either just sata or if you do rendering works/content creation nvme and install the OS there i recommend 500gb drive and just get a normal 2tb 2.5" hdd for games as secondary drive thats the best you can do the money youre gonna spend on a 2.5" ssd you can get a m.2 also you havent explained yet did you bought it cheaper with hdd only ??? or when you say hdd youre referring to the m.2 ssd  if thats the case the ssd's wont normally die like that as they have no moving parts unless it was somehow short circuited with some high discharge from a thunderstorm this may and will happen in any house/building not properly grounded mostly everything connected to any socket not grounded may burn completely.

    Your laptop its really easy to disassemble just get a proper screwdriver and pry tool and youre good to go acer gaming laptops are the easiest ones to disassemble i had ever seen so far either the 2017/18 models like yours and mine or the 2019 up


    https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/11532543

    UserBenchmarks: Game 43%, Desk 61%, Work 40%
    CPU: Intel Core i5-7300HQ - 63.5%
    GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050-Ti (Mobile) - 41.9%
    SSD: WDC WDS200T2B0B-00YS70 2TB - 71.4%
    HDD: WD WD10SPZX-00HKTT0 1TB - 93.7%
    RAM: Kingston HyperX DDR4 2666 C15 2x16GB - 76.8%
    MBD: Acer Predator G3-572

    I'm not an Acer employee. (just here to help in the best way i can)
    If my answer fixed you issue please accept it for any other users who search for it would find it quickly thanks :)
    If you want to learn more about undervolting/optimizing windows join the Predator fb group and youtube channel:

    Owner/Admin (HOTEL HERO/Red-Sand/Opoka Opoka)
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/PredatorHelios300
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJwGUHxSJ8FKqAhnOqQuAw
    Acer support:
    https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/service-contact
    http://www.acer.com/worldwide/support/  


  • Mimicr3yyy
    Mimicr3yyy Member Posts: 9

    Tinkerer

    Balatekie said:
    My HDD is dead, my laptop won't boot anymore, it can't even go to recovery mode. For my first attempts it was just on a restart loop. I have came to the conclusion that my hdd is probably dead now, it has been showing signs for the past few months that it has been dying. So now im planning on getting an SSD. But I have a few questions, my plan is to get a 2.5" SSD, but im not sure if I can use that as my main drive and install the Windows OS on it. And another question is how would I get windows installed on it, do I have to contact Acer? My laptop is a Predator Helios 300 PH315-51
    Hello!!

    @Mimicr3yyy, 

    Sad to know that computer failed to boot in to Windows and you are going to replace the drive. Before doing that there are few things to notice. 

    The main driver which contains the OS is SSD in the laptop. Below is the complete storage specs of the unit. 


    Upon going with the above specs, I am sorry to inform that you cannot use 2.5" SSD.

    To help you I have provided the SSD list which are tested and released by Acer officially. Below is the list. 



    In order to reload the OS, you need to get eRecovery Media by contacting Acer Technical Support in your region. 

    I Hope the information helps!!

    Regards, 
    Balatekie
    Wait, but I can put a 2.5" SSD in the 2nd Storage room right? So can't I just use that as my main drive and install the os there? Im planning on getting the Crucial MX500. And also because Im just too scared to completely disassemble my laptop to get the part where the my dead hdd is stored
    And if I am forced to use a m.2 ssd, can I use the Crucial P2 NVMe?
  • xapim
    xapim ACE Posts: 7,257 Pathfinder
    edited September 2021
    @Mimicr3yyy do u really need nvme do you do content creation or rendering ?? if not dont waste your money and get a normal m.2 sata i recommend wdblue 3d nand more than enough :)

    Youre not forced to use the m.2 slot but thats the primary slot it was designed to be the OS drive because its faster you want to always have your OS on the fastest drive slot  and the  MX500 you can get it either in 2.5" form factor or m.2 but either way it will be always sata and the 2.5" sata port its slower than the m.2 because all normal sata ports are speed limited the m.2 slots have more lanes so a m.2 sata ssd  its faster that a normal 2.5" sata ssd drive :)

    Either way its your choice to do whatever u want to im just here to give my best advice its up to you to decide good luck :)


    https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/11532543

    UserBenchmarks: Game 43%, Desk 61%, Work 40%
    CPU: Intel Core i5-7300HQ - 63.5%
    GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050-Ti (Mobile) - 41.9%
    SSD: WDC WDS200T2B0B-00YS70 2TB - 71.4%
    HDD: WD WD10SPZX-00HKTT0 1TB - 93.7%
    RAM: Kingston HyperX DDR4 2666 C15 2x16GB - 76.8%
    MBD: Acer Predator G3-572

    I'm not an Acer employee. (just here to help in the best way i can)
    If my answer fixed you issue please accept it for any other users who search for it would find it quickly thanks :)
    If you want to learn more about undervolting/optimizing windows join the Predator fb group and youtube channel:

    Owner/Admin (HOTEL HERO/Red-Sand/Opoka Opoka)
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/PredatorHelios300
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJwGUHxSJ8FKqAhnOqQuAw
    Acer support:
    https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/service-contact
    http://www.acer.com/worldwide/support/  


  • Mimicr3yyy
    Mimicr3yyy Member Posts: 9

    Tinkerer

    xapim said:
    @Mimicr3yyy do u really need nvme do you do content creation or rendering ?? if not dont waste your money and get a normal m.2 sata i recommend wdblue 3d nand more than enough :)

    Youre not forced to use the m.2 slot but thats the primary slot it was designed to be the OS drive because its faster you want to always have your OS on the fastest drive slot  and the  MX500 you can get it either in 2.5" form factor or m.2 but either way it will be always sata and the 2.5" sata port its slower than the m.2 because all normal sata ports are speed limited the m.2 slots have more lanes so a m.2 sata ssd  its faster that a normal 2.5" sata ssd drive :)

    Either way its your choice to do whatever u want to im just here to give my best advice its up to you to decide good luck :)
    Oh I am very sorry, whilst I was replying to the comments, ur replies hasnt shown. But here yes my laptop only came with a 1tb HDD. And also thanks for your advices on picking up an ssd, I am trying out content creation such as digital art and also trying out youtube again.
  • xapim
    xapim ACE Posts: 7,257 Pathfinder
    edited September 2021 Answer ✓
    @Mimicr3yyy so yes for content creation i would definitely recommend going nvme i would still go wd  (SN550 1tb are at good prices now) but if u really want the best speeds for rendering and you have the budget for it get samsung evo 970/980 but they are way more expensive well whichever you got for good luck and bare in mind you can alwasy get a normal 2tb 2.5" hdd for gaming most games run just fine from hdd not many need ssd and if you get a 1tb nvme driver youre covered for the few that need sdd good luck :)

    PS bare in mind your ram to be in dual channel mode and have 16gb minimum 2x8gb fr gaming but for rendering/content creation would need more ram i would recommend 32gb 2x16gb either hyperx or vengeance 2666 as thats the max supported by your cpu :)


    https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/11532543

    UserBenchmarks: Game 43%, Desk 61%, Work 40%
    CPU: Intel Core i5-7300HQ - 63.5%
    GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050-Ti (Mobile) - 41.9%
    SSD: WDC WDS200T2B0B-00YS70 2TB - 71.4%
    HDD: WD WD10SPZX-00HKTT0 1TB - 93.7%
    RAM: Kingston HyperX DDR4 2666 C15 2x16GB - 76.8%
    MBD: Acer Predator G3-572

    I'm not an Acer employee. (just here to help in the best way i can)
    If my answer fixed you issue please accept it for any other users who search for it would find it quickly thanks :)
    If you want to learn more about undervolting/optimizing windows join the Predator fb group and youtube channel:

    Owner/Admin (HOTEL HERO/Red-Sand/Opoka Opoka)
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/PredatorHelios300
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJwGUHxSJ8FKqAhnOqQuAw
    Acer support:
    https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/service-contact
    http://www.acer.com/worldwide/support/  


  • Mimicr3yyy
    Mimicr3yyy Member Posts: 9

    Tinkerer

    xapim said:
    @Mimicr3yyy so yes for content creation i would definitely recommend going nvme i would still go wd  (SN550 1tb are at good prices now) but if u really want the best speeds for rendering and you have the budget for it get samsung evo 970/980 but they are way more expensive well whichever you got for good luck and bare in mind you can alwasy get a normal 2tb 2.5" hdd for gaming most games run just fine from hdd not many need ssd and if you get a 1tb nvme driver youre covered for the few that need sdd good luck :)

    PS bare in mind your ram to be in dual channel mode and have 16gb minimum 2x8gb fr gaming but for rendering/content creation would need more ram i would recommend 32gb 2x16gb either hyperx or vengeance 2666 as thats the max supported by your cpu :)
    I'll keep it in mind. For all the information you have shared, you have my gratitude.
  • xapim
    xapim ACE Posts: 7,257 Pathfinder
    xapim said:
    @Mimicr3yyy so yes for content creation i would definitely recommend going nvme i would still go wd  (SN550 1tb are at good prices now) but if u really want the best speeds for rendering and you have the budget for it get samsung evo 970/980 but they are way more expensive well whichever you got for good luck and bare in mind you can alwasy get a normal 2tb 2.5" hdd for gaming most games run just fine from hdd not many need ssd and if you get a 1tb nvme driver youre covered for the few that need sdd good luck :)

    PS bare in mind your ram to be in dual channel mode and have 16gb minimum 2x8gb fr gaming but for rendering/content creation would need more ram i would recommend 32gb 2x16gb either hyperx or vengeance 2666 as thats the max supported by your cpu :)
    I'll keep it in mind. For all the information you have shared, you have my gratitude.
    Youre welcome always glad to help :) if your question was solved please take the time to mark the answer(s) that better helped you in solving it so everyone else with similar doubts would find it quickly when searching :)


    https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/11532543

    UserBenchmarks: Game 43%, Desk 61%, Work 40%
    CPU: Intel Core i5-7300HQ - 63.5%
    GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050-Ti (Mobile) - 41.9%
    SSD: WDC WDS200T2B0B-00YS70 2TB - 71.4%
    HDD: WD WD10SPZX-00HKTT0 1TB - 93.7%
    RAM: Kingston HyperX DDR4 2666 C15 2x16GB - 76.8%
    MBD: Acer Predator G3-572

    I'm not an Acer employee. (just here to help in the best way i can)
    If my answer fixed you issue please accept it for any other users who search for it would find it quickly thanks :)
    If you want to learn more about undervolting/optimizing windows join the Predator fb group and youtube channel:

    Owner/Admin (HOTEL HERO/Red-Sand/Opoka Opoka)
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/PredatorHelios300
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJwGUHxSJ8FKqAhnOqQuAw
    Acer support:
    https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/service-contact
    http://www.acer.com/worldwide/support/