if it is possible to install a new, 1 TB hard drive into this computer and Upgrading an E5

Hello. I need some information. My daughter bought a new computer, and gave me her E5. It has a better graphics card than my HP, and seems to be faster as well. The trouble is, she has damaged 2 of the USB ports, which is an easy fix with a USB hub. However the hard drive is atrociously small, only 250gb. I would like to know if it is possible to install a new, 1 TB hard drive into this computer. I would need, of course, to clone this hard drive to the new one. I've read a few articles about how to get that done, and I think I could do it pretty easily. The thing I'm asking about is there anything that I should know before I try it? Are there any hidden pitfalls I should be aware of? Has Acer put any traps in this to stop someone from upgrading the hard drive? The warranty has long since expired, so there is no worry about voiding the warranty. In fact, if I were to completely wreck it, there would be little lost. There is a large removable panel underneath so I'm assuming that is where the hard drive is. Any other things that I should know would be helpful.

Accepted answers

All comments

padgett

Insufficient data. Need to know which E5 either the model (e.g E5-573G) or the port number (e.g. NX.G5RAL.005) but looks like many have a 2.5" SATA III HDD

which is easily replaceable. https://www.acerstorage.com/products/acer-ssd-sa100-25-sata-iii.html

ttttt

@Misled63

Don't be afraid. Do not know the sub-model number of your E5, but I think it should generally similar to this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjyvL-3aeEU

Hard drives/SSD can be easily replaceable. Just follow the video and you will be fine. I think the most important part is how you are going to clone the disk.

Let us know how it goes.

ttttt

@Misled63

BTW, I recommend using a 1 TB 2.5" SATA3 SSD instead of a 1 TB traditional HDD, as the SSD will be more than two times faster than spinning HDD.

You will appreciate how fast it is comparing with the old drive.

padgett

ps Acer now has a line of SSDs that include cloning software.

pps I always use a strongly magnetized screwdriver.

Misled63

I would like to thank both of you for your answers. This is exactly what I need to know. I have looked at the Acer 100 SSD, and I think that is the way to go. Free cloning software, SSD, and stays with the manufacturer label, so there shouldn't be any type of conflicts. Thank you again.

William_mk2

Misled63

I would like to provide some additional info which will really help you.

Kindly go through the details given below. The info provided below will be very helpful to get the current memory and ssd details of your computer and the options to upgrade it.

Please visit the website given below. There is an option to "start your scan " and " select your computer " . Please chose the options and try it. It will show you the memory and SSD’s details and the best upgrade options for you..

https://www.crucial.com/

It will tell you what you currently have and what you can add for memory and SSD's.

Note: If you decide to buy you can always compare the prices by visiting other websites or stores and then you can decide. We are providing the info of scan app just to show you the upgrade options. You can even download similar scan apps from other memory upgrade websites too.

To check the compatibility of ram which you can use on your computer.. Get CPUz and check it with that in SPD section of all the RAM and specs that you have, its a quick and simple way to check all OEM specs and what you

Kindly look at the link given below

https://community.acer.com/en/kb/articles/8449-hard-drive-installation-instructions-for-aspire-e5-575g-and-e5-576g-laptops

Misled63

Thank you for your suggestion. I'm sorry that I haven't replied early, busy for the holidays. I'm at crucial.com now.

Misled63

padgett said:

ps Acer now has a line of SSDs that include cloning software.
pps I always use a strongly magnetized screwdriver.

I have looked over the information you posted, as well as looked at the product itself on both amazon and walmart. Neither mention anything about cloning software. Am I overlooking something? Is this something that comes installed on the product, or is it something that requires downloading?

ttttt

@Misled63

Normally, drive manufacturers do not include cloning software with the drive, but some, including Samsung may ship with a cloning software or allow to download from their web site to have the software.

Without cloning software, you still can use Win 10 , Control Panel>System and Security>Backup and Restore(Windows 7)>Left Pane (Create System Image) to burn a system image to another internal HDD/SSD or to another external drive( just not a flash drive) via USB port or a USB adapter. This WIN 10 method definitely need an additional drive to temporarily save the image file. Generally, I suggest always having extra external HDD/SSD to store this backup image and additional data. If you have DVD drive with your PC, create the Repair Disc when done with the system image backup. Restore the image saved to the new SSD, so the new drive will be bootable.

With a cloning software, you can connect two drives (if the motherboard allows two internal drives) and clone from the source drive to the target drive ( the new drive). That is convenient to do. I suggest using the Macrium Reflect as the software. You may need to give them your E-mail address before you get the license to use it. This software is more powerful with many options, but as a first time user you should be careful not making mistake.

For further questions, please start a new thread.

Misled63

HI! Just wanted all of you to know that I successfully upgraded my computer today to a SSD hard drive. In the end, I decided to go with Acronis cloning software, and it couldn't have gone any easier. The video you recommended was particularly helpful, since I was taken aback when I opened the rear cover and saw there was no hard drive! LOL. Anyway, thanks again, and the moderator may close this thread.