Can I install a second SSD in my Aspire A515-43?

fireflydrake
fireflydrake Member Posts: 2 New User
in Aspire Laptops
I was gifted an Aspire A515-43, but the internal storage is only 120 GB, which unfortunately is not enough for art creation and gaming (my primary uses of a laptop).

Is it possible to install a second, larger SSD in this laptop? Or replace the current SSD with a larger one?

A very detailed walkthrough in either scenario would be appreciated. I'm not very techy, so while I feel I could do an install/switch (did one on my last laptop), it's been a while and I will need lots of guidance.

Answers

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer
    You can do both. You can add a 2.5" HDD or SSD up to 2TB. And/or you can replace the 120GB m.2 card with one up to 2TB. I suggest the Western Digital Blue series for this laptop. The 1TB 2.5" SSD and 1TB m,2 cards are about the best deals right now. Gotta remove 10 screws and the base cover to change them though. Can you handle a phillips head screwdriver? :)




    Jack E/NJ

  • fireflydrake
    fireflydrake Member Posts: 2 New User
    Thank you so, so much! Went ahead and ordered that exact one. I think I can manage the screwdriver part--but if I get lost along the way, I'll be sure to come ask you for help again :')
  • padgett
    padgett ACE Posts: 4,532 Pathfinder
    Best to use magnetic jeweler's screwdrivers.
  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer
    OK. Let us know how you make out.

    Jack E/NJ

  • TEP392
    TEP392 Member Posts: 1 New User
    When replacing the m.2 drive, how does one clone the old drive to the new drive? 
  • ttttt
    ttttt Member Posts: 1,947 Community Aficionado WiFi Icon
    @TEP392

    Using a cloning software such as Macrium Reflect, Acronics...etc. 

    Normally, the M.2 slot is open if people use other drive originally. Running the cloning software with the original drive as the source and the new M.2 drive as the target, this kind of cloning is the easiest. Remove the original drive and just use the M.2 drive to boot. In BIOS hit F9 to load Optimized Defaults, and F10 to save and exit.
    Later on, put back the original drive and format it as a data drive.

    If you have extra drive (external HDD or another 2.5" SATA SSD through an external USB adapter) or if you don't want to use cloning software, you can use the Win 10 system image method.

    Control Panel>System and Security>Backup and Restore (Windows 7)>Create a System Image(Left pane).
    Create the system image to this extra drive. 
    Put in the M.2 drive and connect this extra drive with image.
    Remove original drive.

    When bootup, hold down the ALT key and keep tapping F10 until you see the Restore Menu
    Troubleshoot>Advanced Options>System Image Recovery
    Restore the system image to the new M.2 drive

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