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Resolved Question

What SSD's will work on my computer?

Apr 28, 2019 1:28AM PDT

So, my Acer XC-780 desktop PC has a 3TB WD hard drive which is about to die according to Crystal disc.

I found out that my motherboard has an M.2 expansion slot with a B key so I opted in for an M.2 SSD.

I found WD SSD's on Amazon and their are two types, Green performance and blue High performance. The green SSD uses sata while the Blue uses NAND. I'm not sure what this is, or whether it will work on my computer or not.

So will both of them work on my computer and will I be able to install Windows 10 on them? Will it be any faster than my 3TB 5200RPM hard drive?

If you need more information please ask and also what SSD's do you
recommend that are fairly cheap. ($50 or less)

Thanks in advance

Discussion is locked

IAmBadAtUserNames has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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I'd check one thing.
Apr 28, 2019 9:26AM PDT

I'd check to see if there are open SATA ports and get the usual 2.5 inch SATA SSD.

WHY! Because I've had to install the Windows OS when the old OS was on SATA. For unclear reasons the clone from SATA to M.2 may or may not boot. There is little performance to be gained on most drives so the safe upgrade is the usual SATA SSD.

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Replace my hard disk drive?
Apr 28, 2019 10:10AM PDT

I don't think I have an open SATA but can I replace my hard disk drive for an SSD in the same port?

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Sorry no.
Apr 28, 2019 10:25AM PDT

SATA is one drive per port. I see at https://www.acer.com/ac/en/GB/content/model/DT.B5EEK.003 there is a DVDRW and that would be on a SATA port which could be used if there we no open SATA ports on the motherboard.

I'll write it again just in case I wasn't clear. The M.2 port might work but might not. And often the clone from SATA to M.2 drives don't boot necessitating an OS install to the new boot drive. Most folk do not want a fresh OS install but a clone job. It depends if you feel adventerous about the M.2 but I don't see any prior discussions about this PC. My bet is the clone will fail and you'll have to install Windows or which OS you use to the M.2.

I know Crucial sells M.2 drives but they DO NOT OFFER THEM for your model. https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Acer/aspire-xc-780

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dchb8Iz4QRQ is not your exact model but it does show what I would be looking for inside. If you have that free SATA slot you can use the usual 2.5 inch SATA and use your choice of ways to attach it inside.

If you go the M.2 route, try cloning to it and then if that fails, install the OS there but it's odd that Crucial didn't list the M.2 drives. It's a sign, not a good one.

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Why?
Apr 29, 2019 9:37AM PDT

Why won't crucial SSD work? I think they would

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You have to be specific.
Apr 29, 2019 10:58AM PDT

SSD can be M.2 or SATA. We know SATA will work.

Also I've had clients that return and tell me it didn't work. Turns out they either could not clone the old drive to new or were flummoxed on how to mount the new SSD.

Both are issues dealt with at the office every week successfully.

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Infomation about the motherboard and computer
Apr 29, 2019 9:41AM PDT
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Another sign. YOU HAVE TO LOOK INSIDE.
Apr 28, 2019 10:26AM PDT
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He says...
Apr 29, 2019 9:43AM PDT

The guy in the video also says "Here is a free sata port" Not sure if this is useful or not... Its at 0:19

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That is very helpful. Here's why.
Apr 29, 2019 10:59AM PDT

I find a lot of folk are new to working on their PCs. So a video that clearly shows what an open SATA port is really helps wear off some of the new shine.

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Answer
Disk
Apr 28, 2019 4:07PM PDT

How much total storage space do you need?

What is your used disk space now?

If you add a m.2 along with a hdd you will create a more complex mix.

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I currently use about...
Apr 29, 2019 9:35AM PDT

I currently use about 130GB storage

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Storage
Apr 29, 2019 2:35PM PDT
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Ordered.
Apr 30, 2019 8:21AM PDT

Thanks, I got an m.2 Western digital blue ssd 250GB on Amazon for £37

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Answer
Yes Definitely, it should work.
Apr 29, 2019 1:19AM PDT

Yes Actually, i am using SSD since last 2 months and SSD works on my PC and laptop s well and both are available with sata connection. Definitely it will fasten your PC better than you HDD.

All you need is a 3.5" bracket because most SSD's comes in 2.5".

Regards,
David Smith

Commercial link removed by moderator.

Post was last edited on April 29, 2019 2:51 AM PDT

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Answer
See this article
Apr 29, 2019 12:10PM PDT