Storage Options for Laptop

Hrishi

Hrishi

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Tired of the slow performance and extreme lags offered by the current 500GB 5400RPM Toshiba HDD , which came along as the stock Storage for my 2 year old laptop , I have decided to go for a new storage option.

Configuration of Laptop :

Core I7 3610QM 2.3Ghz
4GB DDR3 RAM 1333Mhz
500GB Toshiba 5400RPM Drive.
OS : Windows 8.1 64 Bit.

The laptop tends to get too slow at times , and is barely of any use when running performance applications and games. ( takes too long time respond and load data )
I am not sure , what is causing this bottle-neck but I suspect that it's either the 5.4k drive or else the 4 Gigs of RAM. The processor is still good enough for most application.

Therefore , I am thinking of upgrading the memory options. ( Both Primary and Secondary Memory .)
Overall Budget is approximately 10,000 INR.

My current considerations are :
Secondary Storage :
A high performance 7200RPM Drive with ~500GB Capacity or A Hybrid HDD with 500GB of Storage.
But I am not sure , which would be best in case if I am looking for minimal lags in operations. I don't need high transfer rates in copying data ( I use USB2.0 External HDD , so it would a waste anyways due to USB2.0 speed limits .).
I just need to ensure that when I launch any applications or perform any task , it should take minimal response time. Right now , even launching IE/Chrome takes forever.

Primary Storage :
Since I use applications like VmWare/Photoshop...etc and Play causal games like BF3 , Dirt , etc so they tend to hog up ~3GB+ ram leaving the system unstable at times , often resulting in crash. Therefore I am considering upgrading the memory.
Currently the system is configured with 4GB DDR3 1333MHZ Ram with another slot empty. What all options I have available to upgrade the RAM ?

Will a dual channel 4GB+4GB (1333mhz) be quicker or a single 8GB 1600Mhz stick ?
Is the difference noticeable ? If yes , then in what kind of scenarios/applications ?


Thanks.
 
2kool2btrue

2kool2btrue

In the zone
Assuming you have a DVD Drive (which I'm guessing you don't use), here's what I would do -
1. Get a caddy bay from ebay/Amazon - 1k
2. Get a 128GB SSD - ~4-5k
3. Add 4GB RAM to it - 2k

You could put your existing HDD in the caddy bay and it would replace your DVD drive. The OS and all your softwares go into the SSD. The HDD will only be used for dumping games / media.

This is the setup I have on my laptop and it works wonders!

Gives you the fastest access times and minimum frustration :)
 
SaiyanGoku

SaiyanGoku

kamehameha!!
I suggest you replace the DVD drive with a Samdung 840/850 Evo 128 GB SSD. And then report about the speed issues.

Also, do a full system optimisation using 360 Total Security.
 
OP
Hrishi

Hrishi

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Are those caddies compatible with all laptop DVD Drive slots ? Seems a good idea , will help in purging the idea of Hybrid or 7200rpm. Otherwise , I have to purchase an additional enclosure for 500GB HDD.

How about the RAM ?

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The only reason the laptop is still alive is because of optimization performed pretty often. Yet , the hardware is not good enough to cut it fast enough for the needs. So , time to upgrade.
 
2kool2btrue

2kool2btrue

In the zone
Hrishi said:
Are those caddies compatible with all laptop DVD Drive slots ? Seems a good idea , will help in purging the idea of Hybrid or 7200rpm. Otherwise , I have to purchase an additional enclosure for 500GB HDD.

How about the RAM ?

-------------------------
The only reason the laptop is still alive is because of optimization performed pretty often. Yet , the hardware is not good enough to cut it fast enough for the needs. So , time to upgrade.
Click to expand...

Yes, they are universally compatible. Just make sure you get the right size. They come in sizes of 9.5mm and 12.7mm. Depending on your laptop model, you could get one that fits.

For the RAM just get 1 4GB DDR3 stick from Corsair/Kingston/Transcend. Would suggest you get a 1333MHz RAM with timings of 9-9-9-24 so that it's compatible with your current RAM.
There's not any noticeable difference between 2x4GB and 1x8GB. However, to save you from hassle, just get another 4GB stick. With more memory, the apps which require them will work faster. Windows itself recommends a minimum of 4GB for an x64 PC. 8GB really helps smoothen out things.

An SSD is the quintessential upgrade you seek. The difference between an SSD and HDD is night and day! Chrome on my laptop opens within 2 seconds - that's after I have tons of apps installed and many programs that launch on startup.
 
OP
Hrishi

Hrishi

******************
2kool2btrue said:
Yes, they are universally compatible. Just make sure you get the right size. They come in sizes of 9.5mm and 12.7mm. Depending on your laptop model, you could get one that fits.

For the RAM just get 1 4GB DDR3 stick from Corsair/Kingston/Transcend. Would suggest you get a 1333MHz RAM with timings of 9-9-9-24 so that it's compatible with your current RAM.
There's not any noticeable difference between 2x4GB and 1x8GB. However, to save you from hassle, just get another 4GB stick. With more memory, the apps which require them will work faster. Windows itself recommends a minimum of 4GB for an x64 PC. 8GB really helps smoothen out things.

An SSD is the quintessential upgrade you seek. The difference between an SSD and HDD is night and day! Chrome on my laptop opens within 2 seconds - that's after I have tons of apps installed and many programs that launch on startup.
Click to expand...

I came across this Option which is available for 1200 RS. Storite 2nd Hard Drive Bay Caddy 9.5MM For Laptop/Macbook/Macbook PRO - 9.5mm Sata To Sata - Expand Your Data Storage by Replacing Sata Optical Drive With this Caddy on Your Laptop - Buy Storite 2nd Hard Drive Bay Caddy 9.5MM For Laptop/Macbook/Macbo
But not sure if my Acer Aspire V3 571G is compatible or not. Not sure of the size.

Also , any recommendations on 128GB SSD within 4k range ? [ I need a SSD compatible for the laptop . Do they need a m-Sata port ? ]

And how about replacing the 4GB ram with a single 8GB Stick ? 1600mhz ? Any considerable difference ?
 
SaiyanGoku

SaiyanGoku

kamehameha!!
^ 840/850 Evo is the minimum recommended. 840 Evo 120 GB should be around 5k.

If your laptop's mobo has msata or m.2 port, you can get the respective ssd but those cost more AFAIK.
 
$hadow

$hadow

Geek in making
you should be getting the Evo 850. It worth every penny spent on it. I also will be upgrading on the same soon.
 
OP
Hrishi

Hrishi

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Okay , I consider the EVO 850 then. But It comes with a SATA 6.0 Interface. Will I be able to swap my current HDD with this one without any adapters ?
Any sweet deals for it ? ( Costs 5.5k on flipkart ).

I searched on few forums and found that my laptop support 12mm Caddy. ( Ordering one from Amazon )
 
2kool2btrue

2kool2btrue

In the zone
I know everyone here suggests Samsung Evo drives but a drive like the AData SP610 will also fulfill your requirements easily. It's a pretty good drive for the price. 128GB variant costs ~ 3.9k :)
 
OP
Hrishi

Hrishi

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Anything about the ram guys ? The single 1600mhz 8gb vs 4+4 1333mhz ?

I am going to the market now.
 
2kool2btrue

2kool2btrue

In the zone
Hrishi said:
Anything about the ram guys ? The single 1600mhz 8gb vs 4+4 1333mhz ?

I am going to the market now.
Click to expand...

It will perform the same. No perceived difference between the two.

Also, there's negligible difference between 1333MHz and 1600MHz RAM sticks under various applications. Don't worry too much. Buy whatever combination you find is cost-effective :)

[MENTION=105611]bssunil[/MENTION] - It is pointless to sell that 4GB Stick and get 2x4GB 1600MHz sticks instead.
 
OP
Hrishi

Hrishi

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Well , I got 120GB EVO 850 for 5.4k , (incl. 2% card charges ).
Thank you all for suggestion. The laptop is blazing fast now. :)

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Now , I am enjoying the true performance of I7.
 
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