SSD Questions

MotoMedic · 02 Apr 2011

I'm looking to update my 4 yr old computer with a SSD. It's a Dell Dimmension E520, Intel Core2 6300 1.86GHz, 4GB RAM, Win7 Ultimate x64. Dell's website, via service tag, indicates that I can't add SSD... I am skeptical. I'm def a novice when it comes to my hardware. Hoping someone can help me with some info...

-Can I run a SSD?

-What specs do I need to know in order to buy the correct SSD?

-How large a SSD do i need to run Win7/IE on it, while leaving my media files on old HD? 60,80,100GB?

Thank you..

essenbe · 02 Apr 2011

You can run just OS and programs easily on an 80GB. Just install the os and the programs used frequently on the SSD. Other programs that are not used very often on the spinner. I have both an 80GB Intel and a 90GB Vertex2. I have no space isues with either.

I would find out from Dell why you can't run an SSD. Dell has some Motherboards that will not give you the fastest speed. I know because I have one. It is in the Dell chipset, mine is an H57 chipset which is probably different than yours. However, even though the best speed will not be there, my Dell will run on the SSD. Try to get them to tell you why you can't run an SSD.

diehrd · 03 Apr 2011

I would read WHY dell says you can not use an SSD , and if you can run it I would grab a 64 gig drive it is plenty big enough to put apps on it and the o/s and some games with room to spare.

Taliseian · 05 Apr 2011

I have an older Inspiron laptop and I installed a torqx ssd and installed W7 on it just fine. Because I only have 512mg of ram, I set up Readyboost and now it flies.

I would say go ahead and give it a try.

T

pparks1 · 06 Apr 2011

perhaps the E520 doesn't have extra SATA ports on the motherboard and Dell assumes that you still want to use the original drive as well as the SSD. As long as the box has SATA ports, you can run an SSD drive.

HonorGamer · 06 Apr 2011

I run a 50GB SSD, and only use it for the operating system. All of my other programs goes to different HDD's. I do a lot of gaming, and coding on my computer so 50 GB wouldn't cut it with me. I also recommend the OCZ brand.