Adding an SSD to a cheap laptop

[Rabolisk]

Hello

 

I have a cheap laptop which is the Lenovo Ideapad 330 (Not the S version). Its an OK laptop but I want to add an SSD to speed up loading times. Problem is I'm not sure how to upgrade. The laptop comes with a 2TB HDD (M2 Slot) so I could replace that. But it also has a PCI Express slot. So I'm not sure what my options are.

 

1) Replace the 2TB HDD with a M2 SSD (it will probably be a cheap  256GB SSD). The problem with this is that I will loose a lot of storage.

 

2) Add an NvME SSD using in the PCI express slot. The problem with this option is that it's too expensive and I honestly don't want to buy expensive components for such a cheap laptop. Plus I probably won't notice the diffrence

 

3) Find an adapter to hook an M2 drive to a PCI express. Is that even possible?

 

Anyway let me know what my best option is.

[Turtle Rig]

3 minutes ago, Rabolisk said:

Hello

 

I have a cheap laptop which is the Lenovo Ideapad 330 (Not the S version). Its an OK laptop but I want to add an SSD to speed up loading times. Problem is I'm not sure how to upgrade. The laptop comes with a 2TB HDD (M2 Slot) so I could replace that. But it also has a PCI Express slot. So I'm not sure what my options are.

 

1) Replace the 2TB HDD with a M2 SSD (it will probably be a cheap  256GB SSD). The problem with this is that I will loose a lot of storage.

 

2) Add an NvME SSD using in the PCI express slot. The problem with this option is that it's too expensive and I honestly don't want to buy expensive components for such a cheap laptop. Plus I probably won't notice the diffrence

 

3) Find an adapter to hook an M2 drive to a PCI express. Is that even possible?

 

Anyway let me know what my best option is.

Do it my friend.  It will make a big difference.  A real big one at that.

[NunoLava1998]

4 minutes ago, Turtle Rig said:

Do it my friend.  It will make a big difference.  A real big one at that.

HDD to SSD? Absolutely

SSD to NVMe? Only when installing large programs or moving large files; you won't see ANY speedup if this is just used for web browsing and some light games

[Turtle Rig]

3 minutes ago, NunoLava1998 said:

HDD to SSD? Absolutely

SSD to NVMe? Only when installing large programs or moving large files; you won't see ANY speedup if this is just used for web browsing and some light games

Yes NunoLava is correct.  In benchmarks a M.2 over SSD is 2500mbps to 500mbps but real world performance is the same unless you go from m.2 to m.2 ,,  When I went to m.2 my OS loaded exactly the same, games launched the same and maps loaded same.. Also opening apps same and working on my DAW same.  Its just a nice form factor.  All tiny and cute ya know.

[Rabolisk]

10 minutes ago, Turtle Rig said:

Do it my friend.  It will make a big difference.  A real big one at that.

I'm definitely doing it. Question is which option should I take?

[NunoLava1998]

Just now, Turtle Rig said:

Yes NunoLava is correct.  In benchmarks a M.2 over SSD is 2500mbps to 500mbps but real world performance is the same unless you go from m.2 to m.2 ,,  When I went to m.2 my OS loaded exactly the same, games launched the same and maps loaded same.. Also opening apps same and working on my DAW same.  Its just a nice form factor.  All tiny and cute ya know.

This is magnified by the fact I bought an SSD which can do 1GB/s 4K read (not at Q1, but still) and that has much better data throughput than most M2s

[estcethomas]

Totally go for the SSD upgrade. You'll lose storage, but 256go is still plenty enough !

That's the single best upgrade you could do to your laptop, the difference is gonna be mind-blowing and there's no going back haha

 

I wouldn't waste money on a NVMe though. The difference with a cheaper SSD won't really be noticeable, if at all.

 

I just saw that your Lenovo has a CD drive, are you using it at all ? Because there's a way to turn it into a HDD/SSD bay ! You could get a 128/256go SSD and install your OS and softwares on it, and then put your actual HDD in the CD drive bay as main storage drive !

 

I don't know the specificities for the Lenovo Ideapad 330 but there are plenty of tutorials out there if you're feeling adventurous !

 

[Stormseeker9]

Just now, Rabolisk said:

I'm definitely doing it. Question is which option should I take?

I’d go with option 2 if you need the space. 

 

Would refommend a 500Gb model tho 

[Turtle Rig]

2 minutes ago, Rabolisk said:

I'm definitely doing it. Question is which option should I take?

Grab a 960 EVO or 970 EVO ..............If I didn't tell you, you wouldn't notice speed difference or which one is which ya know.

[Rabolisk]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

What about using a NVME M.2 to PCIe Adapter like this one? Are  they feasible?

 

https://www.amazon.com/QNINE-Adapter-Express-Controller-Expansion/dp/B075MDH28Y