I want to buy an ultrabook, but it has a 512gb SSD with raid0. I would like to remove this and replace it with a 750gb or 1tb 2-1/2 HDD.
If I make an image of the SSD and put it on the HDD (or clone the SSD to the HDD) will the raid configuration -- which I won't need on the HDD -- cause me some problems?
If so, can some suggest the best course of action to achieve what I want?
Be very careful here. Since you didn't give the specific model number of the laptop in question, there is little to go on; however, I hope you understaand that attempting such a drastic change would instantly void all warranty support. And, I'm thinking the complications of attempting such a thing, without a vast knowledge of the processes involved, you are only headed for big trouble here. Moreover, you are going to take a huge performance hit here by making such a modification so why not leave everything "as-is" and buy yourself a nice external USB drive for that extra storage.
Hi there
OK not an answer to your question - but you must the first person in the entire universe who wants to REPLACE an SSD (or even TWO of them).
I'm not sure I'd waste them on a RAID configuration especially in a laptop - you are essentially wasting half of the space with this RAID setup on a laptop which these days should be perfectly reliable in any case and really doesn't need it.
The I/O performance benefit with Raid 0 will hardly be noticeable as you've got SSD's in any case and the disadvantage of losing the entire array if any part of it goes defective IMO isn't worth the miniscule I/O performance.
(For large SERVERS etc - different arguments - but this is a LAPTOP !!).
It's a bit like cooling a laptop down in a large wind tunnel !!! totally over the top and un-necessary.
If the RAID 0 is software configurable I'd "Undo that" and use the SSD's as 2 X 256 or a single 512 HDD depending on whether there are actually two physical disks in the machine or not. If you need more storage the small passport self powered 2TB USB3 devices are good enough to take anywhere and plug in when needed.
The RAID configuration might also be "Undo-able" from the BIOS too.
Undoing the RAID will not impair performance at all noticeably here. In any case it's better since a fault on any part of the RAID array will result in loss of data from the entire 512 GB array. !!
I've long since given up on having HUGE capacity HDD's in laptops --just isn't worth it and kills performance especially with the cheaper small cache 5400 rpm HDD's fitted into laptops now -- the older better 7200 RPM one's are as rare as hens teeth now.
I can agree with most of what you said; however, bear in mind that he is buying that specific configuration installed and I'm really afraid that any changes (like he, you, or I have described) will void his warranty. Your followup thoughts to that concern would be appreciated.
Hi there
If it's SOFTWARE then all the OP has to do is backup the system to an external device - and if it needs returning - just restore the original configuration.
In the case of BIOS changes / settings just write down the Before and after settings -- or since most people are unable to write anything using a pen and paper these days !!! just take photos with a mobile phone camera.
If physical changes to the MOBO are needed then I'd agree - leave well alone unless there's an obvious dip switch to set without taking the whole thing apart.
I think we really need some more info from the OP here though.
I'm totally fazed as to why a manufacturer would even THINK of using RAID in a laptop - especially with an SSD (or two) already installed !!!!.
Is this an Acer Aspire S5 ?? If yes, there are two 256GB SSDs. The Raid0 configuration should be no problem for a 'normal' image which can be transferred to a spinning disk - just make sure you don't forget the system partition.
But who would want to do that - converting a Ferrari into a Pinto. If you need more disk space for your stuff, attach an external 2.5" disk.
If it's SOFTWARE then all the OP has to do is backup the system to an external device - and if it needs returning - just restore the original configuration.
Agreed; but I think the OP is making a big mistake here so my final suggestion is to leave it alone or consider a different non-raid laptop and maybe choose something he can use without an immediate and radical modification.
This was my first post here and I am HUGELY impressed by the quality of the responses. Just for your interest, Yes it was particularly an Asus gaming Ultra that I was looking at. Also, I travel a lot and usually take a clone of my HDD with me in an enclosure.
I think Jimbo may have hit my head on the nail when he said "....I've long since given up on having HUGE capacity HDD's in laptops" I think I need to rethink my travel strategy.
