[SOLVED] Possible to Replace Underperforming Hybrid SSHD with a new SSD in Alienware M17 Laptop?

Gamefreaknet

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Mar 29, 2022
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For a few months I have been considering buying an entirely new Laptop or Desktop to replace my Alienware laptop. This is since I've run a few Userbenchmark Tests and every result has come back with my Primary (Windows Boot) Drive Performing Above Expectations, CPU performing above Expectations, GPU Performing Above Expectations, iGPU Performing at Average performance, RAM Performing Above Expectations and Secondary Drive (Main Drive) Performing Way Below Expectations. I tried multiple things such as Re-installing Windows, trying all sorts of Pre-boot repairs and repartitioning the drive and System Scans however it'd either always come back as "all issues fixed" and nothing had changed or "we could not perform the selected operation".

If I try to do a lightweight game such as Minecraft:
Secondary/Main Drive: 5000ms (average 1000ms)
CPU barely hits over 40% (average 20%)
iGPU barely 40% (average 30%)
Dedicated GPU barely even 5% (max 15%)
RAM: 80% (max 90%)

PC Specifications:
CPU: i7-8750H
iGPU: Intel UHD 630
Dedicated GPU: RTX 2070 Max-Q (set as preferred)
RAM: 16GB
(Dual Drive Storage)
Primary Drive: PC401 NVMe SK Hynix 256GB (link)
Secondary Drive (main): Seagate ST1000LX015 FireCuda 1 TB 5400 RPM 2.5 inch SATA Internal SSHD (link)
 
Solution
Yes, you can drop in just about any 2.5" form factor drive in place of the SSHD. In fact you can go for a large capacity 2.5" SSD or a larger capacity spinning drive. Suggestions can be anywhere from a Samsung 870 Evo or a SK Hynix S31. I would however advise that your BIOS is up to date prior to any ram or storage upgrades(not to mention an OS update).
Yes, you can drop in just about any 2.5" form factor drive in place of the SSHD. In fact you can go for a large capacity 2.5" SSD or a larger capacity spinning drive. Suggestions can be anywhere from a Samsung 870 Evo or a SK Hynix S31. I would however advise that your BIOS is up to date prior to any ram or storage upgrades(not to mention an OS update).
 
Solution