Alienware x17 R2 SSD Upgrade: Easy Way to Boost Your Gaming

User case: Need to upgrade Alienware x17 R2 SSD

Quick Navigation:
👉 Choose the right SSD for your Alienware x17 R2
👉 Prepare for Alienware 17 R2 SSD upgrade
👉 How to run Alienware x17 R2 SSD upgrade step by step🔥

Choose the right SSD for your Alienware x17 R2

Choosing the right SSD for your system is crucial for a successful upgrade. Let's dive into what you need to consider to make an informed choice.

• Speed: If you're a gamer or a content creator who regularly deals with large files, opt for an SSD with high read and write speeds (preferably above 3,000 MB/s). This will minimize load times and improve overall system responsiveness.
• Capacity: SSDs are available in various capacities, ranging from 256GB to 2TB or more. Consider your storage needs—if you install many large games or store extensive media files, aim for at least 1TB to 2TB to avoid running out of space quickly.
• Budget: While high-speed, high-capacity SSDs can be expensive, there are cost-effective options that still offer substantial performance improvements over stock SSDs. Set a budget and find the best balance between speed and capacity within that range.
• Compatibility: The Alienware x17 R2 has two M.2 slots. Both of them support M.2 2230/2280 solid-state drives. However, you’ll need a 2230 mounting bracket to install an M.2 2230 SSD.

Prepare for Alienware 17 R2 SSD upgrade

Before diving into the physical installation, follow the instructions below to get ready for your Alienware x17 SSD upgrade.

1. Back Up Your Data

While the SSD upgrade process is generally safe, there's always a risk of data loss during hardware modifications. Ensuring that your important files, documents, and applications are backed up will save you from potential headaches down the line.

2. Gather the Necessary Tools

You’ll need these tools: Phillips head screwdriver, anti-static wristband, plastic pry tool, and 2230 mounting bracket (optional).

3. Update Your System Firmware and Drivers

Before you start the physical upgrade, it's wise to ensure your system firmware and drivers are up to date. These updates can provide improved compatibility with newer SSD models and prevent potential issues during or after the upgrade.

4. Find reliable disk cloning software

The powerful disk cloning software - AOMEI Backupper Professional can make the SSD upgrade process straightforward and hassle-free. It offers all-around cloning features to help you transfer data from one SSD to another.

AOMEI Backupper

Easy Hard Drive and SSD Cloning Software

• Disk Clone: Easily clone your entire SSD, including the operating system, applications, and personal files, to a new SSD.

• System Clone: This option is specifically designed for migrating your OS to a new SSD, making the process quicker and saving space on your new drive.

• Intelligent Clone: By default, the program clones only the used areas of the source disk, allowing you to clone a larger drive to a smaller one easily.

• SSD Alignment: This feature optimizes the performance and longevity of your new SSD, ensuring faster read/write speeds and extending the drive's lifespan.

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Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

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How to run Alienware x17 R2 SSD upgrade step by step

In my case, I will add an M.2 2280 SSD in Alienware x17 R2 and transfer everything from the old SSD to the new SSD. Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1. Install the new SSD

1. Shut down your Alienware x17 R2 and remove its base cover.

2. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board. Turn over the computer and press the power button for 15 seconds to drain the flea power.

3. Turn the back of the computer up, locate the second M.2 card slot on the system board, and slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into it.

4. Use the screw to secure the SSD in place.

5. Replace the base cover of your laptop. Then reinsert and tighten all the screws you removed earlier.

Step 2. Transfer data from the old SSD to the new SSD

1. Power on your laptop. Then install and launch AOMEI Backupper on your Alienware 17 R2.

2. Navigate to the main interface, and click the Clone tab. From the options that appear, choose Disk Clone.

3. Select your original M.2 SSD as the source disk you wish to clone, then click Next to proceed.

4. Choose the newly installed M.2 SSD as the target disk for the clone and click Next to continue.

5. In the Operation Summary page, click Edit Partitions > Add unused space to all partitions to extend partitions on the target drive automatically.

6. To optimize the performance of the destination SSD, check the SSD Alignment option. Review the cloning settings to make sure they are correct, and then click Start Clone to initiate the process.

Step 3. Change boot device

1. Restart your Alienware x17 R2. Press the F2 key repeatedly as soon as the Alienware logo appears on the screen. This will take you to the BIOS setup screen.

2. Look for a tab or menu labeled “Boot”, “Boot Options” or “Boot Priority.” Then use the arrow keys to highlight your new SSD.

3. Once highlighted, follow the instructions on the BIOS screen to change its position in the boot order. This usually involves pressing + to move the selected SSD to the top of the list.

4. Press the F10 key to save your changes. Select Yes when prompted to confirm that you want to save the changes and exit.

5. The laptop will now restart with the new boot order, attempting to boot from the new M.2 SSD first.

Conclusion: Upgrade your SSD with ease now

Alienware x17 R2 SSD upgrade is one of the best investments you can make to enhance your laptop’s performance, speed, and storage capacity. Whether you're a gamer looking to reduce load times and boost game performance or a professional needing faster data access for intensive tasks, you can handle the SSD upgrade process with confidence by following this guide.

What’s more, AOMEI Backupper is the best Windows backup software that enables you to backup your entire system or specific files and folders easily. Use it to safeguard your data against loss or corruption now!