Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsThis laptop has massive potential if you're willing to do one thing...
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2017
3 stars in stock configuration. This laptop has massive potential but needs an SSD to access it. The stock hard drive just slows it down too much for today's expectations. Easily 5 stars after ssd install!!! (Instructions below)
Got this to replace my wife's aging MacBook Pro. Primarily it will be used for internet surfing, watching movies and storing photos. I was drawn to this one because it came stock with a 1080 resolution screen, a large hard drive paired with i5 and legitimate ram quantity, a rare combo.
However, I was unimpressed by the initial performance. Startup time and program loading were longer than I expected for a brand new computer with updated tech. I performed a fresh install of windows to see if it was bloat ware, but no improvement. After some digging for more spec details I determined the mechanical hard drive was the performance bottleneck. Reading some of the other reviews here I went ahead and purchased a 250gb SSD (Samsung 850 EVO - 250GB M.2 form factor) and installed it (More on that process later). This made all the difference. Start up times went from 30+sec to 5. Programs load instantly and response is crisp; think iPad quick. Additionally, since the ssd installs in the M.2 slot, the mechanical hard drive can be left for on board bulk data storage of movies and photo libraries. Keeping the ssd free for the OS and programs.
M.2 ssd install process: This was not documented well and I spent considerable time figuring it out. The main issue comes from the desire to keep the mechanical drive in place with the ssd. Here are the step by step instructions:
1. Remove ~10 screws from underside of laptop.
2. The bottom is still held in place by clips. Near the hinge there is a small slot in the seam used as a start point to pry off the bottom. You can insert a credit card (or similar) here into the seam. Begin to work around the case disengaging the clips. Once you've gone around, the bottom will lift off. There are no components or cables to worry about so just lift it away.
3. Locate the M.2 slot. It is just below the battery running parallel to it. Remove the screw in the post and install the ssd. You'll put it in at an angle and then push it flat. If needed look up YouTube videos to familiarize yourself with how this plugs in. Replace the screw to secure the ssd.
4. Clip the bottom panel back in place but do not replace the screws, you will need to open the case again shortly. Turn on the computer. Once it boots it should recognize the ssd but you will likely need to format it. After formatting, install the Samsung data migration software (search google) and use this to clone the existing hard drive to the new ssd. When this is complete shutdown the computer.
5. Open the bottom again and this time locate the mechanical hard drive. Pull the connector out to effectively disconnect the hard drive. This is to prevent the computer from thinking there are two C drives thus causing conflict. I learned you can't just modify the boot order; for whatever reason this computer won't recognize it. If you don't plan on keeping the hard drive installed, also remove the 4 screws and lift the hard drive from the board and set aside.
6. Replace the bottom (clips only) and start up the computer. If everything went well it should start up noticeably quicker. Assuming everything works shutdown the computer. If you decided to remove the hard drive you can now replace the screws in the bottom panel and your are done with the upgrade.
7. If you're keeping the mechanical hard drive for on board for storage, open the bottom again and reattach the connector to the hard drive. Reattach the bottom panel. Start up the computer and quickly press F2 to enter bios. It should boot from the ssd automatically, but confirm in setting here that the ssd is first boot priority. Save and exit.
8. Assuming everything worked the computer should be very responsive. You are clear to reformat the mechanical hard drive to reclaim all the available space for storage.
9 (optional). It is recommended that you now change the location of your "my documents" and other data libraries to the larger mechanical drive. This can be done by right clicking on the library and selecting properties. pick the location tab and then browse for a new location on the other (not C:) drive. Search google for more detailed instructions on this if needed.
I hope this helps!
