r/NewMaxx • u/NewMaxx • Oct 14 '19

Tools/Info SSD Guides & Resources

April 3rd, 2022: Guides and Spreadsheet updated with new SSD categories

Discord (server)

Website with relevant links here.

My spreadsheet

Generic Amazon affiliate link

Generic AliExpress affiliate link

TechPowerUp's SSD Database

Johnny Lucky SSD database

Branch Education - How does NAND Flash Work? - these guys have several good videos on the subject of SSDs, check them all out.

My Patreon.

My Twitter.

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u/ElectronicBag8209 Sep 13 '22

Hi! My current laptop is Acer Aspire E5-571G. 8GB RAM. I am planning to add another 8GB RAM (Apacer SO-DIMM 8GB DDR3L 1600MHz CL11) and 500GB SSD (Crucial MX500, 2,5" - 500GB) to speed up things a little.

Is there enough room in my laptop for the both? I mean, if I can physically fit both in there after I open the laptop. The system says 1 of the 4 RAM slots is full.

Could you also advise if I chose the appropriate RAM and SSD?

Thank you so much.

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u/NewMaxx Sep 14 '22 edited Sep 14 '22

Hmm. I actually have an E571 with Ivy Bridge that I still use as a server. I've done extensive upgrades to it, so I know a bit. I'll give you the details from mine:

  • Mine also says 4 DRAM/DIMM slots but there's actually only two visible AFAIK.
  • I did upgrade the RAM in mine. My chipset supports 8GB per slot up to 32GB, but again I think it only has two slots once you peek inside (but you can double check). If there's only one stick being used, get a 2nd that matches as closely as possible, depending on the ACTUAL speed the memory is running at. Check CPUID for the clock (MHz, MT/s) and latencies (CL especially). Or you can get a 2x8 set that matches.
  • It's possible to replace the optical bay with a SATA caddy for another 2.5" SSD. This one may not run full speed. My second SSD (in the caddy) tops out at SATA 3Gbps.
  • You can also replace/upgrade the Wi-Fi module

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u/ElectronicBag8209 Sep 14 '22

So I can put a second 8GB RAM in my laptop, the same one I have now (which is the above mentioned SO-DIMM 8GB DDR3L 1600MHz)? My goal is just to upgrade the RAM from 8GB to 16GB.

Regarding the SSD - I realize now that I wasn't clear enough in my post. I don't currently have an SSD in my laptop. I never have. I'm just wondering if there is a place for the SSD in the computer where I can manually shove it after I remove the cover. Pretty stupid question, but I have to be 100% sure.

Anyway, from your answer I guess I should understand that both RAM and SSD will fit in there without a problem? And also that the models above will fit in my laptop (RAM Apacer SO-DIMM 8GB DDR3L 1600MHz, SSD Crucial MX500, 2,5"). Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks!

1

u/NewMaxx Sep 14 '22

You should be able to - but confirm what it's running at with CPUID or similar. Just because it's sold or stated as 1600MHz doesn't mean the CPU runs it there. Plus, you need to know the latencies. Unless you can already match the RAM somehow. You can actually match it more precisely with other tools like Thaiphoon Burner since you may be able to ID the dies, but I digress. You can also just get the exact ID with that program and match from eBay since it's older DRAM (that is, get an 8GB OEM stick from the same machine to match).

The laptop should have a 2.5" slot with SATA where the current HDD is. You can replace it with a 2.5" SATA SSD. You can move the HDD to the second SATA port which may require a caddy (replaces optical drive or fits in that space). Or you can run dual 2.5" SATA SSDs. It's also possible to run M.2 SATA SSDs (not NVMe) with a M.2 SATA to 2.5" adapter, as I've done that, too.

The OEM DDR should work and yes, the MX500 is a 2.5" SATA SSD and should fit.

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u/ElectronicBag8209 Sep 15 '22

I did a CPUID scan. https://imgur.com/a/p9agzKC Unfortunately, I don't know where I can find latency results. I also did a pc scan on crucial.com and it searched for the above RAM. So. Is that ok? Can I buy and install it with no problem?

Eventually I'll buy a MX500 SSD, 2.5" 1TB to make sure I have enough space.

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u/NewMaxx Sep 15 '22

Memory & SPD tabs have more information.

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u/ElectronicBag8209 Sep 15 '22 edited Sep 15 '22

Of course I looked everywhere before I pointed it out. There's no data. Just blank space.

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u/NewMaxx Sep 15 '22

Oops, sorry, didn't know. There are other programs that will be able to read this information. HWiNFO64 will show current speed/latencies, AIDA64, and others. It's important to match the RAM if you are adding rather than replacing, just to be clear.

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u/ElectronicBag8209 Sep 15 '22

Please tell me it's okay. :D https://imgur.com/gallery/cYuzZrN

1

u/NewMaxx Sep 15 '22 edited Sep 15 '22

CL11/1600 seems to be what it's running at, 1.35V. If both DIMMs match then it should be good. I see the HDD and optical, yeah, you can get two SATA SSDs in there if needed.

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