planning to replace my 1TB "spinning" hard disk drive


Frank,

It's wise of you to respond to the faults now rather than waiting until they become legion.
but
Acer's advice to you is ridiculous.

I hope you also saw my post #9,
Best of luck,
Denis
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200....
OS
Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200.8037
Try3 said:
When you get your new disk, get a USB enclosure for it so you can check it easily before fitting it to your computer.
- Check that it has been initialised. If it is formatted then it must have been initialised. The formatting is not important of itself because restoring the image will overwrite the formatting anyway.
- If you are in any doubt, post the Disk mgmt display - C:\Windows\System32\diskmgmt.msc
How to Post a Screenshot of Disk Management - TenForumsTutorials

If it has been initialised, you can then restore the image.


You do know MS told us to stop using it in 2017?
If you insist on using it then also make a Macrium reflect image as a fallback.


It is menu driven. You can explorer the menu system safely to find the Restore system image entry then take it from there.
If you actually meant an installation USB then, at its main Install now screen, click on Repair my computer to get into the menu system.
The procedure is pretty much the same as it was in Win8
System Image Restore - Eight Forums

Best of luck,
Denis
Click to expand...
I have an USB enclosure so I can check if/how the new Toshiba drive is formatted, that was my original concern, should I Initialize and format the new drive before installing it in my latop. I now found out from the 4 steps (maybe not MS) that this is in the Windows RE "Repair-Advanced" when you select "recover system image"
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 7 258V, 2200 Mhz, 8 C...32 GB LPDDR5X (soldered)Intel(R) Arc(TM) 140V GPU (16GB)
    OS
    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Swift A.I SF14-51T
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 7 258V, 2200 Mhz, 8 Cores
    Motherboard
    Icefish_LNV, Version V1.15
    Memory
    32 GB LPDDR5X (soldered)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Arc(TM) 140V GPU (16GB)
    Sound Card
    RealTek + Intel Smart Sound
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" IPS WUXGA
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200x60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Micron_2550_MTFDKBA1T0TGE, NVMe Gen4, 1TB
    PSU
    45W USB-C GaN charger
    Case
    Full aluminum body
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    US with Backlight
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    25 Mb/s 5G
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS Version/Date Insyde Corp. V1.15, 8/28/2025, Windows Hello IR camera with Facial recognition. Secure Boot 2026 KEK key installed

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz ...8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in ...Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Vivobook K3502Z S15 15" OLED
    CPU
    Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz (24M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 6P+8E cores)
    Motherboard
    Alder Lake-H, 1700-4700 MHz clock rate
    Memory
    8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in Dual Channel.
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Sound Card
    Harman Kardon - DTS
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED 15.6inch 2.8K (2880 x 1620)
    Screen Resolution
    16:9 aspect ratio 0.2ms response time 120Hz refresh rate, 550nits
    Hard Drives
    512GB M.2 NVMe Gen4 PCIe 4.0 SSD, Micron_2450_MTFDKBA512TFK
    PSU
    90-Watt USB charger (Thunderbolt4)
    Case
    Metal lid, plastic case
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    With adjustable backlight
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    ISP provides 15 mb/s WIFI LTE (4G), laptop WIFI 6 adapter.
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS American Megatrends International, LLC. 10.1.2.312, 13/03/2024. Network adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160 MHz, Secure Boot 2026 KEK key installed

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200....
OS
Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200.8037
It is pretty straightforward. That is the point of it. There are more options using wbadmin commands, however the bmrui.exe is intended to be very basic for the average user.
 

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  • At a glance

    Win7,Win11i7-97002x16gb 3600mhz
    OS
    Win7,Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-9700
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x16gb 3600mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i

  • At a glance

    win7,win11i5-84002x8gb 3200
    Operating System
    win7,win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200
    PSU
    xfx pro 450
Try3 said:
Yes.
It might well be initialised already [and it might already be formatted as well].

No need. But I always do anyway just so I can copy a test file onto it to make sure it works.


I really do recommend the EightForumsTutorial.

Best of luck,
Denis
Click to expand...
"should I Initialize" YES, but how? in a USB case?
I should have checked EightForums, this was what I was looking for, thanks Denis.
Frank
 

Attachments

  • Format disk Windows RE menu.jpg
    Format disk Windows RE menu.jpg
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My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 7 258V, 2200 Mhz, 8 C...32 GB LPDDR5X (soldered)Intel(R) Arc(TM) 140V GPU (16GB)
    OS
    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Swift A.I SF14-51T
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 7 258V, 2200 Mhz, 8 Cores
    Motherboard
    Icefish_LNV, Version V1.15
    Memory
    32 GB LPDDR5X (soldered)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Arc(TM) 140V GPU (16GB)
    Sound Card
    RealTek + Intel Smart Sound
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" IPS WUXGA
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200x60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Micron_2550_MTFDKBA1T0TGE, NVMe Gen4, 1TB
    PSU
    45W USB-C GaN charger
    Case
    Full aluminum body
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    US with Backlight
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    25 Mb/s 5G
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS Version/Date Insyde Corp. V1.15, 8/28/2025, Windows Hello IR camera with Facial recognition. Secure Boot 2026 KEK key installed

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz ...8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in ...Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Vivobook K3502Z S15 15" OLED
    CPU
    Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz (24M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 6P+8E cores)
    Motherboard
    Alder Lake-H, 1700-4700 MHz clock rate
    Memory
    8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in Dual Channel.
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Sound Card
    Harman Kardon - DTS
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED 15.6inch 2.8K (2880 x 1620)
    Screen Resolution
    16:9 aspect ratio 0.2ms response time 120Hz refresh rate, 550nits
    Hard Drives
    512GB M.2 NVMe Gen4 PCIe 4.0 SSD, Micron_2450_MTFDKBA512TFK
    PSU
    90-Watt USB charger (Thunderbolt4)
    Case
    Metal lid, plastic case
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    With adjustable backlight
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    ISP provides 15 mb/s WIFI LTE (4G), laptop WIFI 6 adapter.
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS American Megatrends International, LLC. 10.1.2.312, 13/03/2024. Network adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160 MHz, Secure Boot 2026 KEK key installed
"should I Initialize
Click to expand...

If I recall correctly, I don't think it is necessary, but you can if you like.

The clue is in the name. bare metal restore ui = bmrui.exe

Clicking on the system image recovery blue square thing starts up bmrui.exe

bmrui.jpg
 
Last edited:

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Win7,Win11i7-97002x16gb 3600mhz
    OS
    Win7,Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-9700
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x16gb 3600mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i

  • At a glance

    win7,win11i5-84002x8gb 3200
    Operating System
    win7,win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200
    PSU
    xfx pro 450
FrankW said:
"should I Initialize" YES, but how? in a USB case?
Click to expand...
Yes, you can initialise it in the USB enclosure.
If it shows up in File explorer then you don't even need to look in Disk mgmt
- To appear in File explorer, it must be both initialised & formatted.​
In Disk mgmt, right-click on it & select Initialise then pause and then right-click again & select New simple volume.
Explained using longer words in - Initialize new disks - MSDocs

But SIW2 is right in expressing some doubt about it.
I think that Initialisation is still necessary but I have not accidentally attempted to restore a system image to an uninitialsed disk since 2012 & have therefore not seen any recent confirmation of the situation. So perhaps things have changed & I merely haven't noticed a TenForums/ElevenForum post that mentions the fact.
I know Macrium reflect can restore to an uninitalised disk, albeit with some limitations. But the Windows utility is not mentioned half as much around here.


Denis
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200....
OS
Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200.8037
I haven't used bmrui in a while so am not sure what changes have been made to it. I have seen some changes to wbadmin that I have occasionally used. Scheduling has been added recently, I havent tested but I think it is intended for a daily differential. Maybe that is only in Pro edition, not sure as I haven't checked Home edition. Because I am lazy I am more likely to to restore from .vhd(x) image using 3rd party tools
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Win7,Win11i7-97002x16gb 3600mhz
    OS
    Win7,Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-9700
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x16gb 3600mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i

  • At a glance

    win7,win11i5-84002x8gb 3200
    Operating System
    win7,win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200
    PSU
    xfx pro 450
FrankW said:
@Try3
"As for it being recommended by Acer support team, I find that very surprising"
This is what Acer Philippines wrote me:
We are adding below a list of all the recommended hard drives for your unit which we have extracted from the serial number for your best reference

HDD WD 2.5" 5400rpm 2000GB
WD20SPZX-21UA7T0 , 7mmzh 2D
, 1TB/P , MN1000M SATA III
128MB LF F/W:01.01A01

HDD WD 2.5" 5400rpm 2000GB
WD20SPZX-21UA7T0 , 7mmzh 2D
, 1TB/P , MN1000M SATA III
128MB LF F/W:01.01A01

HDD WD 2.5" 5400rpm 1000GB
WD10SPZX-21Z10T0 , 7mmzh 1D
, 1TB/P , MN1000S SATA III
128MB LF F/W: 02.01A02

HDD TOSHIBA 2.5" 5400rpm
1000GB MQ04ABF100 , 1TB/P,
acer code SATA III 128MB LF+HF
F/W:JU001J

The Toshiba (SATA 6) is made in PH and only costs US$ 35.-

This is the HDD that I have now that according to HWINFO:
"Number of Reported Uncorrectable Errors: 14 (all smart checks are OK)" The number is still 14.

HDD SEAGATE 2.5" 5400rpm
1000GB ST1000LM035
,1RK172-190 ,Rosewood 1TB
,7mmzh HDD - SATA III 128MB LF
F/W:ACM2
Click to expand...
Their advice is not worth diddly squat.

In the end, it is up to you, but advice from all seasoned contributors here is get an SSD, not an HDD.

You could buy both of course, and then the HDD will make a useful backup drive (bearing in mind current HDD may be failing).
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ16 GB solderedIntegrated Intel Iris XE
OS
Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
ASUS Zenbook 14
CPU
I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
Motherboard
Yep, Laptop has one.
Memory
16 GB soldered
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel Iris XE
Sound Card
Realtek built in
Monitor(s) Displays
laptop OLED screen
Screen Resolution
2880x1800 touchscreen
Hard Drives
1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
PSU
Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
Case
Yep, got one
Cooling
Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
Keyboard
Built in UK keybd
Mouse
Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
Internet Speed
900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
Browser
Edge
Antivirus
Defender
Other Info
TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

Macrium Reflect Home V8
Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
But it is cheap.
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Win7,Win11i7-97002x16gb 3600mhz
    OS
    Win7,Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-9700
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x16gb 3600mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i

  • At a glance

    win7,win11i5-84002x8gb 3200
    Operating System
    win7,win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200
    PSU
    xfx pro 450
@Bree
Did anyone experience these larger SSD drives getting a bit hot in medium to low end laptops? Several posters on the Acer forum are recommending extra heat sinks for SSD drives in Aspire a515 laptops (like mine):
community.acer.com

Type of SSD for Aspire 5, A515-56 - Acer Community

I have just purchased an Aspire 5, A515-56 with 1 TB HDD about 15 days back, I want to put a 128GB SSD in it, because it is running very slow and hangs, the description in the acer website says:* Supports up to1 TB SSD, PCIe Gen3 8 Gb/s up to 4 lanes, NVMe is it a normal SSD or a different one...
community.acer.com community.acer.com
community.acer.com

Can you ADD an m.2 NVMe SSD on Aspire 5 A515-51 (Model N17CA)? - Acer Community

I have a 2017 Aspire 5 A515-51 (Model N17CA) with an Intel i5-8250U CPU @ 1.6Ghz, with 12GB of RAM and a 1TB SATA hard drive. I am hoping someone can tell me whether I can add a m.2 NVMe SSD (256G or 500G) instead of only replacing the hard drive with an SSD. And if I can… which brands/models...
community.acer.com community.acer.com
Overheating is an issue for laptops outside in the tropics, mine, albeit slow, stays perfectly cool whatever I do (no gaming or video).
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 7 258V, 2200 Mhz, 8 C...32 GB LPDDR5X (soldered)Intel(R) Arc(TM) 140V GPU (16GB)
    OS
    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Swift A.I SF14-51T
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 7 258V, 2200 Mhz, 8 Cores
    Motherboard
    Icefish_LNV, Version V1.15
    Memory
    32 GB LPDDR5X (soldered)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Arc(TM) 140V GPU (16GB)
    Sound Card
    RealTek + Intel Smart Sound
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" IPS WUXGA
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200x60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Micron_2550_MTFDKBA1T0TGE, NVMe Gen4, 1TB
    PSU
    45W USB-C GaN charger
    Case
    Full aluminum body
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    US with Backlight
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    25 Mb/s 5G
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS Version/Date Insyde Corp. V1.15, 8/28/2025, Windows Hello IR camera with Facial recognition. Secure Boot 2026 KEK key installed

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz ...8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in ...Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Vivobook K3502Z S15 15" OLED
    CPU
    Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz (24M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 6P+8E cores)
    Motherboard
    Alder Lake-H, 1700-4700 MHz clock rate
    Memory
    8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in Dual Channel.
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Sound Card
    Harman Kardon - DTS
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED 15.6inch 2.8K (2880 x 1620)
    Screen Resolution
    16:9 aspect ratio 0.2ms response time 120Hz refresh rate, 550nits
    Hard Drives
    512GB M.2 NVMe Gen4 PCIe 4.0 SSD, Micron_2450_MTFDKBA512TFK
    PSU
    90-Watt USB charger (Thunderbolt4)
    Case
    Metal lid, plastic case
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    With adjustable backlight
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    ISP provides 15 mb/s WIFI LTE (4G), laptop WIFI 6 adapter.
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS American Megatrends International, LLC. 10.1.2.312, 13/03/2024. Network adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160 MHz, Secure Boot 2026 KEK key installed
FrankW said:
@Bree
Did anyone experience these larger SSD drives getting a bit hot in medium to low end laptops? Several posters on the Acer forum are recommending extra heat sinks for SSD drives in Aspire a515 laptops (like mine):
community.acer.com

Type of SSD for Aspire 5, A515-56 - Acer Community

I have just purchased an Aspire 5, A515-56 with 1 TB HDD about 15 days back, I want to put a 128GB SSD in it, because it is running very slow and hangs, the description in the acer website says:* Supports up to1 TB SSD, PCIe Gen3 8 Gb/s up to 4 lanes, NVMe is it a normal SSD or a different one...
community.acer.com community.acer.com
community.acer.com

Can you ADD an m.2 NVMe SSD on Aspire 5 A515-51 (Model N17CA)? - Acer Community

I have a 2017 Aspire 5 A515-51 (Model N17CA) with an Intel i5-8250U CPU @ 1.6Ghz, with 12GB of RAM and a 1TB SATA hard drive. I am hoping someone can tell me whether I can add a m.2 NVMe SSD (256G or 500G) instead of only replacing the hard drive with an SSD. And if I can… which brands/models...
community.acer.com community.acer.com
Overheating is an issue for laptops outside in the tropics, mine, albeit slow, stays perfectly cool whatever I do (no gaming or video).
Click to expand...
My SSDs only get fairly (not excessively) hot if I do a huge amount of file transfer over a short period e.g. transferring 100's of of GBs in one go. In normal use, they stay quite cool. Mind you I live in Scotand LOL where even 25C for a couple of days a year is considered hot LOL..
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ16 GB solderedIntegrated Intel Iris XE
OS
Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
ASUS Zenbook 14
CPU
I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
Motherboard
Yep, Laptop has one.
Memory
16 GB soldered
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel Iris XE
Sound Card
Realtek built in
Monitor(s) Displays
laptop OLED screen
Screen Resolution
2880x1800 touchscreen
Hard Drives
1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
PSU
Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
Case
Yep, got one
Cooling
Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
Keyboard
Built in UK keybd
Mouse
Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
Internet Speed
900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
Browser
Edge
Antivirus
Defender
Other Info
TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

Macrium Reflect Home V8
Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
FrankW said:
@Bree
Did anyone experience these larger SSD drives getting a bit hot in medium to low end laptops? Several posters on the Acer forum are recommending extra heat sinks for SSD drives in Aspire a515 laptops (like mine):
community.acer.com

Type of SSD for Aspire 5, A515-56 - Acer Community

I have just purchased an Aspire 5, A515-56 with 1 TB HDD about 15 days back, I want to put a 128GB SSD in it, because it is running very slow and hangs, the description in the acer website says:* Supports up to1 TB SSD, PCIe Gen3 8 Gb/s up to 4 lanes, NVMe is it a normal SSD or a different one...
community.acer.com community.acer.com
community.acer.com

Can you ADD an m.2 NVMe SSD on Aspire 5 A515-51 (Model N17CA)? - Acer Community

I have a 2017 Aspire 5 A515-51 (Model N17CA) with an Intel i5-8250U CPU @ 1.6Ghz, with 12GB of RAM and a 1TB SATA hard drive. I am hoping someone can tell me whether I can add a m.2 NVMe SSD (256G or 500G) instead of only replacing the hard drive with an SSD. And if I can… which brands/models...
community.acer.com community.acer.com
Overheating is an issue for laptops outside in the tropics, mine, albeit slow, stays perfectly cool whatever I do (no gaming or video).
Click to expand...
If you are concerned about heat you could avoid it by using a sata ssd. Much better than a mechanical disk
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Win7,Win11i7-97002x16gb 3600mhz
    OS
    Win7,Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-9700
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x16gb 3600mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i

  • At a glance

    win7,win11i5-84002x8gb 3200
    Operating System
    win7,win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200
    PSU
    xfx pro 450
@cereberus
25°C is our air-conditioned bedroom temp. at night.😓
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 7 258V, 2200 Mhz, 8 C...32 GB LPDDR5X (soldered)Intel(R) Arc(TM) 140V GPU (16GB)
    OS
    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Swift A.I SF14-51T
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 7 258V, 2200 Mhz, 8 Cores
    Motherboard
    Icefish_LNV, Version V1.15
    Memory
    32 GB LPDDR5X (soldered)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) Arc(TM) 140V GPU (16GB)
    Sound Card
    RealTek + Intel Smart Sound
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" IPS WUXGA
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200x60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Micron_2550_MTFDKBA1T0TGE, NVMe Gen4, 1TB
    PSU
    45W USB-C GaN charger
    Case
    Full aluminum body
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    US with Backlight
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    25 Mb/s 5G
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS Version/Date Insyde Corp. V1.15, 8/28/2025, Windows Hello IR camera with Facial recognition. Secure Boot 2026 KEK key installed

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz ...8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in ...Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 25H2 build: 26200.8655
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Vivobook K3502Z S15 15" OLED
    CPU
    Intel 12th Gen. i7 12700H, 14 cores, 2.3 GHz (24M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 6P+8E cores)
    Motherboard
    Alder Lake-H, 1700-4700 MHz clock rate
    Memory
    8GB LPDDR4 on board + 8GB LPDDR4 3200 MHz in Dual Channel.
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe supports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz
    Sound Card
    Harman Kardon - DTS
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED 15.6inch 2.8K (2880 x 1620)
    Screen Resolution
    16:9 aspect ratio 0.2ms response time 120Hz refresh rate, 550nits
    Hard Drives
    512GB M.2 NVMe Gen4 PCIe 4.0 SSD, Micron_2450_MTFDKBA512TFK
    PSU
    90-Watt USB charger (Thunderbolt4)
    Case
    Metal lid, plastic case
    Cooling
    1 fan
    Keyboard
    With adjustable backlight
    Mouse
    Precision Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    ISP provides 15 mb/s WIFI LTE (4G), laptop WIFI 6 adapter.
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    BIOS American Megatrends International, LLC. 10.1.2.312, 13/03/2024. Network adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160 MHz, Secure Boot 2026 KEK key installed
Try3 said:
Bree,

You do realise that Samsung UK's warranty for SSDs, SD cards & USB sticks necessitates your paying for the non-refundable postage to the Netherlands for any warranty claim?
Samsung-Seagate UK SSD-USB-SD warranties - TenForums
I got my money back only by appealing directly to the Samsung UK CEO.
I don't like people stealing from me.

Denis
Click to expand...
It is far worse than that now for UK buyers.
My 64gb kit of G-skill ram has to be sent to Taiwan for rma now, I've got other items that used to get shipped to EU but now they no longer get sent there either.
I just bought new ram as I couldn't wait that long.
So the Netherlands is pretty good.


@FrankW Please consider the advice being offered to switch to an SSD, it is solid advice.
I'm not saying there isn't a place in the world for mechanical drives(NAS and other static storage) however that place hasn't been a laptop in a very long time.
many of those SSD's come with imaging/cloning software as well.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10 proRyzen 9 5950x32gb3070ti
OS
Windows 10 pro
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Me?
CPU
Ryzen 9 5950x
Motherboard
MSI X570 Unify
Memory
32gb
Graphics Card(s)
3070ti
Sound Card
Creative SoundBlaster Z
Monitor(s) Displays
1 x 4k 60hz 1 x 1440p 165hz
Screen Resolution
1440p
Hard Drives
1tb sabrent rocket gen 4, 1tb 970 evo gen 3 - nvme.
2tb 860 evo
2tb Firecuda
PSU
Corsair HX1200i platinum
Case
Coolermaster C700P
Cooling
Custom water loop
Keyboard
Corsair Strafe mk2
Mouse
Corsair darkcore pro
Internet Speed
70
Browser
Edge/Chrome
Antivirus
ESET
Ptolomios said:
It is far worse than that now for UK buyers.
My 64gb kit of G-skill ram has to be sent to Taiwan for rma now, I've got other items that used to get shipped to EU but now they no longer get sent there either.
I just bought new ram as I couldn't wait that long.
So the Netherlands is pretty good.


@FrankW Please consider the advice being offered to switch to an SSD, it is solid advice.
I'm not saying there isn't a place in the world for mechanical drives(NAS and other static storage) however that place hasn't been a laptop in a very long time.
many of those SSD's come with imaging/cloning software as well.
Click to expand...
I never use vendor guarantees in UK unless you bought direct. It is the responsibility of end seller e.g. Currys, Amazon etc to honour guarantee. In most cases they just replace item.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ16 GB solderedIntegrated Intel Iris XE
OS
Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
ASUS Zenbook 14
CPU
I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
Motherboard
Yep, Laptop has one.
Memory
16 GB soldered
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel Iris XE
Sound Card
Realtek built in
Monitor(s) Displays
laptop OLED screen
Screen Resolution
2880x1800 touchscreen
Hard Drives
1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
PSU
Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
Case
Yep, got one
Cooling
Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
Keyboard
Built in UK keybd
Mouse
Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
Internet Speed
900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
Browser
Edge
Antivirus
Defender
Other Info
TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

Macrium Reflect Home V8
Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
FrankW said:
@Bree
Did anyone experience these larger SSD drives getting a bit hot in medium to low end laptops? Several posters on the Acer forum are recommending extra heat sinks for SSD drives in Aspire a515 laptops (like mine)
Click to expand...
I have yet to receive my new Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SSD, so I don't know yet how hot it may get in my Aspire A315-23. As this is a 2.5" SATA drive and fits in the space where an HDD had been I would expect there to be enough air space around it to keep it cool enough.

What I can say that I've had an 860 EVO 500GB running in a Dell Latitude E7440 for some three years now.

1661589706703.png

In that time it has stayed well within its operating specs.

1661590354472.png
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two Other systems

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 HomeAMD Athlon Silver 3050U8GBRadeon Graphics
    OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23-R9VY
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD (from April 2026: 250GB EVO 850)
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2, and 25H2 on 30th September 2025 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 25H2.

    UPDATE - 11 April 2026: due to mechanical deterioration this PC has been retired from active duty. The OS with all software and files has been migrated to my System Seven in 'Other systems' to carry on as my general purpose 'main machine'.

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel® Core™ i5-520M8GB(integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround.

    In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround.
    Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.
    In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media.
    Upgraded to 25H2 by Enablement Package.

    Also running Insider Dev, and Canary builds and Windows 10 as native boot .vhdx.
  • My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine.
I think they are talking about nvme ssd getting hot. Sata ssd should be fine. I have no idea if Frank's model supports nvme.
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Win7,Win11i7-97002x16gb 3600mhz
    OS
    Win7,Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-9700
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x16gb 3600mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i

  • At a glance

    win7,win11i5-84002x8gb 3200
    Operating System
    win7,win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200
    PSU
    xfx pro 450
Ptolomios said:
It is far worse than that now for UK buyers.
My 64gb kit of G-skill ram has to be sent to Taiwan for rma now
Click to expand...
My comment was specifically about dealings with Samsung UK. A UK company that sells goods in the UK.

cereberus said:
I never use vendor guarantees in UK unless you bought direct. It is the responsibility of end seller e.g. Currys, Amazon etc to honour guarantee.
Click to expand...
It is the responsibility of the retailer to fulfil your statutary rights not any additional rights conferred by the manufacturer in, say, an extended or enhanced warranty.
Consumer Rights Act 2015 - Which
Sale of Goods Act - Which
Faulty product? How to get a refund, repair or replacement - Which
When can I use a manufacturers warranty or guarantee - Which


All the best,
Denis
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200....
OS
Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200.8037
Try3 said:
My comment was specifically about dealings with Samsung UK. A UK company that sells goods in the UK.


It is the responsibility of the retailer to fulfil your statutary rights not any additional rights conferred by the manufacturer in, say, an extended or enhanced warranty.
Consumer Rights Act 2015 - Which
Sale of Goods Act - Which
Faulty product? How to get a refund, repair or replacement - Which
When can I use a manufacturers warranty or guarantee - Which


All the best,
Denis
Click to expand...
I understood that just fine, I previously sent my last G-Skill RMA to Livingston about 30 miles from me. I should have included that.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10 proRyzen 9 5950x32gb3070ti
OS
Windows 10 pro
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Me?
CPU
Ryzen 9 5950x
Motherboard
MSI X570 Unify
Memory
32gb
Graphics Card(s)
3070ti
Sound Card
Creative SoundBlaster Z
Monitor(s) Displays
1 x 4k 60hz 1 x 1440p 165hz
Screen Resolution
1440p
Hard Drives
1tb sabrent rocket gen 4, 1tb 970 evo gen 3 - nvme.
2tb 860 evo
2tb Firecuda
PSU
Corsair HX1200i platinum
Case
Coolermaster C700P
Cooling
Custom water loop
Keyboard
Corsair Strafe mk2
Mouse
Corsair darkcore pro
Internet Speed
70
Browser
Edge/Chrome
Antivirus
ESET
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