Over OliverT

@daddle  Thanks for the in-depth clarifications. I have now all the required information (and more!) to be able to replace my SDD. I think I will finally opt for both an M.2 SDD for the OS, and a 2.5" with a case in the available slot. It might be overkill, but since it's the first time I upgrade some hardware on that desktop, at least I'm set for a few more years using it. I also ordered more Ram, 32GB from the existing 16g, so now everything should run smoother. Thanks for your time, Regards, ... Meer weergeven

@daddle    Yes, the picture provided of the internal m.2 SSD is the 125G boot drive. Attached are the Device Management screenshot, as well as the "Speccy" app I used:     In case the pics don't show up, here's a link: https://postimg.cc/QKkNv8Sx https://postimg.cc/xc6Nd5yj   Going back to the documentation link you sent me, indeed you are right, they mistakenly say that it's a 2.5" Sata drive. But funnily enough, they provide the correct reference of that drive: https://postimg.cc/Sn2y6f8G   When you do a google search for that reference MZNTY128HDHP, it clearly shows that it's an M.2 drive (= the one I have).   So, to sum up and following your advice, my best bet would be to go for a 2.5" Sata SSD, since I have a convenient free enclosing, and it would avoid me having to switch the M.2 drive (which is less accessible, I would probably have to remove the graphics card too). Another added benefit I supposed, is if I ever do need to boot from the initial drive again, I can still do it. With that new 2.5 SSD, I would just need to change the boot order (I still need to try the F10 key like you explained, or the other methods). After doing a bit more research online, I might just do a clone of my current C: drive to the new one, I which case I won't have to re-install everything.   EDIT: Actually as you say, I don't necessarily have to install a boot version on the new 2.5" SSD. I could just continue to boot from the current C:/, and use the new as an extension to have the added free space I need. Probably the easiest solution.   Regards,   ... Meer weergeven

As an addition to my post above, I have looked at the specs for the link you sent me. It confirms that the OS SSD is the one we were talking about initially, not an 2.5 or 3.5" SSD, as per this link:   https://www.medion.com/gb/service/product-detail/10021325    When you look at the reference for the SSD, which is also what I have, it is indeed an M.2 version: MZNTY128HDHP   So it goes back to what we were talking about in the first posts. So the solution would be to use a 2.5 or 3.5" Sata SSD in the free slot under the DVD, in which case I would just need to change the boot order.   Could you confirm on your side? Thanks, ... Meer weergeven

@daddle    No, what you had described in your initial post was correct. The picture I uploaded doesn't seem to show up, so I'll try a link instead: https://postimg.cc/xJN7tF85    I have bought the PC as a new one, not a second hand. I have not made any changes to it, but it is exactly as you had stated: The OS SSD is the 125G M.2 Sata that is shown on my picture. I also have a secondary 1TB HDD drive.  And there is an additional available 3.5" sata slot that is not used, placed under the DVD drive. As for the M.2 slot that is used, it is the only one there are no additional slots.   Thanks,   ... Meer weergeven

@daddle  I think you were initially right. From what I see there is only 1 M.2 sata slot, and it's used by the current OS SSD, as seen on this pic.     I don't think there's another slot, and the hardware diagnostics I ran confirm this is the only one. Like you said, I do have a free 3.5" Sata slot available.   Regards, ... Meer weergeven

@daddle   Thanks for the clarification. Yes, I've noticed the available empty Sata drive, in that case it would make sense and be easier to change than the internal drive. I thought m.2 sata  would have a larger bandwidth, but it turns out it's the same.   Last question: I have tried to boot from the (E:Recover) partition that is located on one of the drives, I've never used it before. The goal is to do a clean install once I get the new SSD HD. But I am unable to choose a boot option by pressing different FXX keys (like F2 or F12), also tired ESCAPE but nothing happens. I also tried holding the shift key and selecting restart (from the Windows start menu), it also doesn't work and so I am unable to access the boot options or even the BIOS. Is there a reference document that shows how I'm supposed to use that E:Recover drive?   Thanks again, ... Meer weergeven

Hi,   It seems you are right. Here are the specs: MSN: 20061843   I also have another sticker with another msn number: Medion ML-110000 Erazer X5342 G/C263 Model: PC MT 20 Type: MED MT 8162N MED S/N: 1C263010010000 MSN: 10021325   Looking up the current SSD that I have (like you mentioned, it contains the boot SSD), I have this model:  MZ-NTY1280   Which is a 128G  M.2 Sata SSD.    So, I guess my best option is to chose a similar 1T M.2 Sata SSD, like this one: amazon SSD link  edit: I can't post an amazon link but it's this model that I found: Western Digital - WD Blue SSD - SSD interne 1To M.2 SATA 3D NAND   Thanks,   ... Meer weergeven