Installing an SSD on an ASUS K501UX laptop. Should I look for a service center, or replace it myself?

Question

Iron

Hello!
There is an ASUS K501UX laptop, I would like to install an SSD in it (together with the HDD). But I still can’t figure out if I can install it at all or not.
If so, is it problematic to install the SSD yourself, or is it better to contact the SC?
Regarding the SC - the same question is open, because on the Asus website off. The service centers listed are not so hot, or they do not respond to mail, or the reviews are bad. Can you recommend a good one. Asus SC?

Answer 1

If so, is it problematic to install the SSD yourself, or is it better to contact the SC?

The drive itself installs easily.
If you want to make the SSD a system one, and use the HDD for media data / large documents / archives, there are some nuances (axis transfer or disk cloning, for which most manufacturers have their own utilities / subsequent re-partitioning of the old HDD to free up space occupied by system partitions, with preliminary backup).
You may need to set the boot priority in the BIOS (or you may not need to).
On the HDD, it will be possible to demolish all system partitions after installing win on the SSD. The only thing I’m not sure about (I haven’t encountered such a situation for a long time): after installation, you need to make sure that the Windows bootloader is on the SSD, otherwise, EMNIP, someone had a situation that he installed Win in the same way, demolished all partitions on the HDD, and Windows stopped loading, because. the boot partition was left on the HDD. Welders who often install Win can probably tell. A reliable (albeit a little dreary) way is to disconnect the HDD, connect only the SSD, install Win10 on it, then connect the HDD back and demolish all partitions. It makes sense to make a backup image of the HDD, because. some brands \ SC require a "native" HDD, or at least its native breakdown, where all sorts of branded recovery partitions, etc. are usually placed.
In no case do not follow outdated \ initially incorrect advice on "optimizing" the system to work with SSD (disabling hibernation \ virtual memory \ transferring temp \ user profiles \ etc.). If the disk dies, it dies, if not, then no, all these manipulations do not affect this, but the performance / stability of the system is significantly reduced.
No, according to the law - if a breakdown occurs, then the SC must prove that it occurred due to your intervention.
Another thing is, if the SC is inadequate, they may be able to do it, and butting with them is also lazy / no time.
Therefore, if you are worried about this:
- make sure there are no seals on the outside / inside the case before disassembling / replacing the disk
- carefully unscrew / tighten the screws without scratching them and the case, do not break the slots
- do not break the latches when disassembling the case
- save the old disk, and when handing over to the service, remove the new one and put the old one back (either with a parallel installation - remove the new one, leave the old one, if the old HDD was formatted at the same time - return everything back from the backup)
-- OR let them upgrade from the seller \ in the SC
-- EITHER refuse to upgrade
-- OR kill and change, figs with her with a guarantee :) In my experience, laptops start to break down after the warranty period expires, although it may happen differently for you (ugh three times).
Different manufacturers / SCs may have different opinions on this matter. Most (unless you really break something) usually don't care what the user upgraded there.
2) HDD is "classic" SATA; M.2 is a small connector on the motherboard (in the picture at the link - above the long black PCI slot, on the right is a small slot, on the left are two mounts for M2 drives of different lengths). If you put it in parallel with the old HDD, M.2 (if there is a connector in your laptop, and you have one) that's it. It should be noted that M2 is different . The main difference is the dimensions and interface (SATA\NVMe). You need to look in the performance characteristics of the laptop, which one is suitable, and look for the appropriate one. You have SATA.
As for the choice of the disk itself, it is logical to take it based on the budget, warranty period, and performance characteristics, in that order.
It may also be useful:
* Video disassembly of your laptop (did not check, use common sense when viewing / repeating procedures)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-6ADKWs9H4
* In principle, almost all of the above is described in some detail here (only in the end, three options for using SSDs are considered, of which only the first makes sense):
https:/ /andiriney.ru/ustanovka-ssd-v-noutbuk/
* Volume matters: see how much space you have and buy a disk of the appropriate size with a margin. Please note that software tends to bloat over time (both in terms of new versions and in terms of operating time). Also keep in mind that SSDs like to have a lot of free space, otherwise the speed starts to sag.
* read the post here, if you have little memory, it makes sense to upgrade it too (you can change one bar, the maximum result is 12GB):
https://w3bsit3-dns.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=741106&v...
* many laptop\SSD manufacturers have compatibility tables, for example, here is the CRUCIAL page for your laptop: www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible -upgrade-for/ASUS...

Answer 2

If everything is done carefully, the warranty is not lost. There are usually no seals on the screws.
SSD can be installed together with HDD, just choose M.2 SATA type SSD. The maximum form factor for this laptop is 2280. One popular choice is the Samsung 850 EVO.

Answer 3

The replacement is very easy. As for the warranty, I recommend asking Asus support. For there was a conflict situation with Acer regarding the independent replacement of the hard drive and the replacement of RAM.