How to Add/Install 16Gb Disk Caching SSD?

[FrankPDX]

Thanks Dave,

Oh Ok, so I just go out there and get the Sata SSD in about 128GB would be correct? Do you think this item is correct (

Intel - 525 60 GB Internal Solid State Drive)

If that is not a right SSD, can you point me to the correct one?

Do I have to change back default AHCI setting after I done with the setup for the SSD Disk Caching? or just keep as SATA controller mode?

[Big_Dave]

Frank,

If you are going to buy a SSD instead of a mSATA then I would recommend a 240 GB model such as the Samsung EVO in my signature. That way should you decide later that you want to run the entire system from the SSD you will then have enough space to load the SSD using the HP recovery media.  Be sure to create the HP recovery media and backup you data in case something goes wrong.

The Intel SATA controller mode for disk caching function needs to be in RAID mode.

The Samsung EVO is a top rated and recommended SSD by many of the leading PC magazines.

I can't tell if the Intel msata device that you referenced is the correct form factor length wise for your PC. You should measure to be sure. Is this the same device?  http://www.cpguard.com/SSD-525-series.asp?gclid=CO2y7N_W_rsCFSdp7AodJGYAWw

[FrankPDX]

Ah ok, thought I have to buy the mSata (which I believe this is for laptop drive). 

So this is kind same as your SSD (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/840-evo-120gb-internal-serial-ata-iii-solid-state-drive-for-laptops/2001... but this is for 120GB  correct?

I don't think I want to bring entire OS over SSD, but SSD I just want to use for Disk Caching only .. and everything is still same as my HDD. In another word, HDD is still the primary boot drive and blah blah in there. 

Do you think the setting right now is already in RAID mode for HDD? I will double check when I get home this evening from work.

 Umm another thing, my tower should be now in 3.5" Drive Bay for Sata HDD, in order to use 2.5" SSD Drive Bay I must buy the 2.5 sata ssd converter Drive Bay correct?

[Big_Dave]

Hi Frank,

I haven't used RAID for a while so since you are using Windows 8 you will need to have Windows load the correct driver.

Under Windows 8 open the RUN window and enter the following: msconfig

Click on the boot Tab then check Safe Boot, apply and save the settings.

Restart your system and use the ESC key to get into the BIOS. Go to SATA mode settings and change AHCI to RAID. Save the change before exiting the BIOS. Your system will reboot and into Safe Mode.

Safe Mode will allow Windows to changes the drivers. Check in Device Manager and you will see an entry in Storage Controllers. You should now see this new entry:

Intel Desktop/Workstation/Server Express Chipset SATA RAID Controller

You will again need to open msconfig again and uncheck the Safe Boot box. Then save the change and reboot back into normal Windows.  If the system tries to do a repair operation, restart and get back into the bios and revert back to AHCI mode. I believe the Advanced function under the repair operation should allow you to also get out of safe boot.

Once you are booted up in Windows RAID mode, go to the Control Panel and select Intel Rapid Storage Technology.  When the window opens, look near the bottom of the screen for  Performance Acceleration. It will be DISABLED.  Click on the ? near the word disabled and read through the write up on using acceleration before moving ahead.

Be sure to have the HP recovery media handy in case something goes awry.

Under Windows 7 there was a patch available but W8 is different.

The above procedure worked for me as I just tried it out on my W8.1 system.

[FrankPDX]

I havent get the SSD yet, but here is my desktop info

Product#: E6S61AV#ABA
Serial#:{Private Information Removed}
Model: HP 700-230QE

Can you verify see if this has Intel RST?

Question: Before I follow your steps, I need to have the SSD pluged into board/tower ready correct?

[FrankPDX]

I also noticed, per HP info this desktop can also take 256 GB SATA Solid State Drive, does that mean there is a SSD drive bay 2.5" size already in the tower?

Info: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03983810

[Big_Dave]

Frank,

Something is wrong with the product number that you posted.  It doesn't match the model number that you had previously posted.  However, the Envy 700-2xx series does appear to allow for additional hard drives and/or SSDs.  See the image below.

[FrankPDX]

Actually if you just search for these Product number Product#: E6S61AV   (without #ABA) thing, you can see it list as Model 700-230QE, not sure why is like that. But it's match with my current model.

From your "red" arrow, is that where I should insert my SSD into that spot? it will fit the SSD drive bay right?

[Big_Dave]

Hi Frank,

The model number that you had first posted was 700-200 and not 700-230 hence the mismatch.  Perhaps Costco should have listed your PC as the 230?

This particular HP cabinet can be provisioned for three hard drives. Typically an adapter bracket would be used to fit the 2.5" SSD into the 3.5" drive cage which might imply that the SSD could be mounted in any open slot in the drive cage.  I really can't tell from the photo if the device is a SSD or the typical hard drive.  It's probably a hard drive.  I did notice that the drive cage was tool less meaning that the hard drive just slides into the cage and self locks.  Very nice indeed.

You should be able to use 2.5" to 3.5" SSD adapter bracket along with the correct 3.5" drive mounting screws and get the SSD to fit into the drive cage. This is exactly how I installed a SSD into one of my PCs.

This is an excellent PC and it can be customized with some very nice upgrades.  I like it.

[FrankPDX]

Hi Dave,

Yes, on the buy of costco it did say just "HP Envy 700QE", however last night I check the Model on my tower it telling me is HP Envy 700-230QE, which is came exactly when I entered my Product # from HP.com (http://www8.hp.com/us/en/hp-search/search-results.html?ajaxpage=1#/page=1&/cc=us&/lang=en&/qt=E6S61A...

I believe costco put a wrong title for their product 🙂

It seem like from the brief description of HP, the tower can also accept about 250 GB SSD, which I do hope it does has the drive bay ready to fit the SSD, which save time to buy the 2.5" drive bay adapter to 3.5". 

I bought this complete Desktop with HP 23" LED monitor/keyboard/mouse for only $999 + $29 shipping cost after $500 discounted (Reg value $1499) from Costco. Below is the descriptions:

Processor & Memory: Intel® Core™ i7-4770 quad-core processor 3.4GHz 8MB Shared Cache

Memory: 32GB DDR3-1600MHz [4 DIMMs]

Drives: 1TB 7200 rpm SATA hard drive

Blu-ray Player & SuperMulti DVD Burner

Operating System: Microsoft® Windows 8.1 (64-bit)

Graphics & Video: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GT640

HP W2371d 23-inch LED Backlit LCD Monitor (1920x1080)

Communications:   HP Wireless-N LAN card with Bluetooth Audio: Integrated Beats™ Audio

Keyboard: HP USB keyboard and optical mouse

Expandability (Total Slots):

Total Memory Slots:

2 DIMM 1x PCI-E (x16)

3x PCI-E(x1)

1x MiniCard

Ports: 2 USB 3.0 (top) 2 USB 2.0 (rear) 15-in-1 memory card reader

Additional Information: Power Supply: 460W Power Supply Dimensions: 19.65" L x 11.22" W x 20.51”H

Do you think this is good deal?