How to install RAM and an SSD - Alienware Area51m
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- Опубликовано: 5 июн 2024
- Jump in with Tabz as he provides a blow-by-blow run through of his experience installing RAM and an SSD into his Alienware Area51m... flaws and all!
A link to the RUclips video used to change BIOS from Raid to AHCI... I understand this is necessary to detect the new SSD- but feel free to correct me if I’m wrong!:
• Change from Raid to AH...
Samsung MZ-V7S1T0BW 970 EVO Plus... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MBQPQ6...
Corsair CMSX16GX4M2A2666C18... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01BMMVNL...
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#area51m #alienware #howto #raminstall #gaminglaptop 
Игры
Thank you for this video. Perfect walkthrough for what I need to do to my 51m. Sub’d and excited to catch up on your content.
Bless you, Charles 😊
Thanks for your support and your time.
We’re a small channel but maybe one day with the help of subscribers like yourself- we’ll gain some traction 👍
Thanks for the vid,...did 8-64Gb of ram when i bought it, which was nice and easy (except for that sodding back plate :) ) but now wanting to swap my SSD out for a larger one and clone, so great to see what you went through
This was very useful and informative. Thank you very much.
Hi, thanks for the comment. 👍🏻
You are more than welcome, we are happy that you found it informative and useful. I’m assuming you have an area 51m? If so what specs are you running? BA
I just ordered the base model with plans to upgrade later if that's ever possible. Who knows given Dell's track record. Upgrade modules for the Area-51m R1 were once available but (as of now) suddenly disappeared for instance. I plan on adding another SSD almost immediately and upgrading the RAM later to max 64GB (if needed for non-gaming reasons) as you have demonstrated in the video.
Anyways here are the specs on what I ordered on the Alienware Area-51m R1 (pretty much all basic):
Lithium Ion (90 Wh) Battery
180W Power Adapter and 180W Power Adapter
Killer(TM) Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2x2) 802.11ax Wireless and Bluetooth 5.1
17.3" FHD (1920 x 1080) 60Hz Anti-Glare IPS Display with NVIDIA G-SYNC technology
256GB PCIe SSD (35) + 1TB Hybrid HDD
16GB (2x 8GB) DDR4 at 2400MHz
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6
Windows 10 Pro (64bit) English
9th Generation Intel Core i7-9700 (8-Core, 12MB Cache, up to 4.7GHz w/ Turbo Boost)
Alienware TactX keyboard with per-key RGB LED AlienFX lighting, anti-ghosting, and N-Key rollover technology
In the meantime I am researching how to upgrade (at reasonable costs) my current and still solid running Alienware M18x R2 (from 2012) (also a very base model). It seems like its a pain in the ass just getting the right parts though. It took forever just to find the correct fitting extra OEM cooling fan for running dual SLI videocards. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.
Lithium Ion (96 Wh) 12-Cell Battery (*Needs replacement but unable to find from reputable source)
240W Power Adapter
Intel 2230 Wireless-N
18.4" WLED WideFHD (1920 x 1080) 60Hz
32GB mSATA caching SSD + 1TB Raid 0 (2x 500Gb) 7200RPM
16GB Dual Channel (4x 4GB) DDR3 at 1600MHz
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660M 2GB GDDR5
Windows 7 Ultimate (64 bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3610QM CPU @ 2.30GHz (4-Core, 6MB Cache, up to 3.2GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)
Sound Blaster Recon3Di with THX
Dual Layer DVD-Burner (DVD+/-RW,CD-RW)
cc: @AlienwareSupport @Alienware @Dell @DellSupport @EurocomTechnology
Thanks in advance!
Great to hear from you McSBs 👍😎
Yeah, it is looking like the upgradeability promised by Dell/Alienware was somewhat lacking in substance. Last I read, the GPUs won’t go beyond the RTX 2080 family of cards 🤦♂️
It’s not the end of the world as I’ve just watched a Digital Foundry video which suggests cards 2070 and up should be future-proof for next-gen... but still, when you drop £2-5k on a laptop, you expect the marketing to be rock solid 🤷♂️
Congratulations on your Area51m! I’m still in love with mine despite the marketing complaints. It will see me through the next few years, easily 👌
I’m afraid I’ll have to refer you to Dell/Google/forums and enthusiast groups on that one, MrMcSBs 😅
Rich and I aren’t technical gurus by any stretch and our know-how is mostly limited to the kit we own and have researched!
I wouldn’t even know where to start 🤔
Good luck though! Always good to keep an old faithful going though, and plenty of joy in the process too I’d imagine 🥳
Thanks for engaging with the channel! We look forward to hearing from you again 🕹
Interestingly, Mr McSBs... 🤔
I’ve just received this reply from Dell:
‘’We would like to inform you that our website (i.e.www.dell.co.uk) has always been precise with the technical information related to any systems showcased. Post investigation with our product group & the marketing teams, it is confirmed that Dell has always made it clear that the system is compatible only with 20XX (up till 2080 OC series) series graphics cards from Nvidia.
We would like to confirm that customers may choose to upgrade to the latest series of the graphics card as well (super cards or 30XX series). Therefore, an additional message was included on our website specifically stating that you can continue to upgrade the graphics card using the Alienware Amplifier. Attached is the screenshot of the website & the messaging from Dell.’’
I'm still using the 15 R3. But this video was very informative!
I loved see this hot man doing it so well
really helpful
Glad we could be of help! 😊
This video was really helpful, thanks! I can’t seem to find the ram you have though, only the rgb pro and another that’s a different size.
No problem, Pixel Chicken! 👍
Glad we could be of help 🙂
I did put a link to the RAM in the description... unless the product has moved on Amazon 🤔
Here’s the exact description to help:
Corsair CMSX16GX4M2A2666C18 Vengeance 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4 2666 MHz 204 Pin SODIMM Performance Notebook Memory Kit - Black
Please subscribe to the channel if you haven’t already- and a few likes goes a long way for us 🥳
Binary Arcadia I was looking at the non sodimm range. Didn’t see the link but all sorted now. Thanks for the help. Subbed
Great stuff, Pixel Chicken 👌
We really appreciate your support 🥳
have you had any issues with the right mouse button on the trackpad? mine doesnt work since a few weeks back. windows 11...... also my service tag shows up as a omniopti desktop on dell support site. super strange.........
Hi Nash,
I’ve not experiencing anything like that but I’m still on Windows 10. Perhaps something to do with compatibility there.
Hope you get it sorted soon!
Did you have any issues mixing the ram? I’m 32gb and considering going to 64
Any issues using the Samsung program to clone the drive? I’ve heard others complain of issues cloning drives that were not Samsung to a Samsung.
Hi Ron,
Not for me. After my SSD was reformatted by Samsung to the compatible sector size... after the enclosure I bought sneakily reformatted it... it was really straightforward!
There is free software out there which will do the same job for you though if you don’t want to take the risk with the Samsung software. I just googled ‘best software for cloning SSD’ and some decent articles popped up 👍
Binary Arcadia yeah just ordered my A51M should be here in a week but went with the cheaper sshd because I knew I could get a bigger ssd cheaper and upgrade myself so I’m trying to be prepared to do it when it comes and immediately upgrade it to an SSD
Sounds like a plan, Ron!
I’m a layman when it comes to computer modifications and I managed it okay with a bit of research and time 👌
It’s relatively straightforward.
Congrats on your 51m! It’s a beast. Hope you enjoy! 🥳
Hi,
I got some 2 questions.... about the Ram & SSD. 1）my area 51M comes with 2x8 GB @ 2666mHZ, is it able to add another 2 x 16 GB @ 2933mHZ? Or it have to be same MHZ ? 2) currently, it is 256 GB SSD + hybrid 1 TB HHD, I am going to add another Samsung 970 PRO SSD 512GB to the 2nd slot. Do you think all the Samsung SSD have the same problem on the format sector , and need to send the SSD to Samsung for factory format? Is there any way I could solve this issue?
Thz for the advice...
Hi CA 👋
In regards to the RAM- as far as I’m aware you could definitely do that. Whether it’s a recommend configuration based on Dell’s guidelines- that’s another matter entirely!
In regards to the 2933MHz- I think it will be capped at 2400MHz anyway, so shouldn’t make any difference there 🤷♂️
HOWEVER! Rich and I are just enthusiasts so best to ask a professional before you go ahead and experiment, proper 👍
Tamper at your own risk! 😅
As for the SSD question... Samsung SSDs should be fine- the format sector issue was caused by the enclosure I was hoping would make the job easier- nothing to do with Samsung! Again though, best to refer to Dell/Alienware before tinkering away 👌
Please subscribe to our channel if you haven’t already 🥳
I got 2 question. Do you have to buy laptop specific ram or is it regular pc ram? And does the bios cap the ram at anything?
Hi Aaron,
You’ll want to be looking for Sodimm RAM which is generally used for laptops I understand.
I’m no expert- so don’t quote me, Aaron 😅 but I think the BIOS caps the RAM clock speed at 2400MHz... there was hope that Alienware may unlock this or at least raise the ceiling- but I don’t think that’s happened yet 🤔
Thanks for the comment, Aaron! Please subscribe to the channel if you aren’t already and a few likes goes a long way for us! 🥳
Binary Arcadia, you are honestly the best you tuber I’ve come across due to your quick and kind replies. I understand the bios caps the ram clock speed but does it cap the amount of ram you can have. For example I’m getting it with 8gb of ram and would love to shove 256 gb of ram or will the bios cap it at about 100 gb. Also do you have to buy laptop ram or can it be pc ram by Corsair or patriot?
Hi Aaron,
Thanks for the sub! 🥳
A quick google search tells me that these are the recommended configurations:
8 GB DDR4 at 2400 MHz (1 x 8 GB)
16 GB DDR4 at 2400 MHz (2 x 8 GB)
32 GB DDR4 at 2400 MHz (2 x 16 GB)
64 GB DDR4 at 2400 MHz (4 x 16 GB)
So 64 GB seems to be the ceiling!... I think Sodimm modules do go higher though so you could experiment 🤷♂️ but you’ll be taking the Alien’s fate in your own hands 😋
I’m pretty sure only laptop RAM will do and again, Professor Google tells me that Kingston, Toshiba or Samsung are recommended manufacturers.
But again, I’m no expert, just an enthusiast! You’re best off speaking to Dell/Alienware for the full facts before risking the life of an expensive laptop 👌
Good luck! 👍
Hi, what brand was the SSD and ram that came with Alienware? Thanks in advanced
Hi Kings,
I’m not really sure to be honest. Probably best to google an Alienware Area51m owners forum and ask there 👍
Or alternatively, try asking Dell directly.
Thanks for visiting the channel! 🕹
I have an area 51M and I have a question.. when u swap the SSD to a bigger size like 2 TB what happens to the storeage with the regular SSD that came with the laptop ?
Hi Chris,
I think you can probably answer that question by watching the video through.
In my case, I cloned the drive and swapped the SSDs, physically. Then reformatted the old SSD and created a new usable partition on it.
I now have access to both SSDs.
We aren’t IT professionals however- as I signpost in the video! So always best to consult the manufacturer or a proper qualified professional for advice if you aren’t sure 👍
Where did you find the second thermal cover for ssd mvme2???
Hi Anna,
I was lucky enough to find one online- after a lot of searching!
I think they are very difficult to come by though.
I’ve also heard you can order them from Dell/Alienware but when I tried to contact them I didn’t get a response 🤷♂️
Getting an error of memory instalation incorect please see youser guide error after shipping it across country.
Hi, great video. I have an AW just like yours but mine is a lunar moon color :) my question is, I have an SSD already a 256gb. If I bought another one say a 2 TB SSD, could I have both in there at the same time with out having to remove the original SSD? Thank you!!
Hi Rocky 👋
I’m certainly not the best authority on this so I encourage you to do your own research. But there are certainly two m.2 SSD slots in the Area 51M... and you can definitely have both in at the same time.
The issue you might have is that one slot is primarily stamped as ‘the boot drive’ by the BIOS I think. So you might have to tinker in the BIOS to tell the Alien what SSD slot you want to boot from 🤔
Just make sure your intended SSD is compatible with the Alien too, some pieces of hardware aren’t compatible with the Area 51M- and the last thing you want is a fancy new, expensive SSD that isn’t even recognised when you plug in 👍
Please subscribe to the channel, Rocky 🥳
How many ram slots are present and how can we use it?
Hi Jasjeet 👋
We’d posted this in response to another question- but hopefully answers your question to the best of our knowledge:
A quick google search tells me that these are the recommended configurations:
8 GB DDR4 at 2400 MHz (1 x 8 GB)
16 GB DDR4 at 2400 MHz (2 x 8 GB)
32 GB DDR4 at 2400 MHz (2 x 16 GB)
64 GB DDR4 at 2400 MHz (4 x 16 GB)
So 64 GB seems to be the ceiling!... I think Sodimm modules do go higher though so you could experiment 🤷♂️ but you’ll be taking the Alien’s fate in your own hands 😋
I’m pretty sure only laptop RAM will do and again, Professor Google tells me that Kingston, Toshiba or Samsung are recommended manufacturers.
But again, I’m no expert, just an enthusiast! You’re best off speaking to Dell/Alienware for the full facts before risking the life of an expensive laptop 👌
Please subscribe to the channel if you aren’t already, Jasjeet. Helps to grow and support what we do 🥳
@@BinaryArcadia So tell me if I buy area 51m with 16gb ram(8×2) then will there be any more slots for more upgrading or not.As according to me area 51m has 4 ram slots but I can't find answer to this question.
Hi Jasjeet,
My Area51m definitely has 4 ram slots! I bought mine with 8GB and added a further 16GB! 👍
I wanna upgrade my ram, my area 51m, came with a default 8gb duo. Can I add two 16gb sticks, so I can get a total of 48gb RAM? How do I know which ones are compatible? I'm sorry, I don't know much about laptop pieces.
Hi TheWolfe,
If you type in Area51m owners lounge on Google you should be able to find a thread on this. Alternatively, email Dell/Alienware who should be able to tell you what’s compatible 👍
I called Dell support, and asked about the samsung evo. And they said that itll cause the computer to randomly reboot, and basically just corrupt the whole system. Have you noticed this?
Hi John,
Not at all from mine and Rich’s perspective. Rich’s was installed professionally- and I did mine myself as you can see from the video 👍
I’ve had an issue making a Windows recovery drive but I don’t think that’s necessarily related. I haven’t fully troubleshot the problem yet.
I know Rich had a problem recently with a Windows update that went pear-shaped and forced him to the BIOS... but he used a recovery drive and got it sorted. Didn’t cause any issues with SSD as far as I’m aware!
Thanks for the comment 😊
@@BinaryArcadia oh damn ok. I wonder if those sales were lying now just to think of it 🤔
Difficult to say, John 🤔
Would seem very unprofessional for a big firm like Dell... but it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve heard of unreliable claims spouted by sales and support staff.
I have tried installing the Vengeance 32GB(2x16GB) in Alienware 15r4, but my laptop memory module doesn’t support it, I did some research and show that error memory module, 2:4 (2red and 4 blue) power button light flashing, what can I do to get my laptop support Vengeance DDR4 RAM?
Sorry, E1.
We’re not IT specialists. Just a couple of laymen who challenged ourselves to a relatively straightforward laptop modification.
Your best bet is to get in touch with Dell or a local specialist. Sorry we can’t be of more help! 😅
Hi There. I have a Alienware Area 51 R2. My manuel says there are only 2 slots but your video show there is 4. Is this because its not a R2 as it would be cheaper for me to buy another 16 x 2 rather than 32 x2 to get the 64 I need?
The laptop in the video is definitely not an R2.
Contact the manufacturer for any technical questions 👍
Hey man does the Alienware area 51m support Samsung evo 2tb SSD M.2?
Hi Chris,
A quick Google suggests that Dell only specify up to 1tb SSDs. So you’re in uncharted territory with 2tb!
Your best bet is to scout owners forums online to see if anyone has tried it successfully.
We certainly haven’t so I wouldn’t recommend it myself- an external solution might be a better bet if you need the space. Perhaps contact Dell for support though before you do anything 👍
@@BinaryArcadia thanks a lot bro
Guys, I have looked at the spec on Dell website for my A51m ram spec. It says DDR4 SDRAM - SO-DIMM 260-pin. The link in the description in for 204pin. My question is, is the 204 pin and 260pin compatible?
Update, 204 pin is DDR3. 260 pin is DDR4. So did you install the 204 pin DDR3?
Hi JuiceMan,
Just checked my Amazon purchase and it says 204 pin DDR4! But always best to check with Dell themselves 👍
@@BinaryArcadia Thanks for the reply, I've checked online and ddr4 SODIMMs are 260 pin only. strange.
where do you buy the heat sink?
Don’t think you can, Luis.
I’d seen someone online say you can order from Dell but I didn’t get a response when asked. I managed to snag one online that I stumbled across 👍
I read that you can possible replace the 2.5” hard drive with SSD. Is this true?
Not sure, Roger. We aren’t experts. Best to contact the manufacturer 👍
does the samsung evo plus 2 tb work as well for the laptop?
Check the Alienware A51m storage section for support
We have no experience with that model, Kunai.
But perhaps another helpful viewer could assist?
e1 awesome thanks
Instead of cloning couldn't I just add the extra ssd just for extra space and not have to do anything else??
Can/should you upgrade the powerbrick for more power?
No idea, Crayola!
Our expertise is extremely limited! But I certainly wouldn’t recommend messing with power bricks... it sounds dangerous to you and potentially your very expensive laptop! 🕹
If you want more power- perhaps look at upgrading to a desktop PC 👍
@@BinaryArcadia I'm trying to get the world's best laptop since I travel for work and space is limited
Haha- an admirable quest, Crayola 👍
You could try a graphics amplifier but it doesn’t look particularly portable 🤷♂️
Do you need to purchase heat shields if you are installing a new aftermarket SSD?
I would say it’s preferable, Brian 🤔
I suppose it depends what SSD it is and what temps you are getting pre-shield.
But a heat shield should optimise performance and prolong the life of the SSD as lower temps are generally better for all components... you could also argue that it would reduce the net amount of heat produced by the entire laptop which could also boost general performance and longevity - but marginal gains on the latter 🤓
Hope that helps! And please subscribe to the channel if you haven’t already 👍
@@BinaryArcadia Awesome thanks, unfortunately it doesn't look like they sell any on the dell site :(
Best bet is to try and contact them via the back door and ask for assistance... or even live chat. Might take some work but you should be able to get one.
Failing that you could go third-party but do the research first on the part you are looking at 👍
@@BinaryArcadia ah ok! thank you for the tip!
@@BinaryArcadia Hi, do you know the part number for the dell shield? thank you!
Where did you get the coffee mug?
Christmas present, Arkham Knight! 😅
We’d like to setup with a merchandising store eventually to make them available to BArcadians everywhere! 🥳
@@BinaryArcadia if you can find out let me know please. Im a huge comic book fan.
Sorry Phantom! I completely misunderstood your question on this one 😅
I thought you meant the BA- branded mug 🤦♂️
I’m pretty sure the Avengers mug was from the Disney Store. A family member brought it me in the UK... disappointingly, I broke mine about a month ago 😟 and I’ve had a look on eBay and found a few on sale in the USA.
They aren’t cheap, especially with shipping... but if you’re a super fan it won’t matter!
It was, without doubt, my favourite mug 🥳
Okay so when you buy a new ssd card install it, clone it, then swap positions with it after. 13:20 to 14:20.
Sorry, Goldeagle, what was your question?
Thanks for watching the video! 🙂
Is it possible to have both an HDD and an SSD?
Based on my experience, yes. But best to pose your question to the manufacturer 👍
I want to buy these ssd but dell told me to not buy this ssd because it cause problems any problems with your ssd???
Hi Snake Az, thanks for the comment.
Both myself and tabs have these ssds installed in our Alienware laptops and both perform faultlessly. We can definitely recommend them, they wipe the floor on speeds compared to Dells offerings.
Thanks again for the comment, do consider subscribing to the channel please. BA
Does it matter in with slot I I install it? (I have empty both)
Hi Snake,
I think it can make a difference as the BIOS is set to recognise the first slot as the boot drive. This is is mentioned in the video... but I understand you can actually change it in the BIOS if you know how to.
Might be best to do some research online if you are unsure. Rich and I aren’t professionals by any means- I just had a go at doing mine myself and thought I’d share the experience 👍
@@BinaryArcadia thank U so much I just install my ssd following your video thank you,
you are way better that all technical support of dell hahaha
Fantastic, Snake! 💪
Glad we could be of help!
Please subscribe to the channel if you haven’t already- and liking a few videos goes along way for us 🥳
Hi is xmp working now?
Sorry! Not following! We’re not IT pros or anything like that. Just enthusiasts 👍
Epic theme park background music, paired with "the dog just poo'd in my shoe, and it's between my toes" voice, confusing. Perhaps leave the background music, otherwise cheers for the video👍
Thanks for your kindness.
Can I pay someone to do this?
Almost certainly. Look up your local IT store 👍
What IS ram cas ?
Hi Kamui,
Sorry, I’m not following? Can you provide a bit more information, please?
@@BinaryArcadia ram cas ?
Hi Kamui,
I still don’t understand the question to be honest… but I googled RAM CAS and Tom’s Hardware said this:
‘A RAM module's CAS (Column Address Strobe or Signal) latency is how many clock cycles in it takes for the RAM module to access a specific set of data in one of its columns (hence the name) and make that data available on its output pins, starting from when a memory controller tells it to.’
www.tomshardware.com/uk/reviews/cas-latency-ram-cl-timings-glossary-definition,6011.html
@@BinaryArcadia what is the latency of the ram

what is the latency of the ram

Hi Kamui,
We aren’t tech specialists, sadly. We are a couple of amateurs who had a go at upgrading our laptop!
I have no idea what the latency is of the replacement RAM I bought 😅
Perhaps best asking Dell/Alienware for support if you need assistance 👍
Good information but maybe better narrating next time..
Thanks Wandering Knight.
This was a very early video on our channel. I think we’ve gotten better since then- but we are always trying to improve.
We do this in our spare time- we’d love to do it full-time but it needs to be making some money for us before we can do that! 😅
Dude please list parts
Hi Chris! I’ve just added the Amazon links to the description for the SSD and ram 👍
Please consider subscribing if you haven’t already 😊
Lol don't u just hate when the Ram doesn't get in even though you did the angle thing... haha the cringeeee
You spotted that, Daniel 😂
The flop sweat started pooling at that point! 😅
Didn’t let it beat me though 💪
Thanks for the comment and please subscribe to the channel if you haven’t already 🕹
@@BinaryArcadia "flop sweat" ? ur flip flops (slippers) were sweating ? i'm sorry i'm an American i do not understand U.K humor
Haha! Sorry Daniel 😅
Here’s a definition via HowStuffWorks:
‘The term "flop sweat" has its origins in the theater and refers to the sudden, heavy perspiration experienced when confronted with anxiety and fear of embarrassment. Though identified with the stage, flop sweat is a very real phenomenon that we'll all experience at some point in our lives.’
... thankfully, flip-flops are officially banned attire in the virtual towers of Binary Arcadia 🤣