Introduction
The ASUS GL753VE is a top-end and high-performance gaming laptop renowned for its powerful components and gaming capabilities. But similar to other high-end laptops, users sometimes prefer to further increase the system’s capabilities, such as through a component upgrade. A very common upgrade is the transformation from an HDD to an SSD. This review will hopefully give a comprehensive picture of the pros and cons, processes, and considerations in an SSD upgrade on the ASUS GL753VE, discussing everything from performance improvements to a very detailed guide with step-by-step procedures.
1. SSD Upgrade: General Considerations
1.1. Why should I upgrade to an SSD?
The advantages of upgrading an HDD to an SSD include:
Quick Start-up Time: Unlike HDDs, an SSD can SLA quickly during start-up, allowing the system to be ready in seconds.
Improved Performance: SSDs read and write data faster than HDDs. This means quicker file accesses, faster application launches, and efficient multi-tasking.
Higher Reliability: SSDs do not contain moving parts and can hence be considered less vulnerable to mechanical failure compared to HDDs that consist of spinning disks and read/write heads.
Power Efficiency: SSDs utilize much less power than HDDs, thereby potentially increasing power-life value of laptops.
1.2. Types of SSDs
In order to upgrade to an SSD, it is necessary to distinguish between the ones offered:
SATA SSDs: The most popular and inexpensive type of SSD, SATA SSDs communicate through the SATA Interface, which most laptops will have. However, this interface is generally of lower performance when compared to its counterpart from NVMe SSDs.
NVMe SSDs: These use PCIe as the interface with utmost performance out there, even higher than that of SATA SSDs. These are faster and costlier and require a compatible M.2 slot on the motherboard.
2. Assessing Compatibility
2.1. Testing for SSD Compatibility
Before installing, make sure that the SSD you are going to purchase can be installed in your ASUS GL753VE:
Interface Type: The ASUS GL753VE usually supports SATA-type SSDs. Consider checking your laptop’s specs first for details on an M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs.
Form Factor: Be certain that the SSD will fit the laptop. For SATA SSDs, the 2.5-inch form factor is the standard. For NVMe SSDs, the M.2 form factor must match the one available in the laptop, including the length factor.
Capacity: Think about the size of storage you desire. SSDs actually come in different sizes, generally distances from 256 GB up to 2 TB or even more.
2.2. Preparing for the Upgrade
Back Up Data: To mitigate any loss of data during this process, save all important information on an external hard drive or a cloud.
Collect Your Tools: These include a screwdriver, an anti-static wrist strap, and probably a device-cloning tool or software for use to clone your old hard drive onto your new SSD if you intend to clone your existing OS and files.
3. Upgrading the SSD: Stepwise Approach
3.1. Powering Down and Preparing the Laptop
Shutdown: Full power off the ASUS GL753VE by unplugging it from its power source.
Remove Battery: In case the battery can be removed, this should be done to ensure safer working conditions during the upgrade.
Static Discharge: Wear an anti-static wrist strap or touch a metal surface to discharge any static electricity that may damage internal components.
3.2. Access the SSD
Remove Back Panel: Sufficiently unscrew all screws holding the back panel with a screwdriver. Carefully lift the panel from the backside to access the inner components.
Locate the SSD: Locate the old HDD or SSD. Generally, the GL753VE has a dedicated slot for an SSD; you might need to unscrew some more screws or remove some brackets when accessing it.
3.3. Take Out the Old Drive
Disconnect the Drive: Carefully disconnect the old HDD or SSD from the connector. If it requires unscrewing, remove all screws before lifting the drive out.
Remove the Drive: Take the old drive out and put it aside.
3.4. Inserting the New SSD
Insert the new SSD: Insert the new SSD into the drive bay or slot by aligning it with the connector. If necessary, screw it in or secure it with the brackets.
Reconnect: Make sure that the SSD is firmly connected to the motherboard and its cables or connectors.
3.5. Reassembling the Laptop
The Back Panel: Secure the back panel with screws. Reinstall the Battery: Insert the battery, making sure to securely connect it. Power On: Power on the laptop and check the BIOS/UEFI settings to ascertain the recognition of the new SSD.
4. Configuring the SSD
4.1. Installing the Operating System
Boot from Installation Media: Use a bootable USB drive or installation media to install the OS on the new SSD.
Follow Installation Prompts: Follow the prompts to complete the OS installation. Make sure to set the SSD on which to install as the destination.
4.2. Cloning the Existing Drive
Clone Software: Using cloning software will allow you to move your current OS and files over to the new SSD. Common ones are Acronis True Image, EaseUS Todo Backup, and Macrium Reflect.
Perform Cloning: Follow instructions to make a clone from the old drive to the new SSD and be patient because it depends on how much stuff has to be cloned.
4.3. Checking and Updating Drivers
Update: Update your drivers once OS installation or cloning has taken place. This will lead to better performance.
Verify that the application is correctly functioning by observing the SSD’s performance and storage capacity.
5. Performance Validation
5.1. Benchmarking
Benchmark Tools: Consider standard benchmarking tools such as CrystalDiskMark or AS SSD Benchmark to gauge the new SSD performance.
Compare Results: Compare these benchmarking results with the specifications of the SSD to know if it is actually performing at its expected level.
5.2. Real-world Experiences with Performance
Platform Boot Time: Observe the decrease in boot time while in turn enhancing system responsiveness.
Application Loading Time: Load frequently used applications and feel the time improvement.
6. Troubleshooting and Common Issues
6.1. SSD Not Recognized
Check Connections: The SSD might not be connected well, so make sure it is properly seated.
Update BIOS: Make sure you update your BIOS to the most recent version to get support for the new SSD.
6.2. Performance Issues
Check Drivers: Keep all drivers up to date.
Optimize SSD: Optimize the SSD with Windows built-in tools or with third-party software.
6.3. Cloning Problems
Verify Cloning Software: Ensure that the cloning software is compatible with your SSD and the OS version.
Retry Cloning: If cloning fails, try again or try a different software.
7. Comparative Study
7.1. Shoestring Comparison of ASUS GL753VE
For an SSD upgrade scenario where Windows is considered for ASUS GL753VE, with other laptops:
Installation: It offers generally easy access to the drive bay or slot, though ease of access can vary from one model to another.
Performance: The speed gain brought on with an upgrade by an SSD remains similarly accomplished with many other models, but, of course, the exact performance enhancement depends on its general system configuration.
7.2. Cost vs. Benefits
Cost of SSDs: Try to compare the prices of different SSD capacities and types. The bigger the capacity and higher the level of NVMe, the higher the price; however, better performance and storage come along with it.
Costs versus performance improvement: Performance improvement should be evaluated in terms of its cost, in order to choose whether or not it will be worth investing in.
8. User Experiences and Reviews
8.1. Positive Feedback
Many users have narrated great enhancement of performance upon upgrading to an SSD:
Faster Boot Times: Often, users reference reductions in boot time.
Greater Responsiveness: Faster application launches and generally improved response from the system.
8.2. Pain Points
Some users encounter problems during the upgrade process:
Compatibility Issues: Ensuring that the SSD is compatible with the specifications of the laptop can sometimes pose a challenge.
Cloning Difficulties: Cloning the existing drive sometimes presents challenges requiring workaround or alternative solutions.
9. Future Trends and Considerations
9.1. Advancements in SSD Technology
Higher Capacities: Future SSDs should offer accordingly higher capacities, depending on the storage demand.
Faster Speeds: By furthering NVMe technology, SSD performances will be put to the test in terms of speed.
9.2. Effects on Laptop Design
Modular Components: Laptops could be designed with more modular structures to do SSD upgrades or upgrades to other hardware with greater ease.
Integrated SSDs: There exists the possibility of integrating SSDs in the new laptop designs, which again may influence upgrade options.
9.3. User-Centered Innovations
Better Tools: Future tools and software will probably give more intuitive and efficient ways to manage and upgrade SSDs. For instance, cloning software and SSD management utilities will allow users to perform cloning tasks more easily and make the whole process more user-friendly.
Better Diagnostics: These will advance and allow the user to monitor SSD health and performance in real time and provide an alert to potential issues.
10. Conclusion
In short, upgrading with an SSD in ASUS GL753VE is a truly transformative experience with immense improvements in the speed, reliability, and battery life of a given setup. If performed carefully and properly, such an upgrade surely gives a much faster system experience on any given setup. Here are a few take-homes from this review:
10.1 Reasons to Consider an Upgrade
Acceleration: SSD guarantees faster boot-ups, faster file access, and application execution relative to common HDDs.
Reliability: The absence of moving parts means SSDs are more rugged and mechanically less likely to fail.
Battery Life: Being energy-efficient means SSDs offer a longer battery life to the laptop.
10.2 Upgrade Process
Check Compatibility: Make sure that the SSD you select fits the ASUS GL753VE in terms of interface type, form factor, and capacity.
Installation Steps: Follow the step-by-step method for removing the old drive, installing the new SSD, and configuring the system.
Setting Tune: After installation, benchmark your SSD so you may check its performance and fine-tune it if necessary.
10.3. Troubleshooting
Address Issues Promptly: If a problem arises and the SSD is not recognized, or the SSD experiences performance issues, quickly check the connections and the drivers. Retry the cloning process if needed.
Seek Support: If the issue persists, consult ASUS or the SSD manufacturer for further technical assistance.
10.4. Future Considerations
Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest developments in SSD technology and innovations in laptop design, so you can make the best decisions regarding potential upgrades and improvements.
Plan Upgrades Wisely: When considering upgrades, weigh your needs and budget carefully to get the greatest return on your investment along with noticeable performance gains.