Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop, How to Clone & Install New NVMe SSD, Increase Memory.

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of upgrading your Razer Blade 15 gaming laptop by cloning the existing NVMe SSD and installing a new NVMe SSD and additional memory. By following these steps, you will enhance your laptop's performance and storage capacity using the free WD Acronis True Image cloning software.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools and Components

Before starting the upgrade, make sure you have the following tools and components ready:

• #5 or T5 Torx Driver or Bit
• #0 Magnetic Tip Phillips Screwdriver
• Blue Triangle Plastic Spudger Tool
• USB A/C to M.2 NVMe Adapter/Enclosure
• Magnetic Project Mat (for organizing screws)
• New Components:
  • WD Black SN750 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
  • HyperX 32GB DDR4 Memory Kit (2x 16GB, 2933MHz)

Practical Tips

• Use good-quality tools to avoid stripping screws.
• Use an anti-static wristband or mat to protect components from static discharge.

Step 2: Clone the Existing SSD

1. Prepare the Cloning Enclosure:

   • Insert the new WD Black SN750 SSD into the USB to M.2 NVMe enclosure. Secure it using the provided rubber grommet.

2. Install Cloning Software:

   • Download and install the WD Acronis True Image software from the Western Digital website.

3. Start Cloning:

   • Open the Acronis True Image software.
   • Select "Clone Disk" and choose either automatic or manual cloning.
   • For automatic cloning, select the existing 512GB SSD as the source and the new 1TB SSD as the target.
   • Proceed with the cloning process. Avoid using the laptop for other tasks during this time.

Common Pitfalls

• Ensure the source and target drives are correctly selected to avoid data loss.

Step 3: Open the Laptop and Disconnect the Battery

1. Shutdown the Laptop:

   • After cloning, shut down the laptop and disconnect the enclosure.

2. Remove Screws:

   • Use the T5 Torx driver to remove all but two screws from the back panel of the laptop.

3. Lift the Back Panel:

   • Use the plastic spudger tool to gently lift the back panel off.

4. Disconnect the Battery:

   • Locate the battery connector on the motherboard and disconnect it to prevent accidental power during the upgrade.

Practical Tips

• Organize screws on a magnetic project mat to keep track of them.

Step 4: Upgrade Memory and SSD

1. Remove Existing RAM:

   • Locate the RAM slots and gently spread the clips to remove the existing 8GB RAM modules.

2. Install New RAM:

   • Install the new HyperX 32GB RAM modules into the RAM slots, ensuring they click securely into place.

3. Install New NVMe SSD:

   • Remove the screw holding the existing NVMe SSD in place.
   • Move the old SSD to the second slot (if applicable) and install the new WD Black SN750 SSD in the first slot.
   • Secure it with the provided mounting screw.

Real-World Application

• Upgrading RAM and SSD improves multitasking capabilities and storage speed, benefiting gaming and productivity tasks.

Step 5: Reassemble and Configure BIOS

1. Reconnect the Battery:

   • Carefully reconnect the battery connector.

2. Replace the Back Panel:

   • Align the back panel and secure it with the screws.

3. Boot and Enter BIOS:

   • Power on the laptop and repeatedly press the Delete key to enter the BIOS setup.

4. Set Boot Priority:

   • Navigate to the boot menu and set the new NVMe SSD as the primary boot device.
   • Save changes and exit the BIOS.

Practical Tips

• If the laptop doesn’t boot immediately, it may take time for the BIOS to recognize the new memory.

Conclusion

You have successfully cloned your existing SSD and upgraded the memory in your Razer Blade 15 gaming laptop. With the new 1TB SSD and 32GB of RAM, your laptop's performance should significantly improve. Consider formatting the old SSD to use it as additional storage. Enjoy your enhanced gaming experience!