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I am running the A08 from dell, but have a SSD coming soon, so I will probably switch to a modded A08 (I also have the GT555m). I have also just installed 16gb of Corsair memory. No Issues yet!

I am also curious about this. For SSD, I've read that you should "try" AHCI and revert to RAID if you have problems. I find this a little unsatisfying since it seems to be a workaround rather than a solution. Can anyone shed some light onto this?

Excellent information! I am a bit inexperienced with bios stuff (especially the modded bios), so it relieves some of the anxiety of experimentation to know that there are experts out there!

Do you have the latest samsung firmware installed? Their website has downloadable firmware: Samsung SSD Downloads | Samsung SSD US

They also have some other utilities that might point you in the right direction.

Cooler Master U2 plus works well (it has 2 movable fans and fits the m14x nicely). As noted, a clean computer is a must, but given that, plenty of airflow under the computer will also help and is simple.

We have Windows 8 at work. I'm not a huge fan--seems they can't decide if its for tablets or computers and ends up being the worst of both worlds. From what I've read, windows 10 (there is no 9) should be much better. So, I plan to stick with 7 until 10 is out.

Amazon seems to have two "generic" types-one marketed to Apple users (seems to have screw hole tabs at the top and bottom) and the other ones that seem to have the hot-swappable pull tabs. Most seem to be 9.5mm for a 2.5" drive and some come with mounting screws. I just ordered the one that comes up with a "m14 hdd caddy" search in amazon. I do plan on having to do some modification to get it to fit right, but am still hoping for a perfect fit out of the box. I will update once it arrives.

Very nice! I am about to upgrade to SSD and will be doing a fresh windows install. I will be using this guide as well as some others that deal with the SSD tweaks. I will post my experience once complete!

I have had good luck with a cooling pad (Notepal U2 plus). It gives plenty of airflow below the computer and had 2 moveable fans. I haven't seen the peak temperatures you report, but still might be worth a try (no dis-assembly required).

I replaced my HDD with a SSD. While I wait on the slow boat to deliver my optical/hdd caddy, I have left out the optical drive. Balance is not a problem. Heat-wise may even be better (although likely a placebo effect!)

I would go with windows 7 and maybe look at 10 when it comes out. I haven't had a good experience with windows 8 on my work desktop. It sounds like windows 10 will be a better OS.

I have used a "pluggable" usb to hdmi adapter (essentially uses your cpu for processing graphics). It is not too bad for relatively "static" displays like e-mail or documents; but as far as using something like this for games or video, it's not the right tool for the job.

It looks like maybe the bios version could be responsible--anyone have issues with a "sata fixed" bios?

I just got a Notepal U2 cooling pad. It seems to help alot--it gives plenty of clearance below the computer for air flow and has moveable fans (although I'm not convinced that the fan positions really matter too much).

When I purchased my 840 evo 250gb, I looked at the 850's and the 840 pro's. Decided to save some money on the benchmark performance and to spend money for the capacity. I think that benchmarks are a good tool, but might not capture the day-to-day experience. Either way, moving from a HDD to a SSD should be a good experience!

I just went through the decision (samsung 850 vs 840/evo vs pro/256 vs 512). Ended up purchasing the 840 evo 500gb. I decided that although I think I can get by with 256 gb, I would rather have the capacity and sacrifice some performance (pro/850) to meet my budget. From what I saw, although the benchmarks were better, day to day performance probably wasn't as significant. Plus, coming from an HDD, I don't see how I could possibly be dissapointed!

I just installed 2X8gb of Crucial Vengence memory in my m14x r1. Plug and play--no problem whatsoever.

I am also looking to replace HDD with Samsung 840 EVO (500gb). Did you end up with the SSD in the original HDD slot (not the optical drive)? Do you still have the optical drive or did you caddy the original HDD?

I will post with my experience (still waiting on amazon to deliver the SSD)

I am waiting on a new Samsung 840 EVO ssd. Have you resolved your issue? I've seen that data migration is not as good as a fresh windows install, but haven't been able to find if the samsung migration software accounts for any of the cloning issues.

I purchased my first AW (m9750) before Dell acquired Alienware. I couldn't have been happier with the support! My current AW (m14x r1) was purchased through Dell and I am often frustrated with the support--I think that they try to make it so difficult to get in touch with the right people that it usually makes more sense to "self-serve" your support through forums such as this one. I almost always find the information I need (and more background) searching for myself faster than the first acknowledgement of my submitted issue. Fortunately, I haven't had any hardware or warranty issues yet (knock on wood).

A long shot, but re-pasting the processors (CPU GPU) may help. Personally, I haven't ever been able to significantly improve cooling by reapplying thermal paste, but it is likely that I never had paste that "needed" to be replaced.

Does anyone make a docking station for m14? Aside from the monitor, i suppose you could almost do it wirelessly.

I have just ordered a Samsung EVO 840 500gb drive. I will post what I find when it comes in!

...and one last thing, I consider my system as "quasi-portable" meaning that I have a external monitor, keyboard, and mouse and typically don't carry the computer around too much. It is nice that I can for travel, but I like it as a desktop replacemnt.

Amazon now has lots of caddies. I just purchased one from "Micro SATA cables". It looked like there were two "generic" types -- one marketed to apple owners and the others. The former seemed to have the screw tabs in the wrong place, so hopefully the one that I got will not require too much modification to fit.