New gaming laptop, add or replace drive?

Hi there, wanted to get some opinions on how to go about adding an ssd to my new Dell G3. The machine came with a 5400 rpm mechanical hybrid drive, and I've noticed that its a bit sluggish. I have two options:

1) Add ssd to the M.2 slot, move OS, and keep the mechanical drive installed.

2) Replace the existing drive completely, with an ssd.

Assuming I don't need the extra drive space, is there any benefit to replacing vs adding? If I replace entirely, can I assume there will be lower battery consumption, and maybe slightly lower temps?

Bonus question: Will adding/swapping hardware void my Dell 1 year warranty?

Thanks for chiming in!

Edit: While you're at it, feel free toss any ssd recomendations my way. This is a budget gaming machine so the cheaper, the better!

I’d vote 1. No reason to dump the extra storage unless needed.

Afaik, it will void any software based warranty, but hardware should be unaffected.

If you think you will use the hard drive even with an SSD, go with 1. Alternatively, you can replace the drive with an SSD and keep the spinner in case you need to return it to stock for warranty stuff. I replaced my drive with an SSD and added an m.2 ssd as well in my G7.

mnewxcv said:

Alternatively, you can replace the drive with an SSD and keep the spinner in case you need to return it to stock for warranty stuff. I replaced my drive with an SSD and added an m.2 ssd as well in my G7.

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Great point, hadn't considered having to return it. I did think about getting an external enclosure and putting the spinner in it for backups.

SticKx911 said:

I’d vote 1. No reason to dump the extra storage unless needed.

Click to expand...

True, I was just wondering if there was any benefit to removing it, since I dont need the extra space.

If you want to keep the HDD installed for extra space than get an M.2. If it supports it you can get M.2 Sata for not much more than a 2.5" Sata. Not all M.2 slots support Sata, some are NVME only. If you want barely noticeable improvment for extra cost get NVME.

If you don't need the HDD for extra space than you can just get a 2.5" Sata SSD or get an M.2 SSD and remove the HDD for slightly better battery life.

How big is the current mechanical drive?

Is the M.2 an NVMe?

C is the only choice. Get an m.2 now and then a larger SSD, if needed, for additional space.

Swap the boot drive for an M.2 NVMe. if possible, and transfer OS and any files you use regularly, like productivity software to it. I picked this XPG SX8200 480GB up for a fast boot drive recently, instead of going with a more expensive Samsung product. It's been great, so far. $110 at Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BLMP9ZT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cheap 1TB SSD's are popping up and work great as data drives (Steam, Origin, etc). So, after the m.2 upgrade, add an SSD ig you need more space. Dump the mechanical altogether.