Intel X25-M SSD

Tomc@T

Tomc@T

Tomc@T

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Hi all.

Just after a bit of information about the Intel X25-M Mainstream 80GB 2.5" SSD:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-004-IN

Having just purchased one from OcUK and installed it into my Toshiba notebook, I have installed Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.

Now with this being my first SSD, I was wondering the following:

Do I need to run the Intel SSD toolbox software? with me having the G2 version and Windows 7.

I have to say I am astounded by the speed of this drive.... it has made my notebook come alive.... I just wish we could get them for £40 and in 500GB sizes.... :D:D:D:D

Thanks. :)
 
Depends what storgae drivers you are using? If it's the MS drivers then TRIM will be working in the background by itself but if you are using Intel storage drivers then you will need the Toolbox to run TRIM manually or set up a schedule. You'll need the latest firmware too. You can flash that without erasing the data on your drive.
 
Can check in Device Manager or using the SSD Toolbox. Chances are good it will need updated. Don't know if there are many with the new f/w that have made it into the stores as yet.
 
Thanks for that Ziggy, my firmware is 02HA and the new one is 02HD, so it does need flashing. ;)
 
Firmware updated.

So final question (hopefully)... how do I tell if TRIM with W7 is working?
 
external website said:
Good to know. From the get-go, Windows 7 will take advantage of a SSD/TRIM-enabled drive and configure it for you. While I personally disable the pagefile entirely, those who still use it will benefit significantly by keeping it on your SSD.

To determine if your SSD supports TRIM, open a console as Admin;
Code:

fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify

If the console returns a '0', your drive supports TRIM and it is ENABLED.

If it returns '1', the file system has disabled TRIM for your drive. This means your drive's controller does not support TRIM.
Click to expand...

Source:

http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware-devices/10259-ssd-support-native-w7.html
 
Nope. That only tells you if the TRIM command is supported. It won't tell you if it is actually being implemented by your controller. If you are using the default MS drivers on Win 7 then it should be, unless you are using some exotic HDD controller. Otherwise you can run the Toolbox. Only way to tell for sure is to benchmark the drive and monitor the write speeds over time. If you notice a gradual deterioration then TRIM not doing its job. Thing is the Intel drives see very little performance loss even when TRIM is not active. So in short, you shouldn't worry about this. You have the latest firmware and appropriate driver so sit back, relax, and enjoy SSD!
 
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He meets all the criteria for automatic TRIM though, and even if there was a problem, Intel drives only see something like a 10% performance hit when all cells have been written to. I was runing one for some time prior to the TRIM aware f/w and while the drive would be indeed degrading it amounted to nothing noticible in real world use.
 
You're very welcome mate. I should add that Intel recently tweaked the Toolbox as of v1.2 to get around a bug with Windows restore points. The TRIM tool writes to the entire drive minus 1 GB then erases the cells. Overkill IMO. I always disable system restore, preferring my own backup solutions, and in this case the Toolbox performs the regular quick TRIM. Just something to consider if you're concerned about wear level so in your case probably worth not running this on a schedule and leave native TRIM to take care of housecleaning. The Toolbox is still worth installing though as it'll display SMART data, etc which has some SSD specific parameters that allow you to keep track of the drive health.
 
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All sounds good!
I have just ordered my X25-M today and i'm really looking forward to it arriving tomorrow. ( If they do sat deliveries that is ).

Sorry to hijack your thread with a question, but is there anything you can advise me to do with regards to installation and setting it up?
So far, I know pretty much to check for firmware updates, plug it in, install windows and apparently it will detect it as a SSD and do the rest?
I really don't want to have to install windows lots of times and phone that activation number lol.

A few things you will no doubt know after having experience with one of these beats now...

- IDE mode or the other one... and how do you switch between?
- Alligning them, what is this and did you do it? Is it necessary?
- Does TRIM work out the box, and is there anything particularly special I need to do to windows ( like used to before the days of TRIM ) to keep the SSD happy?

Thanks,
 
- IDE mode or the other one... and how do you switch between?
Click to expand...
Change this setting in the BIOS. Remember to change it back again before starting Windows after a firmware update. Recommend you install and use Windows in AHCI (SATA) mode.

- Alligning them, what is this and did you do it? Is it necessary?
Click to expand...
Only if you are using XP. Vista and Win 7 will correctly align the filesystem.

- Does TRIM work out the box, and is there anything particularly special I need to do to windows ( like used to before the days of TRIM ) to keep the SSD happy?
Click to expand...
Read the thread. If you are running Win 7 with the default controller drivers and the latest firmware (02DH) then TRIM is automatic. Otherwise use Intel SSD Toolbox.
 
I cant get to the Intel Site to Download the latest Firmware

Is it ok to install stuff on my drive and update when i can download it?

or will it wipe whats on the drive ?
 
For such a wealthy corporation, the Intel website is notoriosuly cranky. They might think about increasing their IT budget. Yep, their d/l section is FUBAR here too. Keep trying and eventually you'll get it.

You are good to install now and update the firmware later. Provided the update is successful you won't lose any data on the drive. Only difference will be that TRIM is available! :)
 
Ziggy4 said:
For such a welthly corporation, The Intel website is notoriosuly cranky. They might think about increasing their IT budget. Yep, their d/l section is FUBAR here too. Keep trying and eventually you'll get it.

You are good to install now and update the firmware later. Provided the update is successful you won't lose any data on the drive. only difference will be that TRIM is available! :)
Click to expand...

awsome thanks!
 
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