Formatting SSD - necessary steps?

NutterzUK · 26 Jan 2012 at 11:53

Hi,

So, I've formatted my hard drives many times over the years, but when it comes to SSDs, I'm wondering if there is something I need to do different.
I would usually boot from the Windows 7 DVD, and just reinstall.

I have tried reading about this, I find some people say use HDDerase, others say it will harm the lifetime of the drive.
It's an X25-M, and has been used for a couple of years.

Others say use Intels tool, but as far as I can tell, thats in the toolbox which means I would have to be in windows to use it.

Hmmm.
I don't want to mess my drive up, but is HDDerase necessary?
Will it make any difference or shall I just go for it with the windows 7 disc as usual?

I'm really just looking for a yes, do it this way.. or a no, do it that way.

Thanks!!

Speedy Pete · 26 Jan 2012 at 12:01

I just format mine as it if was a normal HDD.

I think a secure erase is over the top.

NutterzUK · 26 Jan 2012 at 12:06

Thanks Speedy, that was the conclusion I was coming to.

Thanks for backing it up, going to go do that today.
Since I changed my motherboard, i've had strange issues with IE crashing ( Sadly I need IE for QA ), my poker sites not working, and photoshop for some reason. It's probably best to go ahead and format... after i've checked for the hundredth time I have everything backed up

Banzai_Joe · 26 Jan 2012 at 12:17

Win 7 will align the SSD for you anyway, so there's really no need to do alterior formatting.
I use the X25-M's in some of my builds, and don't have issues.

Atom · 26 Jan 2012 at 13:49

Don't do a full format, only use quick format. I don't use any erasing tools. Just reinstall..

kona786 · 26 Jan 2012 at 14:51

Does this appy to a ocz vertex2e aswell?

I.e. just to a quick format when installing W7 in the prompt menu's?

Bane · 26 Jan 2012 at 16:28

NutterzUK said:
It's an X25-M, and has been used for a couple of years.

Others say use Intels tool, but as far as I can tell, thats in the toolbox which means I would have to be in windows to use it.

When I reinstalled Vista on an X25-M 120GB it took a long time. Pretty sure that was after doing a quick format.

Next time I plan to use the Toolbox to wipe the drive and see if that speeds it up. So will be interesting to read of your experience.

Philtor · 26 Jan 2012 at 22:59

kona786 said:
Does this appy to a ocz vertex2e aswell?

I.e. just to a quick format when installing W7 in the prompt menu's?

Better to use Parted Magic or HDDErase on the Vertex 2E and do a secure erase which will restore performance to factory standard again. Don't keep doing secure erases too often mind!