How do I 'Secure Erase' an SSD?

jmp_78 · 30 Aug 2011 at 13:54

I have an OCZ Vertex 2E 60GB, which is the Windows 7 boot drive on my desktop PC. I am replacing this with a Crucial M4, and putting the OCZ Vertex into my laptop.

However, before I mount it in the laptop and install Windows 7, should I 'Secure-Erase' the drive to recover the full performance?

How do I do this, and what software will I need?

Thanks guys

jak731 · 30 Aug 2011 at 13:57

If it supports TRIM it should maintain full performance all the time.

Broken Hope · 30 Aug 2011 at 14:02

jak731 said:
If it supports TRIM it should maintain full performance all the time.

It should, but the Sandforce drives don't.

To answer the question when you get your M4, if you mount the Vertex 2 as a slave drive you should be able to secure erase the drive using the OCZ toolbox.

jmp_78 · 30 Aug 2011 at 14:13

Thanks very much

hideki · 30 Aug 2011 at 21:13

I go with the method described here:
https://ata.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/ATA_Secure_Erase

Mostly due to the fact for me Intel Toolbox secure erase refused to work.

Philtor · 30 Aug 2011 at 23:13

I use Parted magic and it takes seconds to do once you boot from the disk. There's a guide on the OCZ forums.