New build, first SSD. Windows install advice please?

Scam · 16 Jul 2014 at 10:42

Hello all. I'm awaiting delivery of the last two components of my new-build, my 256GB Crucial MX100 and my 1TB HGST HDD. Once I've got those I'll hopefully be ready to build, woop!

It's been a long while since I built my last system so things have changed. I'm going from IDE HDDs to SATA SSD for a start! (First time even using SATA :eek:

)

So what do I need to know with regards to installing Win8.1 on my Crucial SSD? It's going on a Gigabyte H97N-WIFI. Is it a case of making sure my boot order is correct (i.e. Bluray drive > SSD > HDD) and going for it? :confused:

Do I need to check any drivers or anything first?

Any pointers/guides would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance.

Dervious · 16 Jul 2014 at 10:48

Enter the BIOS settings and make sure that AHCI is enabled on the SATA ports.

Make sure that the SSD is connected to one of the Intel SATA III ports on the motherboard.

Download and install the latest Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) drivers from the Intel website.

I think that's pretty much it.

AStaley · 16 Jul 2014 at 16:06

Also I would make sure fast boot/secure boot are enabled if you are installing Win8.1. I don't know about Gigabyte, but with my Asus board I had to enable them.

Running with fast boot enabled my PC boots to Windows login within seconds.

Scam · 16 Jul 2014 at 19:13

Great thanks. Is there any firmware for the MX100 I should update? I thought I've seen that mentioned in here.

Also, something about not ever defragging SSDs?

AStaley said:
Running with fast boot enabled my PC boots to Windows login within seconds.

I'm so looking forward to that!

Dervious · 17 Jul 2014 at 11:06

I haven't yet installed Windows 8, but it should detect that it's being put onto an SSD, so scheduled defragging should be automatically disabled. It wouldn't hurt to make sure though.

No need to defrag an SSD, so don't bother doing it manually.

The Crucial website will have any Firmaware updates that are available. I would advise that you do carry out any update that is available.

Surveyor · 17 Jul 2014 at 11:26

Make sure the HDD isn't connected when you install Windows on the SSD otherwise some files will end up on the HDD.

Scam · 18 Jul 2014 at 09:44

Surveyor said:
Make sure the HDD isn't connected when you install Windows on the SSD otherwise some files will end up on the HDD.

Aha. I was wondering why everyone suggested this. Seemed a bit of a waste of time but if you're saying the Windows installer has a tendency to put files on the HDD too, then I shall do so

Thanks guys.