New to SSDs

[stevogums]

Ok finally took plunge and bought an Crucial M4 SSD (256G).
Few questions as im a bit unclear..
Ive only ever ran one HD in my pcs so not sure how to run things..
Got 1TB Samsung running things at the moment..
Board is ASUS P8P67 PRO running i7 set up..with old ATI 5800.
I presume i set up SSD as first boot in bios..
Then will my old HD conflict as it has OS on it as well..or do i need to reformat and wipe my 1TB HD..
Also as im wanting to play BF3 and my other steam stuff via SSD do i need to set this up or does everything auto save to the SSD upon and after the new installation of windows 7 ie when i reload BF3 and other games to the SSD..
Also how do i fit the SSD there is no brackets as such..(ive got HAF 932 full tower)..
Thanks

 

[eddyr]

Once the OS is installed on the ssd (set to ahci in the bios before installing the OS) it will boot into the first OS in the bios boot order.

Youl have to relocate the games manually using steams backup feature (it will require a good amount of space if you have a lot of games to create the backup, but you can do them individually or store to external storage).
BF3 is possible to transfer but requires some timed tinkerage (unless EA have gotten their act together to add useful features) to trick origin into reading the new file location (with bf3 game folder copied in) during the dowload&installation phase, it then configures as it would (google should throw it up). Can't be much help here as i decided it was easier just to let it redownload and install to the new location.

 

[Andi-C]

Bios set SSD 1st. 2nd USB & 3rd Disc drive

OS, App's & BF3 on the SSD.

Steam I've left on my HDD as there is a lot of games on there that would fill the SSD.

BF3 is great on an SSD, the load up is swift !

It shouldn't conflict the old OS but I would formattting the HDD & starting fresh meaning back up all files (other than the OS files) & place back on after the format, partion the drive for Steam & have storage on the other part, you can just delete the system folder if carrying folders is to much hassle but there maybe file you can't delete.

You can copy your installation file to the SSD after the OS is installed, google it & there you will find the answer. I would say how to but its easyer to google it rather than me stating how to.

As for the bracket, there are cheap ones around but for now use any thing like sticky velcro or I used blue tack on a flat part of my case until I could get a Bracket. SSD's dont give out much heat so they can be placed any where within the case (within reason)...

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-002-OP&groupid=701&catid=2104&subcat=

 

[stevogums]

Thanks all...