OCZ Vertex 2 install check

[JEB]

I have just bought a ASUS P8P67-M, i7-2600 and a OCZ Vertex 2 SDD. According to the serial no it's one that is Sandforce based.

This is my first SDD so I have done a bit of reading on the install, but just want to check that I have everything covered. I think I have to do the following:

1. With the SDD plugged in enter the Bios and pick AHCI.
2. Using W7 64 bit, so I assume this will select trim on install?
3. Once I boot up in windows do i then update firmware. I think the latest version is 1.29.
4. Am I best installing the latest RST drivers at this stage? I notice on the download site there is a version 10.​1.​0.​1008,but this says its for a F6 install. Can this be installed once booted up or do I need a different driver for that?
5. I then disable indexing, superfetch, defrag

Have I got this right, anything else to consider?

 

[doggo]

I have just bought a ASUS P8P67-M, i7-2600 and a OCZ Vertex 2 SDD. According to the serial no it's one that is Sandforce based.

This is my first SDD so I have done a bit of reading on the install, but just want to check that I have everything covered. I think I have to do the following:

1. With the SDD plugged in enter the Bios and pick AHCI.
2. Using W7 64 bit, so I assume this will select trim on install?
3. Once I boot up in windows do i then update firmware. I think the latest version is 1.29.
4. Am I best installing the latest RST drivers at this stage? I notice on the download site there is a version 10.​1.​0.​1008,but this says its for a F6 install. Can this be installed once booted up or do I need a different driver for that?
5. I then disable indexing, superfetch, defrag

Have I got this right, anything else to consider?

Watches thread with interset as I'm in a similar boat.

 

[jimmy321]

1.Yes
2.Yes
3.No, you do not need to update the FW (unless you have a drive thats been in stock for ages)
4. I have no idea
5. No W7 will use the correct settings, I would NOT move the page or whatever, depending on your needs/size of SSD you might want to move the default location of my documents, download folder etc.

 

[DragonQ]

Do NOT format your Vertex 2 before using it.

1) Enable AHCI (you'll need to change a registry setting to do this or Windows will BSOD, Google it).
2) Attach it as a secondary drive and use the OCZ Toolbox to update the firmware and then secure erase it.
3) Remove all other drives and install Windows 7. Tell it to install to the raw unpartitioned space, do NOT create a partition or format manually.
4) Install Intel RST 10 series drivers or AMD drivers and restart.
5) Run Windows Experience Index. This will let Windows adjust its settings optimally for your SSD (e.g. no defrag). Do an ATTO benchmark too if you want to check the drive is working well. Don't unnecessarily do more benchmarks than you need cos it will reduce performance.
6) Re-attach your other drives and away you go. Leave the PC on but logged off for a few hours a week to ensure the garbage collection is given enough time to keep the drive at full speed.

 

[Mr Krugga]

Do NOT format your Vertex 2 before using it.

1) Enable AHCI (you'll need to change a registry setting to do this or Windows will BSOD, Google it).
2) Attach it as a secondary drive and use the OCZ Toolbox to update the firmware and then secure erase it.
3) Remove all other drives and install Windows 7. Tell it to install to the raw unpartitioned space, do NOT create a partition or format manually.
4) Install Intel RST 10 series drivers or AMD drivers and restart.
5) Run Windows Experience Index. This will let Windows adjust its settings optimally for your SSD (e.g. no defrag). Do an ATTO benchmark too if you want to check the drive is working well. Don't unnecessarily do more benchmarks than you need cos it will reduce performance.
6) Re-attach your other drives and away you go. Leave the PC on but logged off for a few hours a week to ensure the garbage collection is given enough time to keep the drive at full speed.

This is the correct way of installing SSD in your system.

Check if your SSD has not an up-to-date firmware though, mine shipped with the latest version (Crucial C300 128GB).

Besides installing Rapid Storage Technology, you might also want to update the drivers for your SATA controller on the motherboard/controller card.

I upgraded the BIOS on my mobo to the latest version beforehand. It might be useful to do so if you want to avoid incompatibility issues in the future. (mind you, you'll lose all your BIOS settings)

You might want to move Indexing to external drive and reduce the pagefile size. Disabling hibernation may also save some space. Oh, and redirect the Downloads folder to your storage disc.