Please Help a Newbie with HDD queries...

bristol86

bristol86

bristol86

Associate
Joined
12 Aug 2011
Posts
35
Hi All

I currently have one HDD in my computer, which I wish to replace with a new SSD.

I am going to take the opportunity to do a brand new install of Windows on the SSD and get a "clean start" rather than clone my HDD over to the SSD, all well and good.

I also want the HDD to remain connected so that I can use it as a dumping ground for stuff that I don't want to clog up the SSD with.

OK, so here's what I think I need to do, please can you tell me if I've got it right? (I have already backed up onto external storage anything I want kept by the way)

When the SDD comes (tomorrow):

- Open case and disconnect current HDD
- Insert new SSD (I have bought a 3.5 - 2.5" adapter tray) and connect power cable and sata cable that are currently connected to the existing HDD
- Turn PC on, booting from the Win7 install CD, and install Windows onto the SSD

All good so far? (I hope so!)

OK, so then what about the existing HDD? Is it simply a case of connecting it to the PSU and the motherboard via another SATA cable? Or does it need to be physically connected to the SSD to enable data transfer between the two?

Also I notice that my current HDD is also connected to the CD-ROM drive, is this essential? Does this mean I need to connect the SSD to the drive also? If I have both the SSD and HDD connected, do they both need to be connected to the CD-ROM drive? Or to each other?

Other than the connection to the PSU and the Motherboard, I'm confused about what needs to be connected to what! TO add a futher complication I may add a further SDD in the future. This would then leave me with 2 x SSD and 1 x HDD - is this possible? And again, in that case, do all three drives need connecting to each other to enable data transfer between the three drives?

Apologies, I'm sure these questions are hilarious to the experienced :D
 
Last edited:
you also have to make sure your sata ports in the bios are set from ide to ahci,modern boards z68 upwards default to ahci anyway but older boards default to ide so make sure

then yes what you said is right

once all done install the latest intel rapid storage drivers,they are slightly faster than what windows uses

so set to ahci in bios
connect only the ssd/install windows,once done attach your old hdd and then set the ssd as first boot device in the bios

all you'll need for your old hdd is a molex sata connector(from psu) and a sata data cable connecting to the mb
 
Last edited:
Thanks Wazza

I have a Gigabyte Z77X-D3H MB, so presume this will already be at an OK setting?

When you say attach your old HDD, just to the PSU and to the MB, yes?

Does either the SSD or the old HDD need connecting to the CD drive at all? Because my existing HDD is connected to the CD drive.

Thanks
 
yeah that board will be in ahci already

no,each device will have or need its own power supply (molex/sata from the psu) and a data cable (sata cable)

then remember to set the os ssd as first boot device in the bios or it will try booting from your old hdd

best to just attach the ssd first till your finished installing windows,then add in your old hdd
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom