Thinking about a SSD upgrade - what should I know?

Incendios

Incendios

Incendios

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30 Jun 2008
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12
Hi,

I'm thinking about upgrading to an 80gb SSD to use as my boot drive. I'll be installing W7 64bit onto it. It's not something I've done before so wondered what I should know before trying it out. My current rig is:

Shuttle XPC SP35P2 Pro
Intel Core2Quad Q6600 @ 3Ghz (333 x 9)
G.Skill 4GB DDR2 PK PC2-8500C5
Western Digital Raptor 74GB 10000rpm
Western Digital 500GB 8MB SATA II
Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 4670 512MB GDDR3
NEC AD-7200S-0B 18x DVD±RW/RAM Double Layer
Microsoft XP Home

I'm assuming I'll need to get a 2.5" caddy?

Thanks for any tips.

Mark
 
The steps I took are such:


1. Ensure SATA is set for AHCI
2. Check that you have the latest firmware for the SSD drive, i.e. boot from Intel created disc http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=18363
3. Install WIN 7
4. Install M/B drivers - do not, however, install intel chipset driver
5. Install other drivers
6. Go to device manager, open IDE ATA/ATAPI Controller and check that the SATA controller is using the "Standard AHCI 1.0 Serial ATA Controller". This will ensure that TRIM works and then your system is set and forget - no need to install the Intel toolbox

You can stick the drive anywhere really, no need to worry about cooling etc - if you wanT TO you can use a 2.5 to 3.5 ADAPTOR, i'VE MANAGED TO SCREW MINE TO THE SIDE OF MY HDD cage vertically.

Enjoy
 
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Agree with point No 1

Set SATA to AHCI in bios FIRST

It's a real ball breaker to do the registery hack AFTER installing Win7

Enjoy :)
 
Essexraptor said:
Agree with point No 1

Set SATA to AHCI in bios FIRST

It's a real ball breaker to do the registery hack AFTER installing Win7

Enjoy :)
Click to expand...

Switching between AHCI & IDE in Win7 X64 is a piece of cake



**** Taken from the OCZ SSD forum ****



Change from AHCI to IDE Mode after Installation

Instruction:

•Exit all Windows-based programs.
•Press [Win] + R or take the RUN option from the start menu.
•Now type regedit there and press Enter Key to open up the Registry Editor Window.
•If you receive the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue.
•Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\Pciide
•In the right pane, right-click Start in the Name column, and then click Modify.
•In the Value data box, type 0 [3 is default], and then click OK.
•On the File menu, click Exit to close Registry Editor.
•Restart your computer
•Go to BIOS and enable IDE, Save & Reboot
•Another restart will be required to finish the driver installation.

Alternatively

Just download this Reg File and double-click to implement IDE on your Windows-based computer.
Just remember to do the BIOS switch as well when you reboot.
 
Baldrick1001 said:
The steps I took are such:


1. Ensure SATA is set for AHCI
2. Check that you have the latest firmware for the SSD drive, i.e. boot from Intel created disc http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=18363
3. Install WIN 7
4. Install M/B drivers - do not, however, install intel chipset driver
5. Install other drivers
6. Go to device manager, open IDE ATA/ATAPI Controller and check that the SATA controller is using the "Standard AHCI 1.0 Serial ATA Controller". This will ensure that TRIM works and then your system is set and forget - no need to install the Intel toolbox

You can stick the drive anywhere really, no need to worry about cooling etc - if you wanT TO you can use a 2.5 to 3.5 ADAPTOR, i'VE MANAGED TO SCREW MINE TO THE SIDE OF MY HDD cage vertically.

Enjoy
Click to expand...

Hi, like the OP I have just ordered an SSD. The Intel X25m G2 80GB.

I currently have a 1TB external hdd and a 500GB 7200rpm HDD currently as primary HDD.

I think I have backed up all I need from primary HDD.

Could someone explain to me in laymans terms what I need to do. I understand bits of bobs but not all of the above.

1. Not sure what it is but im sure it's in BIOS somewhere so shudn't be that hard.
2. Do I need specific software to burn the ISO to a DVD or can I just use Windows to do it?
3. OK
4. Presuming I have a tick box type choice in my installation disk, OK. But why not intel chipset drivers?

Rest is OK.

Anything else that I need to know/do in preparation. SSD shud be here by Friday or before. FYI I bought the Retail version so it comes with a cage. Damn, jus tthought about sata cables, doubt it will come with sata cables will it?
DOH, I know I have some somewhere......
 
The latest Intel drivers do now support TRIM, previously they didn't, which is why I suggested you stick with the MS ones. That said, if you want to install the intel chipset drivers (some have seen speed improvements over the MS ones) best to get them directly from Intel, as not all motherboard manufacturers have updated their download sections

Go here: http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/imsm/
 
Baldrick1001 said:
Oh and get the latest motherboard drivers from your manufacturers website - the discs that are sent out with motherboards are out of date before they hit the shelves....
Click to expand...

Thanks Baldrick. Sorry but I'm confused now. From what you've just said (MS drivers) I don't have to get them from Intel necessarily but can use the MS drivers but obviously I still need to run the firmware update which is an ISO I burnt earlier today, that right?

sorry to be a pain but if you could run through step by step what I have to do as if you were talking to someone who doesn't really know a lot but not nothing or anyone for that matter I'd much appreciate your efforts.

As I understand what I shud to do achieve what I want:

1.) Backup my progs/files etc onto my ext Hdd
2.)Reformatt current primary HDD (so it's blank and fresh)
3.) Install SSD (physically)
4.) Insert ISO firmware update disk and switch on PC
5.) Change HDD (sata) setting to AHCI
6.) Boot from the disk so it updates the firmware.
7.) Take out the disk and insert W7 64bit and boot from that and set SSD (if recognized :P) as boot drive - im sure that's easily found but how?
8.) Switch PC back on and install windows 7.
9.) Install all my drivers, programs etc as I wish.

That sound right? I want my SSD as boot drive with some apps/games and 500GB HDD as storage along with my ext Hdd.

Here is a link to my mobo drivers from gigabyte -

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Support/...?ProductID=3103&ost=windows+7+64bit#anchor_os

to me there doesn't seem to be anything worth downloading that won't be on the CD. Am I wrong if so which should I dl and install once Windows is ready? (Have a dedicated soundcard so won't need Audio)


So sorry for the long post but I am somewhat noob and it's a relatively expensive piece of equipment that I dont want to ruin.

Many thanks to anyone that can steer me in the right direction.
 
Sounds good, i would,however, recommend removing your existing hard drive, after you have backed it up. Install the sd, update firmware and load w7. Once you are happy that all is working then reinstall (physically) your old drive and reformat it. That way you know you have a working system hdd should anything go wrong (not that it should)
if you feel happier using you mtherboard supplied disc to install the drivers then that is fine. As per my previous post, check that the Satan driver is either the generic ms one or the latest intel rst one-then trim will be enabled.
 
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Baldrick1001 said:
Sounds good, i would,however, recommend removing your existing hard drive, after you have backed it up. Install the sd, update firmware and load w7. Once you are happy that all is working then reinstall (physically) your old drive and reformat it. That way you know you have a working system hdd should anything go wrong (not that it should)
if you feel happier using you mtherboard supplied disc to install the drivers then that is fine. As per my previous post, check that the Satan driver is either the generic ms one or the latest intel rst one-then trim will be enabled.
Click to expand...

Thanks Baldrick ! I have downloaded Intel RST - think I will go for that one after W7 is installed. Good idea about current HDD tho - wud be pain having to wait an hour or so to reinstall windows on a normal HDD.

Getting the SSD any hour now so excited to add it to my system, should be sick.
 
Baldrick1001 said:
Let is know how it goes
Click to expand...

I installed the drive OK.

Took ages to physically install it cos I couldn't figure out how to add the bay on the Antec 902 case and didn't have internet for quite a while. Also, OCUK didn't give me the screws that come with the Antec 902 (the long ones so u can add bays into the cage with the fans) so I'll have to get them to send me some so it's just 'loose' atm. Can't really move much so it's OK.

Updated the firmware OK, completely forgot to change th AHCI rofl but I think it's done by itself somehow. TRIM is definitely enabled (I checked using fsutil behavior.... result was 0).

One thing though, the Intel RST doesn't work. Says my computer doesn't meet the minimum requirements? Is RST for raid setups? If so, then that's why I can't remember what it's for.

Either way, the SSD has massively improved my system. SO bloody fast boot up in like 30 secs from switching on to fully usable Windows 7.

Thanks for all your help Baldrick, it was much appreciated.
 
Pleasure.

RST is for raid controllers - even when the drive isn't in an array. That doesn't matter - as I said previously, you still need to check the driver of the Sata controller to ensure Trim is working, unfortunately the FSUTIL only tells you that TRIM is enabled within win7, not that it is actually in communication with your SSD.

Heres a picture for assistance, note the generic MS driver....


...And here is a pic of my SSD pinned to the side of my HDD cage. I have, btw, fixed the dodgy angle of the egressing SATA cable.


 
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LOL @ the cheekiness of the position. I might see if there is a similar place to put mine with screws. But I'll prolly pester OCUK for the long screws that should have come with the case. Will have a look at ur print screen and let you know how I get on.

Thanks again Rick.

EDIT:

Having looked into it I have the following: 2 of them which I don't know if that's weird or not (only got 1 SSD)
Intel(R) ICH10 Family 2 port Serial ATA Storage Controller 2 - 3A26 -\
Both of these have Intel Driver Version 9.0.0.1005 Driver Date 25/02/2008
Intel(R) ICH10 Family 4 port Serial ATA Storage Controller 2 - 3A20 -/

That seems quite old - should I update the driver?
 
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ive just ordered the 80gb x25...hope ive made the right choice lol but seems to be the one most people have....so how do i check what firmware is on it before i install it in case i have to update it thanks.
 
EDIT:

Having looked into it I have the following: 2 of them which I don't know if that's weird or not (only got 1 SSD)
Intel(R) ICH10 Family 2 port Serial ATA Storage Controller 2 - 3A26 -\
Both of these have Intel Driver Version 9.0.0.1005 Driver Date 25/02/2008
Intel(R) ICH10 Family 4 port Serial ATA Storage Controller 2 - 3A20 -/

That seems quite old - should I update the driver?
Click to expand...

To be frank matey, I'm not sure. I believe, however, that you have three choices:

1. Try to rollback the sata driver - to see whether it picks up the standard microsft driver - you did set AHCI in the bios didn't you? if not then this could be the prob - if you have installed W7 whilst the bios is configured for IDE then its a hassle to change it...

2. Install the intel toolbox and schedule a clean every week or so to keep it in tip top performance - then do no more

3. Leave well alone and just see whether performance drops off after a month or so, probably it won't.

What motherboard do you have, just want to check it out - i tried your link above but the gigabyte site is down..
 
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