Installing SSD along side HDD

To go along with my PC upgrade this summer, I have decided to go with purchasing an SSD to use for my OS along with internet apps, Microsoft office, etc. I plan to install my games (To be specific, Steam, and all games I have on it) as well as the majority of my data onto my 2TB HDD.

I would appreciate some replies from people who know how this works, or have done this. In particular, I am looking for an explanation on how installation of files works and basic setup. How am I to ensure the OS (Windows 7 Home Premium) will install on the SSD.

I'm sure it is very basic, it's just this is not only my first time doing something like this, but also my first time building a PC. I would like to know what to expect when I finish the build and boot it for the first time. I hate going into things and not knowing what to expect.

Thanks a bunch!

OCZ Vertex 2 SSD review

Basically you need w7 to load the install files to ssd drive so it has to selected to boot first in the bios and then reselected during a custom install - all bioses aren't the same - so its just the same as a normal install except you have two drives - in mine under boot there are two areas - boot priority where you select floppy dvd or hard drive - there is no option there to choose between the 2 drives, as to which will boot first, so you go to the hard drive priority below, and select the ssd drive to boot first in the top one or first drive or words to that effect.

Everything you need to know in the review above - happy days hopefully.

If you unplug all other drives, you should be OK. SSDs need some special configuration, but Windows 7 is smart enough to do those things automatically during the installation (turn off defrag, ensure proper alignment, etc).

I just did what you are going to be doing and had no significant issues.

You don't even need to use mounting hardware on the drive. They are very light and no larger than a cigarette pack. I just taped mine to the bottom of my case.

You might try to get the newest drive generation. The major manufacturers are introducing new models about now.

Thanks for both your replies. Judging by the first one, I understand that I should be running my PC and logged in, etc with the SSD plugged in. I should then proceed to install windows 7 onto the SSD? I was under the impression I was able to simply unplug all my other drives, plug in the SSD, insert the windows 7 disc, boot, and the installation would begin.

ignatzatsonic said:

If you unplug all other drives, you should be OK. SSDs need some special configuration, but Windows 7 is smart enough to do those things automatically during the installation (turn off defrag, ensure proper alignment, etc).

I just did what you are going to be doing and had no significant issues.

You don't even need to use mounting hardware on the drive. They are very light and no larger than a cigarette pack. I just taped mine to the bottom of my case.

You might try to get the newest drive generation. The major manufacturers are introducing new models about now.

Had this in mind:
Newegg.ca - Corsair Force F40 CSSD-F40GB2 2.5" 40GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

Set your BIOS to boot from the DVD drive first.

Insert the installation disc.

Shut down.

Reboot. The PC should start from the install disc and allow you to partition, format, and install Windows. If you have an Intel processor, the first thing you should do is install the Intel Chipset drivers aka INF utility. Then install all other drivers---LAN, Sound, Graphics, USB, etc). Those are generally downloaded from the motherboard manufacturer's website.

Then update Windows and get antivirus going.

Sean1082 said:

Had this in mind:
Newegg.ca - Corsair Force F40 CSSD-F40GB2 2.5" 40GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

I'd find out if it is new generation or not. Investigate at the Corsair site. I'd lean toward Crucial or Intel, but it's personal preference. All brands are much faster than spinning drives.

ignatzatsonic said:

Set your BIOS to boot from the DVD drive first.

Insert the installation disc.

Shut down.

Reboot. The PC should start from the install disc and allow you to partition, format, and install Windows. If you have an Intel processor, the first thing you should do is install the Intel Chipset drivers aka INF utility. Then install all other drivers---LAN, Sound, Graphics, USB, etc). Those are generally downloaded from the motherboard manufacturer's website.

Then update Windows and get antivirus going.

I suppose I don't need to worry about it then if I am getting this CPU. I am also pairing it with this motherboard.

I can't help you with AMD stuff, but be sure to get compatible RAM. You may or may not have to get a new power supply depending on your graphics card.