New
#1
New Intel SSD
Just got my new Intel 520 series 120 gb SSD and was wondering if i need to first secure erase the drive prior to doing a clean install of Win 7 HP 64bit????
Just got my new Intel 520 series 120 gb SSD and was wondering if i need to first secure erase the drive prior to doing a clean install of Win 7 HP 64bit????
If it is a brand new SSD, no you don't need to do anything. The installer will do all that is needed. Or, if you don't want the 100MB partition this tutorial will tell you how. But, with a new SSD don't do the 'clean all' command.
Thanks essenbe, i appreciate your answer, i've heard it both ways so i just wanted to check first.
Hello Smitty,
Yep, you would treat it like any other new HDD. No need to format it, just select the unallocated drive to install Windows 7 on, and the install will do the rest as Steve posted above. :)
Clean Install Windows 7
Thanks Brink and also linnemeyerhere for the heads up, probably wait till morning and do clean install.
After you get it going, check on sizes of page file and System Restore. They may be higher by default than you want. You can get rid of hibernation file if you don't use it and save some drive space.
I'd go to Intel site and find out if you have latest firmware. You can update firmware if not---kinda like a BIOS flash---some risk, but recommended.
Get and use the Intel SSD toolbox. It's probably on an included disc. Use it to "optimize" your drive on an automated schedule. Intel recommends once a week.
Your included disc may not have the latest version of the toolbox. Get the newest if not. The newest version has a better interface and includes a nifty readout for estimated remaining drive life. Mine is still at 100% after 11 months and 1.5 terabytes of writes.
Be sure to download the Intel Toolbox v. 3.02 which will disable all of the Windows 7 features that cause issues with the SSD.
I have the 520 SSD as well and absolutely love it. It makes a world of a difference!