Windows 7: Installing SSD

I need to know if a 64gb crucial m4 is enough for my needs, or if i should get a 128gb. And, is it okay to use all of iobit's advanced systemcare 6's features other than disk defragment? Attached is an image of my installed programs and the features of advanced systemcare 6. i would like to know what features i can and cannot use on this program. please help me decide between 64gb and 128gb.

Thanks

T Boyer

I would go with the 128 GB SSD as the bare minimum. You can install your OS and Office Suite and still have some room for storage. If your budget can handle it I would suggest the 256 GB SSD. With the 64 GB SSD you'll run out of space pretty quickly.

I would say it depends on how you're planning to set up your laptop. If the SSD is going to be your one and only drive and you're going to be using it for data storage as well as booting, then I don't think even a 128GB would be enough. But if you're going to use the SSD as the boot drive and perhaps a few really necessary programs like an anti-virus suite, etc and use the original 320GB HDD or some other external HDD for storage, then I'd say the 64GB SSD should be fine. But if you can comfortably afford a larger SSD, then that would work, too.

Here are some tutorials that you might find interesting:

SSD - Install and Transfer the Operating System

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

SSD Alignment

SSD Tweaks and Optimizations in Windows 7

As far as using 3rd party tools to maintain Windows 7, I think many people recommend NOT using them (with the exception, perhaps, of CCleaner.) Windows 7 built in tools like Disk Cleanup, Check Disk, etc are pretty much all that's needed because 7 isn't anything like XP that had to be tweaked and adjusted for optimum performance. Just my opinion and others may very well disagree.

I had used a 60 GB SSD originally and found that it filled to near capacity fast. I opted for a 128 GB SSD and have had no issues.

As far as Advanced SystemCare, I personally would not use it at all.

But especially the Disk Defragment, Registry Defrag (the registry does NOT need defagmenting even on a non SSD), Registry Fix, Internet boost, Disk Scan, and System optimization.

Just my opinion.

Happy Holidays!

i will be putting docs/videos/music/pics on a hdd caddy for my optical drive, 320gb. i have everything installed in a partition with 60,000 mb of space (which makes it easier to calculate. i will be using avg antivirus then, for malware removal. I think i will be okay with a 64gb ssd crucial m4. Is the performance with this particular drive better than a hdd? i will post updated pics on disc usage when everything is installed again.

I wouldn't touch Advanced System Care with a ten foot pole! Those things will cause you more, much more trouble than they're worth in the long run. I'd also go for the biggest ssd you can afford also.

Yes performance is better with an ssd.

128 gb should do nicely but many manufacturers show slightly better performance from 256gb and larger drives....just saying. I'm very pleased with my new Samsung 256 830 but have to admit the Crucial 128's before handled everything just fine.

so.. i have reinstalled everything, but now i am getting updates. With the 64gb ssd, how much more "responsive" will my computer become? I know that crucial and other companies offer better read/write times with their bigger drives, but i am afraid i can only afford a ssd that is around 70 dollars. Are there any faster ssd that have a 4 plus star review on amazon? I am going with 64gb, you will see why in a few hours when all updates get installed on my system. If there are any faster ones, please post them here. i need the same dimensions that the 64gb crucial m4 offers.

That Crucial is a great drive and as there may be some with marginally better this or that as far as an overall SSD goes its a winner ! A 64gb will do nicely but you may have to place games and some less used software on your spinner. Enjoy !

Be sure and put your Win 7 and programs on the SSD. You will be able to put a lot of programs on a 64 gb SSD, more than you think. The response time will be very quick. If you click on an icon with your mouse, the program will open in one second. The are just lightning. Your PC will boot in about 25 seconds and shut down in a little longer. You won't be sorry you got one. I checked some SSD prices and did not see anything larger than a 64 GB for the $70 range. I shop a lot on Newegg.com == They have these one day sales a lot. I would check their site every day until Christmas and see if they have a sale. They also have no sales tax and sometimes free shipping. Check them out.