Clean install vs. cloning

I just ordered a SSD and I was wondering if cloning will reduce performance compared to a clean install. I was leaning towards the clean install anyways, but it's going to be a pain to get everything back. I have quite a few games, but they're going to be on my HDD anyways. I was just curious if there's really any difference in speed and performance if you clone instead of clean install. This is my very first SSD as well.

Also, for clean install all I have to do is make sure it's AHCI and install the OS correct? It will automatically turn on TRIM and turn off defrag for that drive in Windows 7, I'm assuming.

UnknownReverent said:

I was wondering if cloning will reduce performance compared to a clean install.....................


Also, for clean install all I have to do is make sure it's AHCI and install the OS correct? It will automatically turn on TRIM and turn off defrag for that drive in Windows 7, I'm assuming.

The possible problem with cloning isn't reduced performance. Not sure I ever heard of such a case.

The possible problem is that the clone doesn't go well in some other sense, such as not booting. You may be able to troubleshoot or do it over or otherwise recover from the problem, but that takes time and is frustrating.

You have to weigh the possibility of extra time and frustration against the known quantity of a clean install. If cloning has a 5% chance of annoying you, maybe you take the chance because it would save you some config time if successful. If it has a 40% chance of annoying you, maybe you don't. Similar to imaging in that sense---who would use images if the failure rate was 40%?

You can check after the fact that TRIM and other settings are up to snuff. The main thing is to disconnect other hard drives before you begin.

Since you have a Seagate HD in the mix you can use Seagate's excellent free premium Acronis' cloning/imaging app from SeaTools Seagate.

The Manual is on the downloads page and easy to understand. Resize the source partition to be the same or smaller than target SSD. Let it handle everything else Automatically.

After cloning, unplug the source HD, set SSD first HD to boot in BIOS setup. If it doesn't start confirm WIn7 or it's 100mb System Rserved partition (preferred if you have it) are Marked Active, then run Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times.

You can then plug back in the HD. You'll want to keep your Programs on SSD while your data can be copied to HD after sorting it into User folders, right click each to add to the related Win7 Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums.

If performance isn't perfect then you can try the Clean Reinstall following the same steps as in the blue link to get a perfect reinstall. Unplug the other HD's.

I have used the Paragon Migrate OS to SSD program many times. It is very user friendly and I have never had a problem afterward.