[HELP] SSD questions

TechTune · 25 Mar 2010

Hey guys! First off, great forum.. helped me alot getting started since the support here in Norway is way below average.
This time however I had to register and ask you guys.. (sorry if these are frequent question or stupid ones, but my search was unsuccessful.)

1. Do I need to format C: on my HDD before installing the same Win7 on the SSD?
2. Should I leave out the HDD from the computer on the first boot after setting up the SSD?
3. Do I need to affect RAID in any way?
4. Yes or No, installing programs on the SSD recommended?

That's It.. my first time installing a SSD so I'm way outta' my comfort zone.

Thanks..
Michael

Product FRED · 25 Mar 2010

1) If you're performing a clean install, it would be wise to do a quick format.

2) You can leave any additional HDD(s) inside the computer during install, or you can add them after. Your choice. It won't affect anything.

3) If you're using RAID, you need to have at least 2 HDDs of the same size, not more, not less. You also need RAID drivers and you need to hit "Load Drivers" when you're choosing which HDD to install Windows 7 to during installation. If you're using RAID, I'd recommend either 2 SSDs or 2 IDE/SATA drives. RAID will only work as fast as your slowest drive.

4) You should install Windows 7 to the SSD, since the speed increase will be dramatic. You can install to apps if you'd like. When you use RAID, the 2 drives you have configured for RAID show up as one, so you wouldn't have a choice anyways. Just don't choose RAID 0 since it spreads the data across 2 drives instead of mirroring them, if one drive fails, the other one is useless you lose all your data.

wallyinnc · 25 Mar 2010

TechTune, welcome to the forums

I need to start by saying I don't have and have not installed a SSD before, but I will start with a few questions that will help others with experience on that help you

- What is the final configuration you want? OS on the SSD and files in the HD or vice versa, all in the SSD etc?
- Are you going to have a RAID array (with SSD or HD)? I believe you only have one of each, right?
- Can you please fill in your system specs and let us know what SSD you are installing?

Tks

TechTune · 25 Mar 2010

wow.. did not expect replies that fast, awesome :)
Thank you Product FRED, for the info and a quick reply.. but does the 7 DVD provide a 'format only' option? or do I need to do it some other way? I thought RAID had something to do with the drives priority, so lets pretend I never brought that up :P
wallyinnc, thanks.. great to be here.
My plan was OS and programs on SSD and everything else on HDD, but my google search brought me to a forum were they talked about the SSD slowing down if programs got installed, so now i really dont know.
Acer Aspire M5641 Q8200
Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
4GB RAM
EVGA 250GTS
The SSD is Intel's 2 gen. X25-M 80GB

Product FRED · 25 Mar 2010

Hard Drives themselves don't slow down. They slow down when the data on them gets fragmented. Windows 7 has automatic background defragmentation, but it's still a good idea to run your own such as Defraggler. SSD is dramatically faster than IDE/SATA though, so you really wouldn't notice a slowdown as long as you maintain your system.

TechTune · 25 Mar 2010

Okey.. i use the defragmenter in 7, but Defraggler does a better job?
Is it possible to remove the Windows 7 partition in my HDD so it doesn't conflict with the SSD?

Product FRED · 25 Mar 2010

If you're installing Windows 7 to an SSD, there shouldn't be a partition on your other HDD for Windows 7, unless it's already installed there. Yes, you can format the drive if you'd like.

wallyinnc · 25 Mar 2010

Tks for the feedback Techtune.
Take a look at this article, I think it explains where the notion of SSDs slowing down in time comes from. From what I know Intel SSDs are the most advanced in terms of TRIM. Besides, if you use the SSD mostly for programs you can expect less Read and write cycles, so an even longer "life"

whs · 25 Mar 2010

Wait, wait,wait - NEVER use a defragger on an SSD - you might as well treat it with a hammer. The access to any point on the SSD is equal. Fragmentation does not mean anything to an SSD.
I happen to have an Intel 80GB. I have the full operating system on it in a 40GB partition (uses 17GB right now with a lot of programs installed (including the page file less the hibernation file). The other 40GB I use as a data partition. But you can put your data on an HDD. I just happen to have the space.
Just do a quick format and let the Win7 installer do the rest (alignment, disable defrag, etc.), But keep superfetch around (against popular advice). If you have more questions, let me know.

Product FRED · 25 Mar 2010

Oh, no no. I was suggesting he defragment his HDD, not SSD. That's why I said SSD's don't really get hurt performance-wise. Listen to whs.