Summary of SSD Tweaks

DeaconFrost · 25 Oct 2010

I have two questions regarding my first install with an SSD. First, I'm looking for a quick summary of just what steps should be taken that are different than a mechanical drive install. I've done mechanical drive installs hundreds of times. I've read the tutorial here, and several others, and I'm finding conflicting advice.

Second, has anyone tried the SSD Tweak Utility? It is shown and discussed here:

Maximize SSD Performance with the SSD Tweak Utility - TechSpot

Bare Foot Kid · 25 Oct 2010

Hello DF.

With the newer SSDs I don't believe any 'tweaks' are really necessary and may hinder performance, the only thing that may be useful, not really sure it makes a difference though, is to align it before the install starts; have a look at this snip for an out-line of the procedure.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
Of course you would not need to do a wipe (clean all) to a new SSD.

click to enlarge

Summary of SSD Tweaks-diskpart_commands.jpg

whs · 25 Oct 2010

I never used the program you linked. But I have used this one which seems to work well: Guide SSD Tweak Utility
But recently I only disable the automatic Defrag and delete the hibernation file - with this command: powercfg.exe -h off
You must, of course, make sure that there is a proper alignment. That can be easily checked: https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/113967-ssd-alignment.html?ltr=S
If it is not aligned, those programs can help:
Aligning Windows Partitions Without Losing Data - From the Recliner...
Paragon Alignment Tool - Overview

Bare Foot Kid · 25 Oct 2010

Hello whs.

I was looking for the link to your align tut, I even VMd you about it, thanks.

whs · 25 Oct 2010

BFK, I sent it to you and it is also in my posting above.

Wishmaster · 25 Oct 2010

I do very little.

With a new SSD, I would just install the OS with only that SSD connected.
I've never had to align one this way, as 7 has usually set it up correctly for me. At least, as long as you let 7 handle creating the partitions and format them.
If you are not going to let it make the little 100MB system partition though, that very well may be different.

After its up and running, run WEI and most everything should be set up for you as it should be.

Just Check the Disk Defragmenter schedule after rtunning WEI and make sure the SSD is NOT listed in the 'Select Disk" section of the "Auto Defrag" section.

If its not there, it is indeed disbaled for the SSD but will still defragment your spinners, if you so choose to leave it.

I also disable indexing on the SSD.

And thats it.

Also, if you use Norton be sure to go to the MISC section, and turn OFF the "Optimize" feature. All this is, as you may know, is the built in defragmenter.

Bare Foot Kid · 25 Oct 2010

whs said:

BFK, I sent it to you and it is also in my posting above.

Thanks, I got it.

DeaconFrost · 25 Oct 2010

If I'm understanding the link, I shouldn't have to do the alignment because it is a new drive, never been used. So, if I create the partition during the install as normal, I'd be fine...I think. I guess it wouldn't hurt to create the partition ahead of time, per the instructions...then I'd skip the 100 MB one...which is fine...it is only a 64 GB A-DATA drive, so I need all the free space I can get.

Bare Foot Kid · 25 Oct 2010

I install most programs/apps to spinners, excluding the AV stuff and turn hibernate off.

DeaconFrost · 25 Oct 2010

I turn hibernate off on all my systems, and this one in particular is a laptop, so I don't have any option for additional drives. However, being that it is a laptop, I use it primarily to work from home at night and weekends, remoting into servers to maintain and configure them...so it has little installed on it, and my docs are all stored on a server.