Fresh Installation of Windows 7 using ISO and OEM Key on Toshiba L450

gregrocker said:

What is the installed Display device and driver in Device Manager? Are there any other drivers missing?

Did you import the PC's chipset? Compare it to the drivers for various chipset devices in Device Manager like SM Bus Controller and SATA controller.

I don't have access to the computer again for a couple of days, but did not know about importing the PC's chipset - is this important. I will check for missing drivers and what Display device and driver is installed - might this affect the performance. Any information on this very welcome.

(PS I have another laptop, a HP running Windows 8.1 - can I use the same method here using WinPE to reboot then selecting a Macriam image to put onto the new SSD? Is there any advantage in using Samsung's Magician software - it seems to require a SATA lead which I don't have)

I now have access to the computer again for 24 hours. Performance is good and everything looks alright. Will format old HDD and reattach as external, relocate cloud services there. Someone suggested having two partitions on SSD - one for OS, one for apps? A good idea? Can this be done on Disk Management or Partition Wizard? I guess the apps would need to be separated from C individually and moved over.

I have used the SSD tweaks tutorial for a few things, got a few left to do. Any tips very welcome. Will try to check the installed Display device and driver, missing drivers, and PC's chipset -- but how does one do the latter? What is the significance of these last checks and should i prioritise them - how can I do them?

There is an app called SSD tweaker that you can download - do you recommend it. SSD Tweaker 3.4.1 | Software Downloads | Techworld

Browser is the one app not sped up obviously. Any tips on maximising internet browsing speed v welcome.

Will bring this thread to a close and post thanks and mark as solved having done a few last things. Many thanks again for the excellent advice.

HDeem said:

gregrocker said:

What is the installed Display device and driver in Device Manager? Are there any other drivers missing?

Did you import the PC's chipset? Compare it to the drivers for various chipset devices in Device Manager like SM Bus Controller and SATA controller.

I don't have access to the computer again for a couple of days, but did not know about importing the PC's chipset - is this important. I will check for missing drivers and what Display device and driver is installed - might this affect the performance. Any information on this very welcome.

(PS I have another laptop, a HP running Windows 8.1 - can I use the same method here using WinPE to reboot then selecting a Macriam image to put onto the new SSD? Is there any advantage in using Samsung's Magician software - it seems to require a SATA lead which I don't have)

I'd generally stay away from SSD tweaking tools. Just make sure defrag is turned off for that drive. Download and use the SSD manufacturer's tool. It should give you a way to view SMART details and provide necessary maintenance on the drive, including firmware updates.

I wouldn't make separate partitions for Windows and apps. I'm not aware of any performance advantages. Partitioning can easily lead to running out of space on a partition because it's difficult to anticipate the rate of growth of the occupied space.

You can download a program such as Speccy from Piriform.com which will tell you a lot of details about your hardware---serial numbers, chipset, temperatures, voltages, etc.

Just looking at Samsung Magician and its recommendations are below, which I have applied -- plus the details of the motherboard and the Celeron settings- overkill with the information but nevermind - i realise the SSD is not as effective as it might be cos its SATA II rather SATA III but nevermind that either. Interesting to experiment, and thanks for bearing with me.

If performance is fine then you don't need to worry about the chipset. I'd want the latest one from the PC model's Support download webpage.

You only need to check SSD alignment here: SSD Alignment - Windows 7 Forums

No one here would advise you to have separate OS and programs partitions.

Thanks that's great, yes I managed to 'verify' SSD on Disk Part, it is offset 1024kb, so that sounds like its fine.
Interesting little hitch with reconnecting the old HDD - Disk Management said the now external HDD was 'off-line' because of an identity clash with the SSD - I used Partition Wizard to wipe the old drive and problem is solved.
Will try to connect google drive, onedrive and dropbox to the old HDD now, but will be happier once it is more stably connected -present external HDD caddy is not reliable and keeps disconnecting - will try caddy in optical drive slot next. Guess best way to put cloud data accounts on HDD is to copy Users there or fiddle with account settings to have them sync with the HDD rather than SDD but I know you have put a tutorial on that elsewhere so will consult.
Excuse the obsession with detail, nearly done and out of your hair! Thanks again,