Installing SSD along side HDD

[Sean1082]

To go along with my PC upgrade this summer, I have decided to go with purchasing an SSD to use for my OS along with internet apps, Microsoft office, etc. I plan to install my games (To be specific, Steam, and all games I have on it) as well as the majority of my data onto my 2TB HDD.

I would appreciate some replies from people who know how this works, or have done this. In particular, I am looking for an explanation on how installation of files works and basic setup. How am I to ensure the OS (Windows 7 Home Premium) will install on the SSD.

I'm sure it is very basic, it's just this is not only my first time doing something like this, but also my first time building a PC. I would like to know what to expect when I finish the build and boot it for the first time. I hate going into things and not knowing what to expect.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[whest]

OCZ Vertex 2 SSD review

Basically you need w7 to load the install files to ssd drive so it has to selected to boot first in the bios and then reselected during a custom install - all bioses aren't the same - so its just the same as a normal install except you have two drives - in mine under boot there are two areas - boot priority where you select floppy dvd or hard drive - there is no option there to choose between the 2 drives, as to which will boot first, so you go to the hard drive priority below, and select the ssd drive to boot first in the top one or first drive or words to that effect.

Everything you need to know in the review above - happy days hopefully.

 

[fseal]

When you install WIndows 7 onto the SSD, UNPLUG the other drive just to prevent mistakes (as someone in another thread just found out). The disk numbers may not be what you expect and you may end up installing on the wrong drive.

Then add back the non-ssd after you have a fully installed windows 7 on the SSD.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

If you unplug all other drives, you should be OK. SSDs need some special configuration, but Windows 7 is smart enough to do those things automatically during the installation (turn off defrag, ensure proper alignment, etc).

I just did what you are going to be doing and had no significant issues.

You don't even need to use mounting hardware on the drive. They are very light and no larger than a cigarette pack. I just taped mine to the bottom of my case.

You might try to get the newest drive generation. The major manufacturers are introducing new models about now.

 

[Sean1082]

Thanks for both your replies. Judging by the first one, I understand that I should be running my PC and logged in, etc with the SSD plugged in. I should then proceed to install windows 7 onto the SSD? I was under the impression I was able to simply unplug all my other drives, plug in the SSD, insert the windows 7 disc, boot, and the installation would begin.

 

[Sean1082]

If you unplug all other drives, you should be OK. SSDs need some special configuration, but Windows 7 is smart enough to do those things automatically during the installation (turn off defrag, ensure proper alignment, etc).

I just did what you are going to be doing and had no significant issues.

You don't even need to use mounting hardware on the drive. They are very light and no larger than a cigarette pack. I just taped mine to the bottom of my case.

You might try to get the newest drive generation. The major manufacturers are introducing new models about now.

Had this in mind:
Newegg.ca - Corsair Force F40 CSSD-F40GB2 2.5" 40GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Set your BIOS to boot from the DVD drive first.

Insert the installation disc.

Shut down.

Reboot. The PC should start from the install disc and allow you to partition, format, and install Windows. If you have an Intel processor, the first thing you should do is install the Intel Chipset drivers aka INF utility. Then install all other drivers---LAN, Sound, Graphics, USB, etc). Those are generally downloaded from the motherboard manufacturer's website.

Then update Windows and get antivirus going.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Had this in mind:
Newegg.ca - Corsair Force F40 CSSD-F40GB2 2.5" 40GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

I'd find out if it is new generation or not. Investigate at the Corsair site. I'd lean toward Crucial or Intel, but it's personal preference. All brands are much faster than spinning drives.

 

[Sean1082]

Set your BIOS to boot from the DVD drive first.

Insert the installation disc.

Shut down.

Reboot. The PC should start from the install disc and allow you to partition, format, and install Windows. If you have an Intel processor, the first thing you should do is install the Intel Chipset drivers aka INF utility. Then install all other drivers---LAN, Sound, Graphics, USB, etc). Those are generally downloaded from the motherboard manufacturer's website.

Then update Windows and get antivirus going.

I suppose I don't need to worry about it then if I am getting this CPU. I am also pairing it with this motherboard.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I can't help you with AMD stuff, but be sure to get compatible RAM. You may or may not have to get a new power supply depending on your graphics card.

 

[Sean1082]

I can't help you with AMD stuff, but be sure to get compatible RAM. You may or may not have to get a new power supply depending on your graphics card.

I am pretty sure this RAM is compatible. I have a 650W PSU which should more than likely be able to handle it all with this graphics card.

 

[essenbe]

The best way to make sure your ram is compatible is to go to your motherboards website, find your board and look at the QVL list. It will show you the ram that has been tested on that board. However, all ram isn't there. Most likely, if you buy ram from the same manuf, same voltage, frequency and timings it will work.

I only have experience with Intel and Vertex2 SSDs. On my AMD machine I found I had better results using windows ahci driver than AMD's. Be sure you set your bios to ahci before installing windows, and disconnect all other drives other than the SSD. There is a tutorial to optimize the SSD for installation. However, with a new drive don't run the 'clean all' command. Also, beware of all of the tweeks you will find on many websites about SSDs. You can optimize it to death. Windows will automatically optimize most of what needs to be done. The most important is to make sure defrag is off. Windows usually does that automatically but I always check to make sure. I turn Defrag off. But that means you will have to manually check your other hard drives. As soon as windows is installed, run the windows experience index.
To save space move the default location of user folders to another HD. If you plan on installing your games on the SSD I would consider a larger one. Your 40GB SSD wil probably format to about 36GB. Windows installation will take up about 16GB. Conventional wisdom is to not use over 80% of the drive. I don't know if that is true or not. When you decide which drive you are buying, go to the forums of that site. There should be a guide of installation and needed tweeks. Just don't overcomplicate it, windows will do most of the work for you. Enjoy your new drive, you'll love it.

 

[whest]

To go along with my PC upgrade this summer, I have decided to go with purchasing an SSD to use for my OS along with internet apps, Microsoft office, etc. I plan to install my games (To be specific, Steam, and all games I have on it) as well as the majority of my data onto my 2TB HDD.

Here's some info, but not for the beginner I guess & do at your own risk : How to: Setup SSD boot drive with secondary Hard disc optimization - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net

 

[Sean1082]

Thanks a lot. I am now looking into a larger drive in case I later decide to install some larger sized applications onto it and still have available space. This SSD seems great and has awesome specs.

Again, thanks for your replies, they'll help me out a lot with my build.