[Build Help] Install OS on an SSD prior to installing in new mobo - Bad Idea?

[seanroyce]

I'm parting together a new computer and the SSD arrived today, while the mobo, cpu, and ram will arrive tomorrow. As the title suggests, I'm wondering whether I can safely install Windows 7 on the SSD tonight, then install that onto the new mobo tomorrow and just boot right up.

Needless to say, this post is purely fueled by excitement to try out my new computer this weekend. Please talk me out of this if it is a bad idea or will simply not work. And please go easy on me, this is my first post and I've only built three computers since 2009.

Here are the specs:

• 
  Asus Sabertooth Z87
  i7-4770k
  Corsair Vengeance Pro 16gb (2x8gb)
  Samsung 840 Pro 256gb SSD <===SSD in question

My plan is to partition 100gb of the SSD for the OS and use the remainder to install particular games with high load times as well as Adobe Premiere / After Effects.

The parts I'm carrying over from my old computer are:

• 
  EVGA GeForce GTX760
  OCZ Modular 750W PSU
  1TB Western Digital Blue
  500gb Western Digital Caviar Black (currently partitioned as described above, this is my current boot disk)
  Optical drive
  Antec 900

 

[USAFRet]

I'm parting together a new computer and the SSD arrived today, while the mobo, cpu, and ram will arrive tomorrow. As the title suggests, I'm wondering whether I can safely install Windows 7 on the SSD tonight, then install that onto the new mobo tomorrow and just boot right up.

Do not do this.
Wait until you have the actual parts, and then install.

Might it work? Maybe, but doubtful.
Might it not boot at all? Probably.
Might it work, but you'll be chasing problems forever? Possibly.

And don't partition the SSD. No benefit in it.

Patience. You will be far better off in the end.

 

[senkasaw]

You can...but then you would need to prep the os with windows system preparation tool: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/135077-windows-7-installation-transfer-new-computer.html

However, I would just wait. A clean install is always better. Seriously...it is only a day. Patience...

 

[seanroyce]

@USAFret - thank you for the prompt response. Admittedly, I am a bit over eager right now. I will wait patiently and save myself the frustration tomorrow.

@senkasaw that's good to know, but I'm not an expert PC builder. I know how to select components and input credit card information at Amazon/NewEgg, but I probably shouldn't mess with more advanced solutions.

Thank you both kindly,
Sean