Can I add an SSD to my computer? How do I do it?

[RevolutionHD]

Hello every1! I need some advice with my situation. I have an Asus CM1831 computer (with an 1TB Seagate Barracuda or something in it.) I have changed the graphics card (to an Asus Radeon HD 7770) and ghe PSU (to an XFX Core Edition 550W). Now I would want to add an SSD to my "rig".

I mostly play Minecraft (I know. XD) and i know that it wouldnt make changes to the performance, but I still want one to make everything load up faster and stuff. What would be the best choice for me? It would have to be relatively cheap, good and as long-lasting and "easy-to-put-in" as possible. I dont need anything 900GB giant monster SSD that costs over 1000 thousand euros. I know some stuff with computers, I'm not a complete noob. But I dont know how to add an SSD. I haven't done anything like it before. Does any1 have good suggestions and/or advice for me? Thank you!

 

[Adrian Ocampo]

A good brand of SSD is Samsung with the 840 evo or pro series. If you are on a budget you could be safe with a Samsung 840 EVO 250 GB.

You need 2 things for the SSD, one is a sATA cable, and another is sATA power.
See screenshots below
Sata Cable

and Sata Power (This may come with your psu)

Thats all you need, and also a free sATA port in your motherboard.

 

[RevolutionHD]

Thank u for the answer!

So can I have my "old" HDD on my computer WITH this new thing? And after I have installed it, do I have to go through some BIOS things or something complicated stuff? Do I have to buy the SATA cable too?

 

[Adrian Ocampo]

Yes you can. But it would be best if you install your os in the ssd and use the "old" hdd as storage instead. You have to buy if you dont have an extra cable lying there. Nope you dont have to do anything in the bios. You just need to detect the new drive.

 

[RevolutionHD]

Ok thanks!!
How do I detect the new drive? How do I install the OS to it? Do I lose anything on my computer? (Sorry for that Im asking so many questions, I just wanna know everything.) 😀

 

[Adrian Ocampo]

One thing to check is to go to bios if it reads your ssd. You wont be configuring anything just need to see if you detected the ssd.

Next is, no you can still save your old windows files when you use it as a storage and not as a boot drive.
But a clean format is better when it comes to old hard drive.

You need to either have the windows cd and boot to it, or create a usb bootable drive then install it targetting the ssd.

 

[RevolutionHD]

Okay... that is a lot of information! Now I think I know enough for this project! Thank u so much for the help! U have been a huge help for me! 😀