Can mSATA SSD be used as the only drive?

[jakov]

I want to install Windows 10 on the Kingston mSATA 120gb SSD and use the SATA port for storage HDD. Will there be any problems? Can I just turn the laptop on with just the SSD inside and install Windows from a USB, then plug the HDD in and format it?

 

[snurp85]

should not be an issue. just be sure to plug the USB stick in to a USB2.0 port because USB3.0 ports require drivers to function. This can sometimes be an issue if installing an OS.

 

[jakov]

should not be an issue. just be sure to plug the USB stick in to a USB2.0 port because USB3.0 ports require drivers to function. This can sometimes be an issue if installing an OS.

Yeah, I've thought that also, but I've seen many explanations which seemed a lot more complex.

http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/install-msata-ssd-tutorial
http://www.dell.com/support/article/hr/en/hrbsdt1/SLN286337#Win8

 

[snurp85]

These are all if you already have a drive installed with an OS already. you will only have the msata drive installed and the USB. The computer should automatically try to boot from the msata first, but since nothing is on it, it will then try the USB. If the bios doesnt automatically try to boot from the USB, you should be able to go in to your BIOS and manually select the boot order (you can test this now with your USB stick (containing the OS) attached just to make sure).

 

[snurp85]

So apparently, not all mobos support booting from mSata. But I guess the proper way to do things is to go into intel rapid storage and disable the msata cache acceleration. In the bios, switch the msata drive to AHCI mode. then you should be able to install the OS on it and have it boot properly.

It doesnt hurt to remove all of the drives, add your empty msata drive, attach the USB stick (with OS), and see if you can load the OS. Wont take long. Thats the easiest way to find out for certain