I have questions about SSDs.

[notmelol]

I am planning on buying an SSD because my HDD is going to pass away soon and I thought I will upgrade then. It will be running on SATA 3. Although I have some questions.

1. Do I have to do any preparations regarding the SSD?
2. I will be installing a fresh Windows 7 on the SSD. Do I have to format it with my currently running Windows or can I just format it with the installation disk?
3. I don't know if it will fit into my PC case. I guess they have a standard but I don't know so I just ask if it is the same size as a HDD?
4. Do I have to know anything else about SSDs beforehand?

Thank you for your time and answers!

 

[gilbadon]

Do not worry be happy.

1. Not really. Just do not defragment the thing.
2. Use the installation disk
3. It is much much smaller than a standard 3.5" HDD. You will poop yourself. It may not fit, but there are solutions for that. What case do you have?
4. Not really. If you have problems, just post them here. It is typically as easy if not easier than an HDD.

 

[Entomber]

1. no
2. You do not have to buy a new copy of Windows if you are only replacing the HDD with an SSD. Just unplug your HDD and install Windows fresh onto the SSD for best results.
3. SSDs are 2.5" drives. If your case does not support 2.5" drives, you can buy a bracket that will convert a 2.5" drive into a form factor acceptable for 3.5" or 5.25" drives.
4. no

 

[hybird9012]

1) Nope It should use the same power and sata connectors if it is SATA 3
2) From my experience, I needed to format the drive to NTFS before it would be recognized but I think you can do that when you choose what drive to install it on. So in short, no.
3) You can get a bracket adapter - something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817994085
4) They are much faster, cooler and quieter - they also draw much less power than traditional hard drives. Lastly, DO NOT DEFRAG SSD's!!! That is important.

 

[USAFRet]

3. Most cases sold in the last year or two have integrated 2.5" drive mounts.

4. Just don't fill it up too much. 120GB drive, no more than 100GB used. 250GB drive, no more than 200GB used. etc...

 

[notmelol]

I have an ASUS case but I don't know anything else about it, but I guess I have everything I need for now. I will look up a bracket adapter that fits, and won't defrag it. Thank you all for your answers!