Installing Win10 on SSD

[xcrossover]

Im planning on buying an SSD and make it as my boot drive (C:\) as I have heard plenty of good reviews on SSDs. But before I do, I want to ask a question if there is a different way of installing windows 10 on ssd drives or is it just like installing in a normal drive.

regards,

xcross

 

[George Phillips]

It will be the same when you install an OS to a SSD like doing so using a hard drive. Do remember to select AHCI instead of IDE mode if you use a regular SSD that supports 6Gbps. AHCI and IDE options are in the BIOS of the motherboard. Now a days most motherboards set the default value to AHCI but some may not. If you use a more advanced SSD like Intel 750 series SSD, it will require NVMe protocol to work.

 

[boju]

Yea, the same way as you would a normal hdd as said above, it goes through the same process, nothing extra in os install you need to click or anything.

And just to add some tips;

AHCI: Also mentioned above has improved enhancements SSDs benefit. So check the bios boot method is set to AHCI before installing Windows. For any reason you need to reset cmos, be it bad overclock or general troubleshooting, as you're probably aware sets everything back, so keep that in mind. Windows will still run in IDE mode but wouldn't be happy until you change back to AHCI if you forgot.

Defrag: Is a thing of the past and aren't good for SSDs, so check its not scheduled and never use it,

Optimse: Windows 10 now features it's own SSD optimisation software. It might disable defrag itself actually like Samsung magician or other 3rd party software does.

Sata port: Use the motherboard's primary chipset Sata port for your SSD, generally for performance reasons. Motherboards can have 3rd party Sata controllers like Marvell sometimes needing drivers upon os install and sometimes do not perform as good. Sata port 0 or 1 would be your primaries. Will say in the manual and also labeled on the motherboard.

SSD physical size: They are tiny so consider getting a cradle or use double sided velcro. SSDs don't have any moving parts and can put them anywhere cables will reach.

 

[smorizio]

one thing i add if there an os on the hard drive and data that you cant lose your better off unplugging the hard drive data cable so that the windows installer only sees the new ssd. after you install the ssd your going to have to reinstall your games and aps as there registry info on the other drive. myself if i was adding a new ssd i would back up my personal data and music online or to a few usb sticks and wipe the old hard drive of any data and start fresh.