Replacing OS hard drive with SSD or another HD

[kep55]

After a six or so years, I need to replace the SATA II drive that appears to be about to die. The current HD is a Hitachi Deskstar P7K500 500 GB and partitioned into two logical drives - 360 GB (161GB free - OS + Programs) and 107.5GB (84 GB free). I'm thinking about installing a SSD drive just for the OS and a new HD for the programs and docs. And suggestions as to whether or not this is a good idea or should I stick with a spinner? The box has a second 250 GB drive already that's slightly younger.

 

[Archaic59]

An SSD is a great option for a desktop pc. Once you use one you'll never go back. Be aware it will run a bit slower on your sata 2 port, as new ones today are sata 3.

Use the SSD for OS and programs and a spinner for bulk storage. I only recommend a clean OS install on your SSD. I'd remove all drives and install the OS on the SSD and get a clean boot before adding other drives back into the system. If you want a purchase recommendation for an SSD just ask.

 

[kep55]

Well, Archaic59, what would you suggest for a SSD? I've seen some good reviews on the Samsung units and their 250GB is close to $100.
I was thinking about just doing a clone & copy of the dying disc. Not a good idea?
Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Archaic59]

I might put a Samsung 850 pro in a new pc but for an aging pc a less expensive one like Crucial MX100 would be fine. As I said before, I only recommend a clean OS install on your SSD. You need to enable AHCI mode in bios for SSD. Vista and newer versions of windows have native support for it. If you're on XP it might be a problem. enable AHCI before OS installation.

After successful installation and OS install, you'll want to optimize it. This is for win 7 & 8. Good read in any case.

http://www.thessdreview.com/ssd-guides/optimization-guides/the-ssd-optimization-guide-ultimate-windows-8-edition/

 

[kep55]

I might put a Samsung 850 pro in a new pc but for an aging pc a less expensive one like Crucial MX100 would be fine. As I said before, I only recommend a clean OS install on your SSD. You need to enable AHCI mode in bios for SSD. Vista and newer versions of windows have native support for it. If you're on XP it might be a problem. enable AHCI before OS installation.

After successful installation and OS install, you'll want to optimize it. This is for win 7 & 8. Good read in any case.

http://www.thessdreview.com/ssd-guides/optimization-guides/the-ssd-optimization-guide-ultimate-windows-8-edition/

I spoke with the Tech who was installing new network gear at work and he said the SS 850 Pro would be the best solution. He had one in his laptop and rebotted it. Windows was up & running in under 10 seconds (As opposed to my current 1:45 minutes). I've ordered the SS 850 Pro. THANKS for the help. I can always slip into my next build, if the boss lets me build another.

 

[kep55]

Follow-up question. I have three options with installing the new Samsung 850 Pro SSD.
1) Use Samsung's Magic software transfer app to load the SSD with the HDD stuff.
2) Clone the HDD and then load the clone to the SSD; or
3) Do a clean install onto the HDD and the reload all the other software.
If I choose option 3, would I be better off reloading Win 7 Home Premium SP1 and then going with the supposed Win 10 freebie? Or should I spring for Win 8.1 then go to Win 10?
I don't really feel like spending a couple days installing everything from scratch. Plus the Boss Lady might get a little upset as she doesn't like using my laptop. But then again, one must do what one must do.

 

[Archaic59]

I only recommend a clean install on a new SSD. You'll have to decide yourself which OS is best for you. After that, an optimization would be a good idea.
Check here for it (win 7 & 8):

http://www.thessdreview.com/ssd-guides/optimization-guides/the-ssd-optimization-guide-ultimate-windows-8-edition/