What do I need to know before using a SSD?

[TKP]

I recently ordered the OCZ Vertex Series SSD 60BG.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227394

I am building a new system. I have never used a SSD before.

I have a few basic questions:
When installing and using the drive, is there anything I need to do differently, like tools or applications I need to run?

Do I just install the operating system on it like a normal hard drive and just enjoy the speed?

What about maintaining the drive?

If there are reviews or other guides out there, please point me in the right direction.

[James]

If installing windows 7, you can just install the OS without issue. If you are planning on any of the older systems, you will need to align the drive. Details can be found in the OCZ forums.

Windows 7 supports TRIM, and the OCZ drives also have tools for manual garbage collection, but use them sparingly.

[kent1146]

Do I just install the operating system on it like a normal hard drive and just enjoy the speed?

What about maintaining the drive?

More or less, yes. Just install and use it. Since you bought a new drive, it should already have the latest OCZ firmware on it that supports TRIM.

The only thing you would really need to do differently is to disable the Defrag service. Running defrag on an SSD has absolutely no benefit, and is actually harmful to the drive in the long run.

I guess the other thing you could do is to come back in here, and tell us Sharkys how much you are enjoying the speed of the new drive, and how you could never go back to a mechanical drive ever again

[James]

More or less, yes. Just install and use it. Since you bought a new drive, it should already have the latest OCZ firmware on it that supports TRIM.

The only thing you would really need to do differently is to disable the Defrag service. Running defrag on an SSD has absolutely no benefit, and is actually harmful to the drive in the long run.

I guess the other thing you could do is to come back in here, and tell us Sharkys how much you are enjoying the speed of the new drive, and how you could never go back to a mechanical drive ever again

Assuming the drive reports itself correctly (which not all of the OCZ's do) Win7 automatically disables defrag.

[TKP]

. . . . .

I guess the other thing you could do is to come back in here, and tell us Sharkys how much you are enjoying the speed of the new drive, and how you could never go back to a mechanical drive ever again

I will do just that. The drive is supposed to be here Friday. I hope to get the computer assembled and all software installed by Saturday night.

[TKP]

I put my computer together. I haven't installed the operating system yet, so I don't know how it performs. How do I install the hard drive. The longer screws I have are a course thread. The drive has a fine thread. Also the hole spacing is a little off. I assume I need to buy a 2.5" drive tray. What kind is needed?

[fluffmonster]

you need a 3.5" to 2.5" converter tray, like this one (as but one example).

[gkline]

I suggest using your present mechanical hd as a slave. My Intel 80 gig ssd doesn't take long to fill up. I installed the OS (Win 7Pro 64) motherboard device drivers if needed, Video drivers, Antivirus, Office 2007 enterprise, Everest and a few other small programs on the ssd. I install all games to my Seagate II 7200 rpm 250 gig Hd and large data and video files to the WD green 1 tb hd. Remember, 60 gigs fills up quick. Just be disciplined to always select Custom install of any program and I use the E drive (Seagate) or F drive(WD) for install. Some of the files will necessarily install on the C drive - your 60 gig ssd. Just becareful not to fill it up with unneeded files.
Finally? Have fun! Welcome to the world of ssds!