Correct way/settings to install Win7 on a new SSD

[explrsport]

I am installing a Samsung 840 Pro into a Dell XPS 8500. The exisiting 1TB hard drive (which arrived loaded with Win8) will be a data drive, and the SSD for the OS/apps.

First, what are the optimal BIOS settings since this system didn't come with an SSD? From my readings, it seems I need to make sure ACHI is enabled, and disconnect the current HD until after I am done installing the new OS. I know the Dell won't have tons of BIOS options, but I am sure I need to be careful on some.

Second, what is the best driver for the SSD?

Third, should I be able to just reconnect the old HD once Win7 is running? I'll need to wipe it clean, which I guess I can do in Win7 or in the BIOS.


Thanks - been a while since I did any tech work, and I'm pretty rusty!

 

[LoveMachine]

I picked up a cheap copy of Acronis True Image when I bought my SSD, installed in on the old drive, and then used it's clone tool to migrate everything so a full re-install wasn't necessary. The Norton Ghost that's "included" is tough to get from Samsung. There are some free cloning tools out there, but I've not used any myself. Acronis was darn simple, and it automatically sets the appropriate formatting options.

I have no idea how Dell's Bios options work, but I might suggest using RAID instead of AHCI. Even if you don't use it now, you get all the benefits of AHCI and won't need to re-install Windows if you ever want to do any sort of SSD caching or RAIDing.

The Intel AHCI/RAID drivers are superior to MS's but you can always change it later if it doesn't go to Intel by default. Intel's driver is called IAStor.

Edit: all the above is from my experience w/ Win7. Perhaps some 8 users will have more appropriate advice.

 

[rsutoratosu]

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/p/19467740/20190249.aspx heres the ahci/raid bios option..

 

[nOOky]

See my comments.

I am installing a Samsung 840 Pro into a Dell XPS 8500. The exisiting 1TB hard drive (which arrived loaded with Win8) will be a data drive, and the SSD for the OS/apps.

First, what are the optimal BIOS settings since this system didn't come with an SSD? From my readings, it seems I need to make sure ACHI is enabled, and disconnect the current HD until after I am done installing the new OS. I know the Dell won't have tons of BIOS options, but I am sure I need to be careful on some.

That setting should be all you need to do, unless you change it to boot to the dvd or flash drive first to install Windows.

Second, what is the best driver for the SSD?

I would say if the install goes smoothly just leave the firmware alone, or use Samsung's software and do it immediately after the clean install, in case you have any problems. Generally unless you are having issues I'd leave the firmware alone.

Third, should I be able to just reconnect the old HD once Win7 is running? I'll need to wipe it clean, which I guess I can do in Win7 or in the BIOS.

Yes, just connect the old HDD and it will simply show up as another drive that you can format in Windows using disk management.

Thanks - been a while since I did any tech work, and I'm pretty rusty!