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SSD installation question regarding primary/slave

K

kloakndaggers

Junior Member
I used to be a pc enthusiast in my younger days but it's been about a decade since i've built my rig. I'm working on another one now. I have:

Asus z68 board

Crucial SSD M4 64 GB
X-25-m 160 GB SSD
Samsung F4 2TB

My first question is how do new sata boards know which to use as boot. Obviously I want to use the Crucial as my boot drive but with no slave/primary options now not sure how to do so. Also I want to enable SSD cache(i think it will benefit me but not sure).

My stuff gets here in a few days so just want to be ready. thanks!
 
Master/slave settings apply to the old days - IDE / PATA drives.

SATA does not use jumpers. Just make sure you only have your SSD hooked up when you load Windows, and add your data drive(s) later.

I don't know about the Z68 cache question.
 
Yes, it will look for boot files which lead to system files. There can only be one active boot partition.

Just format and make a primary partition like you used to through the Windows install. The reason to disconnect the data drives before install is because for some reason Win 7 gets confused and might put the boot files on the data drive.
 
You might want to look at the sticky on installing SSD's for some tips.

Also I'd scan some of the Z68 threads in the motherboard forum. There have been issues with advanced BIOS settings involved in getting certain configurations to work properly from what I can tell. This is new technology, and some problems have to be worked out through further BIOS updates.
 
I would suggest that you install the M4 as the only SSD when installing windows so that it doesn't try to write files to other HDDs. The 'boot' SSD should be connected to SATA 0 port on most motherboards. After you install Windows on the M4, power down your machine and then hook up the additional SSDs/HDDs.
 
Last edited:
kloakndaggers said:
Asus z68 board

Crucial SSD M4 64 GB
X-25-m 160 GB SSD
Samsung F4 2TB
Also I want to enable SSD cache(i think it will benefit me but not sure).
Click to expand...

SSD caching is intended for use with a system that stores its OS and/or program files on a mechanical HDD. If you're going to install Windows and your programs on the Crucial or the X25 (recommended since you have over 220GB of storage between them), SSD caching will not benefit you
 
My current system of just one HDD and one DVD-RW is connected as follows:

Port 0: DVD-RW
Port 1: HDD

When I get around to buying an SSD, should I move them both down one and connect my SSD on Port 0? Or just move the HDD down to Port 2 and connect the SSD to port 1?

(I will still disconnect my HDD when installing the OS on to the SSD)
 
kloakndaggers said:
My first question is how do new sata boards know which to use as boot... no slave/primary options now not sure how to do so. Also I want to enable SSD cache(i think it will benefit me but not sure).
Click to expand...

What to boot is determined in boot order in the BIOS. You can specify an order, meaning you can connect your drives any way you want. Obviously the best choice is just to plug the drives in the 'right' order onto your motherboard in the SATA port numbering order.

Skip the SSD cache since you already bought an 160GB Intel SSD. Return the Crucial m4 and use Intel as your primary OS/apps drive. Throw all your hi-def pr0n and large media files onto that bad a$$ 2TB.
 
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Burner27 said:
Port 0: SSD
Port 1: HDD
Port 2: DVD-RW
Click to expand...

2 questions with that:

1) Will it matter that Port 1 isn't in use during installation? As Port 0 will be active with the SSD and Port 2 will be as I need it to install W7

2) Do you leave the HDD power connector plugged in and just have the SATA cable unplugged? Or should you unplug both power and SATA?
 
Dward said:
2 questions with that:

1) Will it matter that Port 1 isn't in use during installation? As Port 0 will be active with the SSD and Port 2 will be as I need it to install W7

2) Do you leave the HDD power connector plugged in and just have the SATA cable unplugged? Or should you unplug both power and SATA?
Click to expand...

I am not sure what you mean by 'Port 1 isn't in use during installation'? What I am suggesting you do to avoid having any files written to any other HDDs DURING installation of your OS is to disconnect them and only have the drive you are installing the OS on being powered.

Disconnect power and SATA cable from all other drives except for SSD and CD/DVD drive during install.
 
Ok thanks. What I meant was will it matter that Port 1 has nothing connected to it at the time of installation, given that the CD/DVD drive will be connected to Port 2? (It will once W7 is installed on the SSD, as Port 1 will then be connected to my HDD)

So in other words, does it matter if Port's are skipped during the installation process?
 
I've been lurking here for the past week in preparation for replacing my WD spinner with an M4. Can't imagine any other site being as helpful. Thanks to all!
 
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