Quick question about formatting an SSD

DvP

Honorable
Nov 24, 2013
3
0
10,520
I have recently been forced to build a new computer, as a few components from the old rig have gone to the grave. I'd like to carry over my SSD into the new build, but with all new components(motherboard and CPU included) I am forced to reinstall Win 7. The problem is that I have no way to clear the drive before doing so, therefore I'm unable to use some of the better options like Secure Erase.

Will formatting my SSD through the windows install be significantly worse than something like Secure Erase? I am not quite in a position to plug in my SSD elsewhere to complete the process before the install.

Could I just boot with my SSD in it's current state and just install the BIOS LAN drivers in order to wipe the SSD with Secure Erase and then go into a fresh windows install?

The drive in question is a Samsung 840 EVO 120GB.

Thanks for all of your time.
 
Solution
Pre-install:
1) motherboard BIOS set to AHCI for SATA
2) attach SSD
3) unhook other SSD's or HDD's
4) DVD drive first in boot order (if you can't boot to disc). In BIOS.

Install
1) boot to W7 Install
2) Delete partition during install
3) continue Installation
4) Install motherboard drivers (motherboard support site), video drivers etc.
5) Microsoft Updates, programs, Activate Windows etc.
6) Make a backup Image to a secondary drive if possible (preferably Acronis True Image; or Windows Image).

*There's no need to pre-format the SSD or use Secure Erase. Secure Erase is partially to recover space when garbage collection isn't working which it would with W7 installed on an SSD (and set to AHCI in BIOS).

Post Install:
1. Install Samsung...

DvP

Honorable
Nov 24, 2013
3
0
10,520
Maybe I misread a thread or two but I was under the impression that formatting an SSD through something like a windows install was not the optimal choice. If that's not the case I will happily boot from my windows CD and be on my way!
 
Pre-install:
1) motherboard BIOS set to AHCI for SATA
2) attach SSD
3) unhook other SSD's or HDD's
4) DVD drive first in boot order (if you can't boot to disc). In BIOS.

Install
1) boot to W7 Install
2) Delete partition during install
3) continue Installation
4) Install motherboard drivers (motherboard support site), video drivers etc.
5) Microsoft Updates, programs, Activate Windows etc.
6) Make a backup Image to a secondary drive if possible (preferably Acronis True Image; or Windows Image).

*There's no need to pre-format the SSD or use Secure Erase. Secure Erase is partially to recover space when garbage collection isn't working which it would with W7 installed on an SSD (and set to AHCI in BIOS).

Post Install:
1. Install Samsung Magician
2. SM-> update firmware
3. SM-> apply overprovisioning to SSD, set a profile (reliable/performance), benchmark

Other:
- use fastest SATA controller (i.e. Intel 6gbps)
- remove SM once satisfied (keeps popping up on boot)
- recommend disabling Hibernation as it uses a lot of space and many people have issues getting it to work properly.
 
Solution