SSD - How to properly use?

Zarotu

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Dec 26, 2012
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An SSD seems very attractive to me. I just built a new computer not to long ago and am a little interested in an SSD. However, I have a few questions. This computer was basically built for gaming. I already have Windows 8.1 installed on my HDD.

1. a) Is it necessary to install the OS on the SSD? My computer boots up in seconds and everything else seems to be running fine.
1. b) If I were to install the OS, how would I move it from my HDD? Are there any formatting involved or something more complicated than a simple Copy and Paste?

2. How do I properly transfer games from Steam (and possibly Origin and Ubisoft) from my HDD to the SSD? Copy and Paste? Uninstall and Re-install?

3. Should I purchase another SATA3 cable or something of the sort to connect the SSD to my motherboard? I believe that the pair of SATA3 cables have multiple connectors, but I'm not too sure how that works.

4. What would be the best SSD? How much space would be recommended for a gamer? I don't want to spend too much, but I'm just considering it.
 
Solution
1a) yes it is recommended that you do reinstall windows in the new ssd.( meaning buying a new w7 oem disk).

1b) if you don't want to reinstall (due to money issues) you can always clone the the hdd over to the ssd. You can find some videos on YouTube.

2) if you're reinstalling (new oem disk) obviously you're going to have to reinstall all the games and everything. However if you're cloning, the cloning process copies everything and I mean EVERYTHING. You would basically have a copy of the hdd in the new ssd and the ssd will become the new primary os drive.

3) if you already have a sata3 compatible cable and a free space on you motherboard sata connectors that is 6gbit/s there is no need for a new sata cable.

4) what is the best...
A whole lot of HD porn!

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It is recommend to re-install the OS when moving it to a SSD from a HDD. You definitely want the OS on the SSD. It will speed up everything.

Steam games generally need to be re-installed when they are transferred to to a different location.

You will need a SATA cable to connect the SSD to your computer if you plan on keeping the hard drive too.

SSD are all great. Some are better than others. The Samsung EVO is really hitting a sweet spot right now.
 

Zarotu

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Dec 26, 2012
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What happens if I re-install the OS? Will I lose any file?

Is there a specific order for plugging in the HDD, SSD, and Optical Drive? I remember my motherboard manual indicating numbers (0, 1, 2, 3...) for the order of drives something something.
 

EXA132

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May 22, 2013
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1a) yes it is recommended that you do reinstall windows in the new ssd.( meaning buying a new w7 oem disk).

1b) if you don't want to reinstall (due to money issues) you can always clone the the hdd over to the ssd. You can find some videos on YouTube.

2) if you're reinstalling (new oem disk) obviously you're going to have to reinstall all the games and everything. However if you're cloning, the cloning process copies everything and I mean EVERYTHING. You would basically have a copy of the hdd in the new ssd and the ssd will become the new primary os drive.

3) if you already have a sata3 compatible cable and a free space on you motherboard sata connectors that is 6gbit/s there is no need for a new sata cable.

4) what is the best ssd? Samsung 840 pro is really the sweet spot for "best ssd" I myself would run a samsung 840 pro 256gb as os and games or a samsung 840 pro 128gb for os and the games I play most (only a few due to space). For a gamer I would say around that line 128gb to 256gb no more unless you have a lot of games. If you don't want to spend to much go for the 128gb version $100-$110 on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009NB8WR0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1404704668&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40 and 256gb version is $190-$210
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009NB8WRU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1404704916&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
 
Solution