Can I add an SSD later?

flamefire999 · Oct 28, 2014

I'm building a PC in a couple of days with my friends. We all have similar builds but mine is the cheapest because I don't have an SSD. I didn't realize how big of a difference on made so, of course, I didn't order one. Now it's too late to order one and I don't know if I trust the ones from Walmart. I really want an SSD though and I want to build my computer with my friends so that we can all play together. I just want to get a 120gb one from Samsung (not the Pro version just the regular one). Can I add it in later and hwo will I put the OS on it?

ronintexas · Oct 28, 2014

The preferred method is to install Windows to a blank drive - cloning the drive has it's own set of issues....but you are not required to buy anything at anytime.....

DonkeyOatie · Oct 28, 2014

Yes you can, and the same way you put the OS on your HDD. You do have an OS install disk, right?

You will plug the SSD in and check that it works before you start the installation.

TheDualshock · Oct 28, 2014

You can add the SSD later on for sure. There are two ways to put the OS on it, either migrate it using Samsung's software for it, or performing a fresh install on the SSD.

flamefire999 · Oct 28, 2014

I have the OEM version of Windows (what ever that means) so will it still work?

TheDualshock · Oct 28, 2014

flamefire999 :

OEM as came with PC or bought it retail? In both cases, you should be fine since OEM is tied to the motherboard.

flamefire999 · Oct 28, 2014

I bought it retail

TheDualshock · Oct 28, 2014

flamefire999 :

You'll be able to reinstall your Widnows no problem.

flamefire999 · Oct 28, 2014

Now for that Samsung thing that transfers my data to the SSD, can I set it for only the OS and a couple games?

Eric Joh · Oct 28, 2014

Here's a few things to consider -

1) I wouldn't go with the Samsung 840 Evo (I assume that is the one you are talking about). Its got a bajillion great reviews, but people are starting to report a lot of problems with files that haven't been touched in a long time - this is just starting to get attention now. The next best bang for buck option is Crucial M100 or M500. You can get a Crucial M500 120GB by going to this link for $10 off $50 or more: http://www.tigerdirect.com/sectors/campaigns/smsopt/TigerInsider.asp?sdtid=7270554&utm_source=EM&utm_medium=insider&utm_campaign=WEM4254&em=&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&utm_source=Linkshare&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=lw9MynSeamY&AffiliateID=lw9MynSeamY-yGuKSP9wKVLuI1eOopXLiA

and by going to the product page and ordering it. Maybe you can get it in 2 days?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7869888&csid=_61&rrpl=search_page.content1&rrstr=SolrSearchToView&rrindex=1

2) You can set everything up now, get a SSD later, and transfer over, but thats a pain! You might also have some stability problems as a result.

3) The difference between 120gb and 240/250gb for main brands (Samsung, Crucial, etc.) is minimal, and along with more space, you are also going to get much fast speeds. There is a large increase in speed from 120 -> 240gb for some reason.

USAFRet · Oct 28, 2014

flamefire999 :

No.
All or nothing. There is no 'some'.

flamefire999 · Oct 28, 2014

I'm not sure if I really even want an SSD. I only spent $650 on my computer so I don't even know if it's worth it.

Eric Joh · Oct 28, 2014

flamefire999 :

No, trust me. You are sure. You will be sure once its in your computer and you've used your computer for a month - you will never allow yourself to be without one again. All those times it took firefox a few seconds to load, or a folder a few seconds to show its contents or Windows 30-60 seconds to boot up are long gone. It sounds inconsequential when you hear about it without actually having one, but you start to realize that your PC (for most tasks) would run better on a dual core Pentium + SSD, than a quad core i5 with a standard HDD. IT IS WORTH IT.

IMO, its worth it when spending $450 or more.

USAFRet · Oct 28, 2014

flamefire999 :

IMHO, an SSD is the best upgrade you can make. All up to you, though.

flamefire999 · Oct 28, 2014

I also am pretty limited on money right now. I spent a lot of money on a new car and my computer. I would either have to not build my computer for a few weeks or put it in later. I don't have a good computer right now (I can't even play Minecraft) and I really don't wanna push back the build. So I don't really have much of an option.

DonkeyOatie · Oct 28, 2014

SSDs use parallel access to retrieve data, so 512GB is faster than 256Gb is faster than 128GB. The biggest jump is from 128 to 256. By the time you get to 1Tb, the channel is full and there is little/no benefit over 512Gb.

USAFRet · Oct 28, 2014

flamefire999 :

Don't worry about it then. And SSD is NOT necessary.
(although I personally would not build one without it)

Eric Joh · Oct 28, 2014

flamefire999 :

Yeah thats totally understandable. Just keep your eyes open for some good deals. I usually check slickdeals.com and sometime you can get stuff like this (see below). Just keep your eyes open for a few weeks and you should see a good $50 120gb deal or $80-90 250gb deal.

http://slickdeals.net/f/7275840-crucial-m500-series-120gb-ssd-50-ac-tigerdirect-free-shipping?v=1

ronintexas · Oct 28, 2014

The best part of building your own computer - you pick and choose what you want inside - and when you want to install it. You don't have to get it all at one time....although sometimes it takes a big longer to install the first time, then re-install the 2nd time because of an upgrade....but that is the life of a system builder.

flamefire999 · Oct 28, 2014

Thanks for all of your answers!

Can I add an SSD later?

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