How to clean windows install, setup new ssd

Kjays

Honorable
Sep 27, 2013
22
0
10,510
Howdy

I recently bought a Samsung 840EVO 250gb SSD, to upgrade my current build and i had a few questions to make sure i get it right the first time.

I want to wipe my current two HDD's, and I'm assuming i can just format them after i have booted from the windows disk. Should i have the SSD in at the same time as this, or format them before installing the SSD and then boot it again.

I have heard that during the installation, windows creates hidden boot partitions on other disks installed at the same time, and to avoid this i should only have the SSD in at the time of installation.

Are there any drivers i should download and keep externally, and install before i hook the PC back up to the internet, or is it fine to let windows do its thing (Mainly concerned about GPU drivers).

As far as using the SSD as a system drive then my HDD's as data drives, is it as simple as installing any programs, steam etc. in there own folder on the HDD rather than the default directory, I'm aware that you can move the system files folders and such but i dont really want to go that far with it.

Bonus Round: I only just bought the 840EVO, and i have the option to take it back and exchange it for the 840 Pro for only an extra $25, i sincerely doubt I'm ever going to wear out the memory on the EVO, just don't know if its worth the upgrade.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read that massive wall of text.

 
Solution
download any drivers needed to connect to the internet externally

disconnect all drives except the ssd--install windows

then after you are sure the windows on the ssd is fine connect other drives and format them

Kjays

Honorable
Sep 27, 2013
22
0
10,510


Is it fine to format them from within windows after it has booted from the new install on the SSD?