Upgrading Mini-ITX build with SSD - quick advice needed

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TricKstAx

TricKstAx

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Oct 5, 2013
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Hello,

Here's the quick context: I built a mini-itx rig a year ago. I want to add an SSD to the rig. I'm looking at this one: SAMSUNG 840 EVO MZ-7TE120BW 2.5" 120GB SATA III.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2W01AZ5378

Will I have to do a fresh new install by reinstalling the OEM windows 7 on the SSD? Then reformat the HDD? I have no problem starting from square one, I don't have much in the way of files and data on the HDD. I know the OEM copy of windows 7 attaches itself to one motherboard, so I know that its possible to do a reinstall by keeping the same motherboard.

With the question above, any other considerations with what I'm doing? Is it possible that the small-sized HDD will bottleneck the SSD?

Specs:

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H77N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1155
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Harddrive
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7850 2GB
Case: Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)

Thanks all!


Thanks!
 
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2
Depending on how many programs you already have installed, you may want to just clone your existing drive onto the new SSD. Basically that means you can make an exact "copy" of your data & put it on the new one. Investigate something like Acronis' True Image. After cloning the drive, you will need to make some changes due to the fact you're running on a SSD (like turning off defrag).

Alternatively, you could also just reinstall Windows onto the new SSD, and then re-install all of your programs. You get the benefit of having a fresh install, only the programs you really want, and Windows making settings for the SSD from the beginning.

As far as the capacity, for only $20-30 more than the $80 for the EVO, you can double your...
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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I wouldn't. Given that the HDD is larger than the new SSD, and that it is a year old install....
Clean install is recommended.
 
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2Be_or_Not2Be

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Aug 23, 2013
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Depending on how many programs you already have installed, you may want to just clone your existing drive onto the new SSD. Basically that means you can make an exact "copy" of your data & put it on the new one. Investigate something like Acronis' True Image. After cloning the drive, you will need to make some changes due to the fact you're running on a SSD (like turning off defrag).

Alternatively, you could also just reinstall Windows onto the new SSD, and then re-install all of your programs. You get the benefit of having a fresh install, only the programs you really want, and Windows making settings for the SSD from the beginning.

As far as the capacity, for only $20-30 more than the $80 for the EVO, you can double your capacity by going with the Crucial MX100 - 256GB ($10 off coupon from Newegg if you buy by 12/20). That's a cheap price to double your space, and you'll be glad you have the extra space later when you d/l that 60GB game. Of course, either SSD will be a good upgrade from a regular hard drive.

 
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