Trying to install an SSD

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howtoupgraderam

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Jun 26, 2017
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Hello!
I'd like to add an SSD to my PC (specs below). I currently have an SSHD from Seagate (st1000lm014). I'm gonna buy Samsung Evo 850 250GB (heard it's decent). And here comes my question: how do I actually install it once it's bought?
What I want to know are things like:
- what cables am I going to need and where do I get them from
- will I need to change anything in the BIOS
- can I migrate Windows 10 from my current disk to the new one
- how should I optimize Windows 10 for best performance with SSD
Thanks in advance for your answers.
Pc Specs:
Cpu: Intel i5 7400
Gpu: Geforce Gtx 1060 3GB MSI
Ram: 2x8Gb Crucial
MOBO: Msi h110m pro-vd
PSU: Kolink KL-600 80 Plus Bronze 600W
Software: Windows 10 Home
 
Solution
Barty1884
Physically, you install it like any other 2.5" drive.

1. SATA data and SATA power for sure, you can consider a SATA to USB cable/enclosure for cloning purposes if you go that route.

2. On a modern system (AHCI enabled etc), there's nothing you really 'need' to change, and even 'best practices' are fewer now too.

3. You can either clone your entire drive (if your current partition is <200GB full), but a clean install would be the best option.
Create bootable media with a 4+GB USB drive : https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10
*Disconnect your HDD to avoid accidents
Boot override (F8 usually) and boot from the UEFI USB option.
Install to SSD
Install drivers/programs etc, then re-attach the SSHD.
Migrate over...
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Barty1884

Barty1884

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Apr 16, 2015
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Physically, you install it like any other 2.5" drive.

1. SATA data and SATA power for sure, you can consider a SATA to USB cable/enclosure for cloning purposes if you go that route.

2. On a modern system (AHCI enabled etc), there's nothing you really 'need' to change, and even 'best practices' are fewer now too.

3. You can either clone your entire drive (if your current partition is <200GB full), but a clean install would be the best option.
Create bootable media with a 4+GB USB drive : https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10
*Disconnect your HDD to avoid accidents
Boot override (F8 usually) and boot from the UEFI USB option.
Install to SSD
Install drivers/programs etc, then re-attach the SSHD.
Migrate over any important data you don't want to lose (music/pictures, save game files etc) - unless you have a substantial volume, in which case you'll need to back up to an external HDD or similar.
Once you're sure you have everything backed up, you can format the SSHD so you have a "clean" drive for bulk storage.

4. For the most part, Windows is actually pretty "smart" in it's own optimization for SSDs. Some older 'guides' can still be debated as "useful" such as:
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/support-software/SSD-optimization-in-Windows-10-964/
BUT, there's pro's & cons to some things like disabling indexing. Ultimately, those things to disable are to prolong the lifespan of any given SSD and, for most 'standard; users, are likely unnecessary.
 
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