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    Best Windows Setup For mSata SSD Drive

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by System0, Aug 27, 2012.

  1. System0

    System0 Notebook Consultant

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    I received my Lenovo Thinkpad X220 today. Tomorrow I will receive an Crucial M4 256GB SSD.

    I will be installing a fresh version of Windows 7 Pro 64 on the mSata and installing all applications there too (256 GB is a large drive so I may use it for some files as well). I will be keeping the 320 GB 7200RPM drive in the main hard drive bay for music, films, files etc.

    What's the best way to set up the mSata drive for Windows. I am planning on creating a recovery partition though I am unsure as to what else I should do. Is there anything specific I should be doing for a fresh windows 7 installation.

    For example, is there any benefit to creating partitions. How much should I allocate for paging etc. Would appreciate any advice from any SSD experts out there :)

    Thanks,
    Kevin
     
    System0, Aug 27, 2012
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  2. capaxdoli

    capaxdoli Notebook Enthusiast

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    i really wish someone would answer this question... :(
     
    capaxdoli, Aug 29, 2012
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  3. System0

    System0 Notebook Consultant

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    haha me too. I received my drive yesterday but couldn't find a screwdriver that fit the screws so I'll be installing it today.
     
    System0, Aug 29, 2012
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  4. divesong2010

    divesong2010 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Me too. I have an older Acer 5740 and I'm installing a 128gb crucial SSD and a fresh Windows install.

    Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
     
    divesong2010, Aug 30, 2012
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  5. yrc

    yrc Notebook Consultant

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    Do a clean install. Follow instructions here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/len...uide-clean-installing-windows-7-thinkpad.html

    Although its based on a T420, the instructions will work with an X220.

    Alternately, clone your HDD to your mSATA drive (not recommended).

    Or third option, burn a set of recovery disks (DVD) then remove the spinning HDD, install mSATA, boot from first recovery disk and install the Lenovo provided OS on the mSATA drive. This option will create a recovery partition, etc., just like you had on your factory provided HDD.

    Also take a look at this link: http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/572616-t420-msata-uefi-only-20-sec-boot.html

    It refers to a T420, but same principles apply to the X220 (for the most part). Also, be sure to have the latest BIOS on the X220. Some of the older BIOS versions did not like mSATA drives being installed.
     
    yrc, Aug 30, 2012
    #5