SSD, Secure Erase or Firmware flash first?

I have an old X25m 160gb G2 with the first firmware, never bothered to update anything since i was on vista, but i just got my new G73, just wondering the order that i should do the things.

1) Flash firmware to the latest to support trim
2) Secure erase to restore the performance to new speeds.
3) Install windows7 with quick format

After that there are plenty of threads for optimization etc, im just wondering if i have to flash it first or secure erase it first.

 

I would say flash it first. I doubt you've used it so heavily that you'll need to erase it to get workable performance.

So, in order:
Firmware flash
Windows Install
Intel SSD Toolbox cleaner

 

1 & 2 in that order.

If by 3) you mean 'clean install' - then all is great!


I think you would be cheating yourself of the performance the drive is capable of if you don't perform a SE each time you re-install your O/S.

Good luck.

 

Thanks forge , i kinda still want to do a Secure Erase, mostly out of curosity and to learn how to

Thanks tilleroftheearth, just wanted to ask you something about it. In the past or when i read about (about a year ago), there were some guides into how to do it, specially since the software avialable at that time didnt work so you have to use a older version, i still have one bookmarked, How to Secure Erase (reset) an Intel Solid State Drive (SSD), it had some steps like moving your sata to legacy/ide/compatibility mode, so you could do it, now a days i see the Toolbox has a secure erase feature,

I can do the old one, since i was prepared for it already, but intel has one option and its an intel drive, so i kinda feel its the right way to go.... What would you think be best?

 

Does a firmware upgrade not automatically include SE?
All data on the SSD is lost throgh the upgrade, as of my knowledge. This was true for my Samsung SSD, maybe not with an Intel.

 

What I would do is upgrade the Firmware so that you can use the latest toolbox (v2, I think).

With the Firmware successfully flashed - you need to attach the SSD to a computer running the toolbox as a data drive (don't boot from the SSD).

I think AHCI or IDE mode should work to SE the drive - but I think it definitely needs to be in the first or second SATA port to carry out the secure erase function properly (or at all).

I would not use any 'old' method when Intel themselves is offering a much simpler, built-in solution with their SSD Toolbox.


maximinimaus, yeah, Intel G2 SSD's do not touch the data when firmware is flashed - so a SE is still needed.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the replies,

Worries me the to unplug a running drive on IDE mode, i think the AHCI is the one that allow how swapping and in IDE i though i shouldn't do this, i know im being paranoid and don't get me wrong im here for advise it, just don't want to mess up the drive.

Currently i have 3pcs,
1) Desktop with vista on legacy/ide mode, kinda was preparing for the old secure erase method, will move to ACHI as soon as i finish with the laptop, as ill move mobo and go with win7.
2) G73, New laptop, its on 7 with ACHI, but im worried about intel asking to unplug the sata cable (no mention of power), im worried since i cant on the laptop, but this seems like the best option i guess.
2) G51 Old laptop, runing vista on AHCI, but its the bootable drive, so intels asks to be the 2nd drive, so i guess i cant here. But i also have 80gb x25m new that i have to install Vista before my friends get it, so i guess if do his first i might be able to my G2 on the 2nd drive and do it like intels asking, but same worried as above with unplugging power also since its not mentioned in intel guide.

 

Why would you unplug a running drive?

You would boot from another drive (with the Intel SSD Toolbox installed) and the SSD connected to the secondary SATA port to perform the SE.

The desktop is the system I would use to do this with.

 

Well maybe im not understanding intels guide

 

You're understanding it correctly.

But if its in the desktop - you should be able to simply remove and re-attach the power cable (only).

This should accomplish what Intel's software needs without hurting your drive.

Good luck.

 

Alright, ill do with the desktop, just gona take longer right now is on legacy, and ill move to ACHI on the weekend when i change the mobo and install 7. Thanks for the advise.