SSD Install on CF18 Mk5

Ok...

So i've decided to purchase a 64GB SSD PATA drive to install on recommendation by some seller who apparently deals in and works on Toughbooks..

It is the Kingspec, and yes I have read a couple of the comments regarding a couple quality issues, and although it is not a brand such as Samsung, I generally take a handful of bad experiences with a grain of salt. I have read of another guy here using it for his CF18 on his motorcycle without issues, as well as others, so...

Anyway, read that after the fact anyway! A toughbook tech recommended it, and had no vested interest, so I for a change I didnt research it first!
Hell, maybe it was better to get the Samsung 160GB HM160HC ... so it goes.


Of course there seems to be far more to it than I really wanted to get involved in here with the SSD...sigh..computers..but I am trying to learn what i can regarding them.

I am perusing past threads and trying to find what I may need to know, however much direct experience seems to be lacking.

If anyone can attach links or direct me to additional info, or what i will need to know, i would greatly appreciate it.

It would also serve future searchers, putting it all in one place.

Intended to use on XP, but considering Windows 7 from what I have read due to benefits , and well, seeing some comment by someone telling the person that XP is for 45yr olds and to "get with the now!" ..

..so that made me think...call me sensitive.

Also that there is apparently some sort of bottleneck issue using XP with a SSD.

Also do I need to use a wiper or Garbage Collection if I do choose to remain with XP.
I have also read of issues of freezing using Windows 7 due to the TRIM feature...

And finally, I really don't understand this alignment issue that is apparently required for SSDs --

It apparently will cause serious slow downs and lack of performance, even damage, if not done. Something to do with writing of files and overlapping, or something.

What was recommended I have seen was to set to 64 using particular software..

I am over my head a bit at this time..

Any and all info genuinely appreciated.

..and by those with actual experience only please. (There is too much misinformation online and he says, she says stuff to sift through)

Kind regards

 

Well technically the "now" would be windows 8. But I hate it myself so I will be sticking with 7 for a while personally. You just will need to tweak it with Their shouldn't be a bottleneck issue with a OS, their may be a bottleneck issue with hardware. It will only run as fast as the IDE connection will let it run.

It really depends on how much you use the pc on how much you need to do garbage collection. I have read several times where Ccleaner can be used for XP.

I have only done a few SSD's installs so far. All but one have been on 7. The other one I used the install disk on a Mk1 CF-19 and a intel X25 40gb ssd. The girlfriends kids use it alot so I haven't done anything with it since I did it a year ago. So I can't really help you there on alignment, yet.

 

Hey there

thanks for your thoughts.

THIS will be very useful to others for XP install, and apparently an important and useful site for SSD related installs generally.

Making XP pro SSD friendly

Yes, Windows 8, but I don't wish to be greedy...it is an XP based machine and our memory is limited at only 1.5GB RAM after all, not to mention an older pentium 1.2ghz processor. That would be a bit much..not to mention i can't get a bootleg copy of it..

I have no experience with Vista, but have never read anything good about it and have no interest whatsoever using it.

XP is fine for all one uses a computer generally for anyway really. I don't really need bells and whistles, but Windows 7 is apparently more friendly to later tech like SSD and has TRIM. Although, I have read of freezing issues and the deactivating of TRIM as a result within W7 is suggested, so who the hell knows what's good.

I do use CCleaner generally anyway, although Im liking Glarys more and more....

...but Garbage Collection, TRIM, etc. address something else it seems.

Something more in line with defragmenting a standard HDD. Apparently Wiper (also available through that site above) can be used within XP and works well for those performing SSD IDE conversions on XP.

What I don't yet understand is the entire alignment thing, but I will search on it in time.

If there are any Toughbook related issues to note, please chime in (anyone)..

Ill make an update to this upon receipt and install..coming from HK so it will be a while with my customs issues here to help others for future reference who have little experience as myself and are new to doing it fwiw.

Kind regards.


PS:

"Well technically the "now" would be windows 8. But I hate it myself so I will be sticking with 7 for a while personally. You just will need to tweak it with...."

Tweak it with what?

Thanks

 

Windows 7 or 8 will recognize the SSD and automatically do the 4K alignment. Windows XP does not. What I do for XP is load normally e.g. from Recovery CDs onto a regular hard drive, then use HD Clone to clone the regular hard drive to the SSD, checking the box on HD Clone to do the 4K alignment at the same time.

Also, as you said before,with XP occasionally use CCleaner to wipe the empty space. This keeps it running fast similar to the TRIM function built into Win7.

 

Thank you. I recall reading that from one of your earlier posts..helpful.

Dont know how the cloning bit could work, unless I need some sort of USB adapter to the other HDD..

As a note, researching online has shown (it seems) that earlier Kingspec SSDs had issues due to the JMicron controller being used.

Apparently this was resolved with a new version controller and firmware upgrade. Some other reported failed drives seem to be attributed to other OS issues, not the drives per se..

One must be careful buying online too..Ive noticed some with the 64GB capacity (which is what I was after) showed around 56MB read and write rates, others 105/58 or something..and also these earlier ones were problematic with early JMicron controllers and no doubt are mostly the ones being peddled online.

"A problem reported with some of these early JMicron controllers has been traced to the small amount of I/O cache used, which supposedly can cause a lagging or stuttering effect when performing large writes from the OS. Additionally, poorer wear-leveling and write combining algorithms can cause drives with these controllers to slow down as they age. Although JMicron claims they have addressed these issues with a new version controller and firmware, many SSDs currently on the market still have the original controller in them."

I dont know if I can link this, but it is very useful for those interested on Kingspec SSDs.
If not, dont hesitate to remove it.

http://www.ocia.net/reviews/kingspecssd

Also, an outstanding guide on XP and SSD alignment:

http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/f...h-stuttering-and-increases-drive-working-life


Lastly, looking at the Kingspec site now, they offer now only their "Industrial" grade ..which look the same as others, but as they specialize it seems in these retrograde drives (in part), these with the writing "Industrial Grade" would obviously be the ones to get as they are the most recent incarnation.


PS: Also i thought I would add that somewhere I recall viewing within this forum that one must use the CF19 drivers (early ones Mk1) for the hotkeys and other functions to work installing Windows 7 on a late CF18.

Must search again ..


Ok, that's all I know..

 

Ok, wished to make an update as Ive received and installed the Kingspec 64GB SSD...

Well, all I can say is WOW .. WOW WOW WOW.. Works great. Much faster and sharper..even the internet.

Easy install, no problems...

It was fast before really on the 80GB Fujistu I installed at about 45-50seconds..

Now it is a solid 30 seconds from startup and I am in like flynn. Even the partition process and windows installed faster?!

Doing XP Pro ..SP3.. not messing with Windows 7 at the moment.

Disabled Page file, prefetch, Indexing .. other usual XP tweaks as Im not on a network.

Anyway, all installed software, drivers, etc and all seems just fine..

The only oddity that bothers me is the green HD LED on the front of the machine is constantly on.

No processes running and it did this since the very beginning prior to the install of anything.

It will come on from the outset, immediately arriving to the bios password.

Disabled write caching, removed all other devices from BIOS list to inactivate everything but the Kingspec SSD.

Makes me feel it is simply looking at the SSD like a thumb drive or something.

Also, when I perform a "restart" it will take a moment longer to arrive at the bios password..and freeze.

When I enter the password, it hangs (or loads far too slow for me to wait). I should say freezes .. after a very long time a cursor will arrive at the top left of screen, and nothing...at least nothing worth waiting on as this is obviously some anomaly.

However, when I perform a "shutdown" and cold boot, no problems at all. None.

Is it some sort of motherboard or bios issue?

Surprised I do not see this issue anywhere within past posts.

Although a bit irking, I really have no problem with having to shutdown instead of restart, and the SSD is not actually running or doing anything. There are no processes or anything at all using it to cause the light to be on.

No sluggishness, no freezing, EVER ... all runs just great. Better than ever, so i am willing to accept this minor restart annoyance.

Again, this happens from immediately after Panasonic splash screen.

If it is merely a quirky thing due to BIOS compatibility, I dont care, but if it is a sign of something wrong I would like to know.


Just when I thought I was done THEY PULL ME BACK IN !!

All experienced thoughts genuinely appreciated.


EDIT: As I finished typing this, and for the first time after using it all day without issue, I allowed it to continue after selecting "restart" and not shutdown..

..after a very very long time, with the cursor at top left of screen, finally after a very long time "Operating System not found".

Shutdown and cold boot, all perfectly fine again...

As a final note, I did not do any of the alignment stuff..straight install. Single partition..

::::UPDATE::::

Later I recalled noticing a jumper on the last 2 pins of the SSD.

For those who dont know, that slightly distanced grouping set of 4 pins on the end of PATA drives. The SSD comes with a jumper on the very last 2 pins.

On the case of SSD itself shows graphic that this jumper is " 5v DC " .. how, why, I dont knw what it means really.

I have read searching around others installing a SSD and having SSD power issues or lack of power source, or something to this effect.

I have also noticed people mentioning having the HD LED on constantly and it was related to their CD Rom drive.

All other similar related issues searched online had some sort f freezing or fluttering issues...i have no performance issues.

Anyway, out of curiosity i removed the SSD and removed the jumper, reassembled and reinstalled and immediately after my BIOS password "OS not found".

Took it out and replaced the jumper and all is fine again. (excluding of course restart issue and LED mentioned before.)

Anyway, I am at this point convinced it is a small BIOS or motherboard incompatibility issue.

There is no freezing, sluggishness, hanging EVER of the system or opening or running apps of any sort. other than the reboot issue there are no problems.

I HAVE found others with a similar problem with the LED light remaining on..some forum of computer gurus taking of codes and things beyond me.

Also on intel motherboards...in the end told not to worry about it and enjoy the computer..it s a BIOS thing.

SO...I am going to let it go. If anything happens or changes. If it stops running great, or dies, I WILL return and update this thread.

If not, then all is well.

 

Sounds like very good results. Appreciate the tip on newer KingSpec Industrial grade.

I'd encourage you to consider the 4K alignment. It's probably not running as fast as it can when each read cycles takes extra time because it's not aligned.

 

Hi there

Thank you for the note..

Ok I will keep it in mind. I don't really understand the alignment process fully, but I did come across some info somewhere that explained it very well. Prefer to understand clearly and read up on it more before playing around, but I honestly couldnt want for much more as all is quite instant already.

I have disabled all caching and indexing, and run a pretty tight ship generally anyway.

Wiping occasionally should be fine, from what I read,and that process is NOWHERE as tedious and long as it used to be.

I have read of the possibility of things slowing down in time, but I hope this will not be the case.Otherwise alignment definitely necessary.

Yes, it all came new in the box and with a new cable as well. I have no problem recommending them as there are others sellng the same and who knows if they are early firmware versions that are apparently problematic or not.

They were very thorough and honest. "acesupplier11" on the auction site.

Ive read it could be some sort of connection issue triggering the LED, but im really not in the mood to take it apart just now, and i early dont think it will resolve anything. Al that stuff is really outside of what i am willing or capable of now to do anyway..

.. not to mention using he enclosed cable would not allow the cartridge to be used in the manner it is intended and Id have to rig something and close the cover with SSD in as the connector would have to be discarded and drive would have to be connected directly to the motherboard..


Anyway, if any issues occur at ANY TIME in the future, I WILL return and make it a point to post it as i think it's important for others in the future.

Otherwise, all is well !!


Been running it all day today to doing everything on it and monitoring everything, all good. The reboot issue and light notwithstanding.

Kind regards


ps; Love your avatar..haha

 

I can help with the freezing issue as I had the same thing. With my intel 335 SSD whenever it was doing something hard drive intensive it would sometimes freeze, the HDD light would stay on (not flicker) an the PC would be very sluggish, then after a minute it would be back to normal.
Turns out it's to do with the LPM being turned on, it's a power saving thing for the drives.
This post was very helpfull [SOLVED] \Device\Ide\iaStor0 did not respond within the timeout period - Tech Support Forum
I just followed that and turned of the LPM on all 6 ports and now it's all good.
Hope this helps.

 

Hello

Thanks, very useful for someone, but this is unrelated to what is going on.

I have no freezing issues, only when computer restart selected within windows will it not boot properly stating after very long time "NO OS FOUND"

Cold booting all is fine.

Also, i am using XP PRO SP3.
There is no such registry entry.

Regards.

 

FYI....I had similar issues using the SATA to IDE/PATA adapters..

First guess.
Is the SSD set as Master or cable select? For Toughbooks, you'll want Master..
Second possibilities
How did you partition the drive?
What is it formatted as? NTFS, FAT32, FAT16?

 

Hi Shawn

Oh really?? Do tell !!

No adapters used however. Orignal caddy, original connector(s) ..

NTFS

Set to master (I believe) .. excuse my ignorance, installed normally, partitioned as normal prior to install to use only one full partition.

Nothing fancy...

?


If there is anything I should know please tell..
Thanks.

 

Well,
The sata to pata adapters can be very funky. All sorts of boot issues. Lots of times once I got it to boot, it was fine. They are very undependable and unpredictable.
I was going nuts trying to get them to work. I finally gave up.
I would think NTFS should be fine. Single partition is the easiest.
Just out of curiosity check the boot order in the bios. Disable any boot to network.
A while ago I got a new pull HDD from an Apple TV and installed it in a non Apple laptop. It would not work right until I decreased the partition size a tiny bit. I could not use the first few megabytes on that drive. I ran into this on several used drives also.

 

I have not used my PATA to SATA adapter yet. I have been using a micro-SATA to PATA adapter with an 1/8" ssd. The overall length of the ssd and adapter is the same as a PATA hdd so I did not have to cut anything, just shim up the drive w/some padding. The only problem I have encountered is the hdd access light does not work. Other than that, boots fine, programs load quick and shuts down fast. All that in a CF-18 Mk1 running W7Ult.

I am trying to find the time to mod the PATA to SATA adapters I have so I do not have to cut or remove anything in the caddy assembly. It will be interesting to see if I encounter any of the problems you dealt with when I get one of mine installed.

What brand of adapter did you use Shawn? The ones I bought, both the micro-SATA to PATA and the SATA to PATA, are Addonics brand.

 

made in China,,sell cheap on fleabay brand...

 

Lol. Okay, gotcha.