Adding mSata data drive - config?

Hi folks. I'm adding a 256GB Crucial mSata for additional data capacity. I already have a Intel 520 SSD as my boot drive so please don't direct me to mSata OS install links. What I need to know is what I need to do after the physical install of the mSata to format it for data. Any Bios actions will it simply be visible for NTFS formatting in Computer Management admin tools?
THanks for any help...

 

It's electrically sata so treat it like putting an SSD into a 2.5" bay.

 

either it shows up right away so ull just need to format it with a filesystem in order to be able to put data on it or ull have to initialize and partition it first using the windows built-in management tool:

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows7/ht/partition-hard-drive-windows-7.htm

cheers

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It's pretty straightforward as Meaker implied. It should show up in Disk Management - then you just initialize it and format it.

 

Cool thanks folks. What do you guys think of the Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD3 mSATA 256GB SATA? $204 at newegg...

 

Crucial makes good drives. We usually recommend Intel 520 series or Samsung 840 Pro. If you go with crucial check out the M500 its the newest ones they make a bit faster then the M4.

 

I have the 520 as my primary drive I think you are talking about non-mSata though? I'm looking at mSata as a secondary here. Love the 520 though.

 

the M500 comes in 2.5", mSATA and that nextgen form factor (the name always slips my mind) and is definitely preferable to the M4 performance-wise

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That or the atlas drive since its just a data drive.

 

Oh you're right i was talking regular SSD. But as Jaybee83 pointed out there are mSATA Crucial M500 available.

 

I hear good things about the Corsair SSDs as well, but yeah the Intel and Samsung drives are quite reliable.

 

Will the m500 really be any faster considering the msata slot on the p170em is only sata 2? Am considering getting an msata as well.

 

You're exactly right, any of the SATA III mSATA drives wont really show any difference in the II port. Escpeially when used as a storage drive and not the OS drive.

 

the m500 would still show significant improvements when it comes to IOPS and small file transfer rates, since those arent even close to maxing out the sata 3 bandwidth,even with today's fastest ssds

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It all depends on what you are putting on them, if it's just a lump of stuff you need but don't access very often the cheapest reliable brand will do.

 

There are certainly tiers of reliability but that's basically true.

 

We can't all just get huge intel drives unfortunately My vector has been very well behaved though.

 

I ended up getting the Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD3 mSATA 256GB SATA. I needed the capacity more than I needed the speed. All the other drives were pretty small.

 

Thats a good drive, i put the 128GB version in an older desktop that only supports SATA II, its been running great.

 

Yeah the last MMO I installed was a whopping 35GB. The 128GB drives fill up quick. Heck they all fill up quick! Looks like my BlueRay drive is going next LOL

 

Consdier installing games on a HDD. The only time they get an advantage of the faster speed is during game start and map load times. Actual game play doenst make a difference.

 

What is this "HDD" of which you speak?

 

Hard Disk Drive

 

If I must reclaim my BlueRay can I put a 1TB HDD in there?

 

Yes, as long as it's a standard 2.5" SATA drive, it will fit in the caddy.

 

Yes as Tmets mentioned. You do need to get a caddy to mount the hard drive in the optical bay though.

 

The M4s while not the quickest are very tested and reliable, hardly a poor mans choice on that.

 

They are good drives, although the firmware they ship with often needs updated - especially lately, it seems. We have received several in lately and largely the problem has been firmware and/or garbage collection; both of which are easily fixed.