Instelling SSD into my np9261

I consider to replace the OS (Win 7 64-bit) and Programs HD of my Sager np9261 with an SSD in order to boot up and start programs faster.

I have some questions:

1. I have cloned my HD before and think to do that here again to prevent me from hours of reinstalling programs and stuff, does that make sense?
   
2. Is it best to place the SSD underneath the battery, because that's cooler than joining it into the bracket were my data disk are?
   
3. My OS and Programs currently occupy little over 60 gig, so I would think a 120 gig SSD will certainly be enough for now?
   
4. Does my system support SATA 600 or should I only consider SSD's with SATA 300?
   
5. The OCZ AGT3-25SAT3-120G would cost me about EUR 180 or USD 250, would that work and would it be a good choice?

All suggestions are welcome!

 

I think cloning will not work, be prepared to reinstall everything. (i did not try)
From my experience as long as the battery is not used the place under it is the coolest, but when it charge it becomes warm very fast.
SATA-600 is NOT supported by D901C.
The differences between SSDs are not so large, but if you plan to use for the OS and Programs better buy one that is fast with small files The maximum speed a SSD can get will not in general make you r booting fast. I bought the Intel 320 of 160 GB because of the reputation despite the fact that other have higher max speed.
According to tomshardware.com and anandtech.com reviews of SSD the versions below 160 GB were significantly slower than the ones of 160 GB and larger.

 

Currently the disk I use for OS and Programs is a Seagat Hybrid 320 GB. It is quite fast but I expect it to be no match for a SSD. I hear you. I intend to use the SSD to boot with and to start my programs from. I have separate disks for data. I will check the Intels!

I use my system for work as well. A lot of stuff has been installed on it by our ICT guy. I do not wnat to bother him with a reinstall. 1 Year ago I upgraded by cloning all stuff, I hope to repeat that. I am running SATA in normal mode right now. Is it necesseary to switching to AHCI mode and reinstall everything?

 

i am pretty sure you have to switch to ahci mode for ssd to get optimum speeds and more importantly work correctly. i highly recommend in intel 320, especially if you are limited to sata II. as previously posted, you're already going to notice a BIG difference coming from hdd, but you'll get more out of a 160gig than a 120gig. but that's up to you if the extra speed and 40gigs is worth another $80 or so. but yeah, 120 should be plenty if your boot and important programs are only taking up 60 gigs.

 

If you buy a Intel SSD, Intel has a special software for porting/copying the content of your old harddrive. It may well work on other brands of SSD's to, but I'm not sure about this.

If you don't/can't use this, the best option is to do a clean OS install on the new SSD, and then move the stuff that you want over from the old one to the new.

And yes, check your BIOS to set the SATA mode to AHCI, if possible. The SSD willl benefit greatly.

 

Yes I forgot to mention that. Intel provides the Intel Data Migration Software.

 

If you are limited to SATA II (3Gb/s), then the best SSD in the market are those who have the SF1200 chipset, specially if you are using the SSDfor OS because you need a high 4Kb random transfer rate. They are more expensive than other, but they are the best in OS using. Beside the 120Gb capacity is strangely the fastest between the other capacities.

 

Would that include an SSD like the OCZ OCZSSD2-2VTXE120G?
I can buy that one for EUR 158...

By the way, could this work:

<Quote>...Enable AHCI

The last tip we want to give you to gain a little extra performance boost is that you enable AHCI mode. AHCI mode can help out greatly in performance for SSDs. Now, if you swap out an HDD for an SSD with the operating system cloned and THEN enable AHCI in the BIOS, then you'll get a boot error / BSOD.

The common question is, is there a solve for this ?

To answer that question (and as we do safely with all modern chipsets) there is a way to safely enable AHCI mode. Here we go:

1. Startup "Regedit
2. Open HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / SYSTEM / CurrentControlset / Services
3. Open msahci
4. In the right field left click on "start" and go to Modify
5. In the value Data field enter "0" and click "ok"
6. exit "Regedit"
7. Reboot Rig and enter BIOS (typically hold "Delete" key while Booting)

In your BIOS select "Integrated Peripherals" and OnChip PATA/SATA Devices. Now change SATA Mode from IDE to AHCI.

You now boot into windows 7 or Vista, and the OS will recognize AHCI and install the devices. Now the system needs one more reboot and voilla .. enjoy the improved SSD 1 performance. <END QUOTE>

 

Regardless of which ssd you choose, you will see a significant difference in speed from the hdd you have. The real differences between the ssd's will be from slightly noticeable to none.

 

Will, just that the model number you have mentioned from OCZ refers to 2 different models that have unfortunately the same part number and it's almost difficult to know which one you are buying, the "new and not so improved" 25nm or the "old and faster" 32nm. In consequence, I don't recommend to go for that part number. Instead, you have these excellent FS 1200 SSD : 120GB Corsair Force F120 and 120GB OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 120GB OWC Mercury Extreme Pro

 

thx for the warning pkhetan!

I can get the 120GB Corasir Force F120 for EUR 192,- that's a bit more than the probably inferior OCZ-version.

 

I suggest you to check the feedback on newegg and amazon for the item you buy, it might save head aches.

 

Be aware that manufacturers recently has recalled a huge number of Sandforce based SSD's, due to mounting problems.

 

I do not have the SSD yet but switched my Bios (v22) to AHCI and restarted. Got a warning that this version does not recognize USB devices. Does that sound familiar. How did you manage? Did you switch to AHCI? Do you run Bios v22 or newer?