How to install new OS on SSD

emptybox

Smudge's_Lot wrote: »

So the computer is all running well, but I am getting a screen pop up for approx 2 secs after the Dell start screen (optionsF2 etc) but before the Starting Windows screen. All works ok, but was curious about the screen.
It says
"Intel Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.5.0.1020 ICH10rR wRAID5
RAID Volumes:
None defined

It then lists the SSD and my old HDD with serial number and size but the "Type/Status" shows in green "Non-RAID Disk"

Press CTRL I to enter config utility.

I did this just before today and it shows options to convert the disks to RAID. Seeing as everything is OK, should I leave it as is? Or convert the disks to RAID?

It's probably because you set the Sata mode to RAID in the BIOS, but then didn't configure a RAID set-up.

Not sure why you set it to RAID in the first place?
For an SSD it's advised to set the Sata mode to AHCI, as A.Penny.Saved said in an earlier post.

Although setting it to RAID usually also enables AHCI (but not always), so the SSD will work fine, I don't see much point if you weren't wanting to set up your disks in a RAID array?
You may have had your reasons though?

https://www.techarp.com/bios-guide/sata-mode/

Presuming there is the AHCI option in Sata mode in your BIOS, you could still now change to that.
But better to follow this guide, to be on the safe side. Just in case AHCI isn't already enabled.
https://triplescomputers.com/blog/uncategorized/solution-switch-windows-10-from-raidide-to-ahci-operation/

You can check to see if you are properly running the AHCI driver by looking for references to it in Device manager.
https://superuser.com/questions/757936/check-if-my-ssd-in-runing-on-ahci-mode-inside-windows-7


ETA: Sorry for the long post, but I'm googling and learning at the same time.

It seems that if there is no AHCI option in your BIOS, then some advice says to use RAID mode for your SSD, and configure it to RAID 0, which gives some performance boost over the alternative, which would be to use legacy IDE mode.
https://serverfault.com/questions/471597/what-is-a-single-drive-raid-0-array

EveryWhere

Smudge's_Lot wrote: »

So the computer is all running well, but I am getting a screen pop up for approx 2 secs after the Dell start screen (optionsF2 etc) but before the Starting Windows screen. All works ok, but was curious about the screen.
It says
"Intel Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.5.0.1020 ICH10rR wRAID5
RAID Volumes:
None defined

It then lists the SSD and my old HDD with serial number and size but the "Type/Status" shows in green "Non-RAID Disk"

Press CTRL I to enter config utility.

I did this just before today and it shows options to convert the disks to RAID. Seeing as everything is OK, should I leave it as is? Or convert the disks to RAID?

Do nothing.

But;

Confirm TRIM is enabled in Win 7
Start> All Programs> Accessories> Right click Command Prompt, select "Run as Administrator"
At the command prompt type:
fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify

Press the Enter key. Two results are possible:

DisableDeleteNotify = 0: This indicates that TRIM is enabled and working on the operating system.
DisableDeleteNotify = 1: This means that TRIM is not enabled

EveryWhere

In addition, there may be some Driver updates available. Namely the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Driver

https://communities.intel.com/thread/111811


https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/24345/Intel-Driver-Support-Assistant

Smudge's_Lot

Yes Trim is indeed set to 0, several sites suggested that the Win 7 set up would automatically detect the SSD and set it to 0 by default.

In my BIOS, I only have ATA or RAID as options. But how do I set it to RAID0?

toshi

At 2018, SSD became a standard (hopefully!) You don't have to do anything for SSD setup. After Windows 7, Ubuntu 14.04, SSDs will be automatically recognised (optimised) by OS

https://www.howtogeek.com/256859/dont-waste-time-optimizing-your-ssd-windows-knows-what-its-doing/

I have used SSDs for a couple of years, I used to spend a lot of time for so-called SSD optimisation stuff (No swap file, disable indexing, TRIM etc etc.. ) But I concluded we really don't fuss about these optimasation. (Maybe good idea to follow SSD manufacturers instruction.)

Sandisk SSD Dashboard said, my total written is just over 4TB, and Media Wear Out Indicator shows only 1.43%, That means I can use my Sandisk X110 for more than 100 years ? lol



Even you use the IDE mode with an SSD, but this is still much faster than a SATA HARD DISK. (I actually used to use an IDE mode, and I really didn't bother to change to AHCI mode until I actually ran the benchmark test lol. Yes, I can tell the difference marginally between IDE and AHCI mode when I use my computer, but not that much as the benchmark shows)

Even you are not a geek kind of person, just get an SSD, you will be amazed. No worry! Just enjoy your blazingly faster SSD.

Don't forget make a regular backup as your SSD will be dead tomorrow!!

emptybox

Smudge's_Lot wrote: »

Yes Trim is indeed set to 0, several sites suggested that the Win 7 set up would automatically detect the SSD and set it to 0 by default.

In my BIOS, I only have ATA or RAID as options. But how do I set it to RAID0?

I don't think you can set up RAID now you have an OS installed, as it would clear all data from the disk.
Trim wouldn't work in IDE mode, so you are probably better off staying in RAID mode.

If the message bothers you, and you wanted to start from scratch, here's a video of someone setting up a RAID 0 array.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgo0OPSw9_E
(obviously your BIOS may be slightly different)

AlwaysHere

Smudge's_Lot wrote: »

Yes Trim is indeed set to 0, several sites suggested that the Win 7 set up would automatically detect the SSD and set it to 0 by default.

In my BIOS, I only have ATA or RAID as options. But how do I set it to RAID0?

Don't bother. Just check for Intel Driver updates.