Installing a Solid State Hard Drive (HELP!!!!!)

[broncoFan!]

Not sure if this is the right place or not but I need help. I'm having a real hard time installing my solid state hard drive, and I'll give cps to whomever gives me the answer.

The frustrating thing is that I can't just take plugs from my motherboard and use them because it uses a different type of plug altogether than what the solid state uses. Where do I go from here?

[BroncoFanNC]

It should just be a SATA cable?

[broncoFan!]

That's what I was wondering. There are two ports. Do I have to use both or as long as I just have one SATA cable will I be OK?

[BroncoFanNC]

You only need one. That's all I have hooked into mine. (1 SATA cable, the other slot is for a power cord from the power supply)

[broncoFan!]

Do I have to have my computer turned off to install it?

[BroncoFanNC]

Yes, turn it off.

I'm assuming you want to install your operating system on it, yes?

[BroncoFanNC]

I'd unplugged the data cable from my old hard drive (while its off) and plug in the new one in that same slot, then install Windows 7 preferably.

After its done, shut it back and and plug the old hard drive into a different slot in the mobo, and use that one for data storage.

[theMileHighGuy]

Yeah you're definitely going to want to turn it off when changing out any hardware. The wider plug is what runs to your mobo, and there should be a smaller one that corresponds to a plug from the power supply. There might be an adapter involved depending on the age of your psu to convert a standard 4 prong into the sata power.

From there it's just like any other hard drive, boot up, format, install windows. Once windows is up shut her off again and attach your old IDE drive. Likely it will be plug n play for that one.

[broncoFan!]

I'm already using Windows 7 so I should be good to go. Is there a way to check to make sure my SSD installed properly?

[theMileHighGuy]

I'm already using Windows 7 so I should be good to go. Is there a way to check to make sure my SSD installed properly?

Yeah if you turn the computer on and it sees it it installed properly

[broncoFan!]

Yeah if you turn the computer on and it sees it it installed properly

Hahah lol I meant would it show up under properties or anything along those lines? But, I did see that it was installed properly so thank you guys! I just wanted to know about the ports and whatnot so I wouldn't be wasting my time.

[BroncoFanNC]

Install windows on the SSD, it will increase overall performance.

You really would be wasting the technology of the SSD if you are just using it for data storage.