Just Purchased X25-M 160GB, have questions

[idata]

Hello,

I just purchased an X25-M 160GB drive, and I have to admit that I'm confused with what I'm reading in all of these discussions relating to Firmware updates, Toolkits, etc.

I intend on doing a fresh install of Windows 7 64-bit.

My first question is about when, how, and if I need to do the firmware update. Since I just bought the drive today (4/23/2010), does it come with the latest firmware installed, or should I still be doing the update?

If I do need to do the update, do I need to do it before I install Windows 7? I notice that the firmware download creates a bootable CD. I intend on doing the firmware update before the Windows 7 installation - is this correct?

I also see numerous posts about TRIM. What is TRIM and how do I enable it in Windows 7? If I do a fresh install with the latest firmware, is TRIM enabled by default, or do I have to turn it on?

I did read through the "Readme.txt" that accompanies the actual firmware download, but it wasn't clear if drives purchased recently require the update. It also wasn't clear what Windows 7 specific things I must do *after* installing this firmware update.

Thanks for your help,

Jon

[idata]

message deleted (wrong link)

Message was edited by: ambizytl

[idata]

When it comes time to install the AHCI driver, the Intel 9.6.0.1014 is the best way to go at this time: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProductFamily=Chipsets&ProductLine=Chipse... http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProductFamily=Chipsets&ProductLine=Chipse...

You could let Windows 7 install the default msahci driver and install the above over it, which is what I did.