Q re: Firmware Update and Intel® Rapid Storage Technology driver and IDE vs. AHCI?

[idata]

Hi, I have a new system build using Windows 7 Pro 64 bit with X25-M 80 GB SSD as boot drive. I recently updated to the latest firmware (via

0811036202M388208850.ISO) and everything went well but the Windows Experience Index for the drive dropped from 7.5 to 7.3! is there an explanation for this? shouldn't performance be improving?!? Also, would it be advisable to update to the newest SATA drivers?

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&ProdId=2101&DwnldID=20215&ProductFamily=Chips... http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&ProdId=2101&DwnldID=20215&ProductFamily=Chips...

Finally, I'm using IDE right now instead of AHCI. Does intel recommend AHCI or is IDE ok? I can switch after install but wanted to make sure that there is a good reason to do so.

Thank you

[MBall5]

Please note that if you have questions regarding the Windows Experience Index I suggest you to contact the operating system manufacturer since this is part of the (Os)

Regarding the IDE Vs. AHCI question, I suggest you to use the AHCI option, since the TRIM command will be supported natively only if you select the AHCI prior of the installation of the (Os), it is recommended to keep the AHCI option

If you want you can update the sata drivers but the most important update is the firmware update of the ssd.

[idata]

Thank you. I enabled AHCI after install and updated the SATA drivers as well as installed the Intel Rapid Storage file. Rechecking the windows experience saw it move back up to 7.7 for the SSD !

w00t