Noob Question: Clean Install of Win7 on 730

[MAhme11]

Hiya. I want to do a clean install of Windows 7 Ultimate on a 730 SSD (480GB) in a new Dell XPS 8910, replacing the existing Windows 10 boot drive. I'm wondering what issues I need to watch out for. I'm a SSD noob.

For example, one Intel support doc states "Make sure the BIOS [in my case UEFI] setting is properly set, especially the SATA mode setting." without saying what that correct setting is? I assumed AHCI. But a Tom's Hardware thread mentioned that Intel recommends RAID. Maybe my search skills suck but I can't find an answer on intel.com.

I'm also wondering if there are any issues with installing WIn7 on an Intel SSD these days.

Thanks for any and all help.

[idata · Accepted solution]

Hello Adair,

We understand you would like to perform a clean installation of Windows* 7 on your brand new http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/solid-state-drives/consumer-ssds/intel-ssd-730-series... Intel® SSD 730 Series, and would like some guidance.First off, don't worry, solid state drives do not require all the complicated and confusing setup that many forums will have you believe. Starting with Windows* 7, modern operating systems provide native support for SSDs. And since your drive is a SATA model, all that is necessary is to change the SATA mode to AHCI or RAID in the BIOS/UEFI, install the OS, and you will be ready to go. Even though AHCI is closely related to RAID, using RAID mode may actually result in a small performance loss. We actually recommend to use AHCI unless you specifically need RAID.As far as things to watch out for, simply make sure to remove your current hard drive before the installing Windows*. Otherwise, Windows* will place a hidden recovery partition on it, complicating matters. Later, you can re-attach your original hard drive, format it, and use it as you'd like.Additionally, but mostly unrelated to your question. Once Windows* is installed you may like to download and install the latest Intel® SSD Toolbox. This is a simple application that will notify you if a firmware update is available, and help you monitor your drive's health.- https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/26492/Intel-Solid-State-Drive-Toolbox?product=80096 Intel® Solid State Drive Toolbox.We would also like to link you to this external article, since you say that you're new to solid state drives. Hopefully it will help you stay away from some very widely spread SSD maintenance myths.- http://www.howtogeek.com/256859/dont-waste-time-optimizing-your-ssd-windows-knows-what-its-doing/ http://www.howtogeek.com/256859/dont-waste-time-optimizing-your-ssd-windows-knows-what-its-doing/Note: Any links provided for third party tools or sites are offered for your convenience and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Intel® of the content, products, or services offered there. We do not offer support for any third party tool mentioned here.If you have any more questions, please let us know. We're always more than glad to help.Best regards,Carlos A.