If buying an SSD for a deskside windows system, it is best to configure the new disk as the book disk since the SSD will then also provide the swap file location, and the location for most of the software binaries. How might one do this? Here are my notes.
Can I install the SSD inside my system case? This can be answered by reading the system documentation.
What is the i/o bus architecture? This is important because you need to plan how to attach the SSD to the computer, if doing it via a USB port, it’s much easier, but may be slower than directly connecting it to the main (PCI) bus and that isn’t really what’s wanted.
Crucial have published a blog that addresses this complexity. This was pointed out to me by Graham Fletcher. They unhelpfully conclude,
The most important aspect to consider is which form factor and interface is installed on your computer. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a PCIe and a SATA connection if you look at the slot on the motherboard. Check your computer specifications to see which interface and form factor your computer supports. You can also use the Crucial System Advisor™ or System Scanner to find a compatible part and interface.
So once again, read the manual.
To be frank, my knowledge and experience on this is dated; obviously some reading to do. How you plan to connect will/may determine what you buy.
Once you have a new disk, you must
- configure it as a boot device
- amend the bios to use the new boot device as the default boot device.
Making a boot device
Google is your friend, there’s lots of advice out there.
To tweak the bios, again, you’ll need the manual but you need to interrupt the boot sequence using a function key and then, again, read the manual, to set the device order that the system chooses. This might be a removable medium, followed by the SSD, followed by the old HDD.