New build, not sure about SSD/Drivers etc.
New build, not sure about SSD/Drivers etc.
Hello everyone, I'm putting together a PC for the first time in five years, which is a bit overwhelming. I have some questions about the new features. First, do I need to switch my SATA controller to AHCI before installing Windows on the SSD? Also, can I connect the SSD while changing it or should I wait until after I've set it up to AHCI? Second, regarding updates—what order should I follow for firmware, drivers, and Windows updates? I’ve already downloaded BIOS updates, chipset drivers, NVIDIA drivers, LAN drivers, audio drivers, USB3 drivers, and SSD firmware. The site mentions that Intel and AMD users must use the Microsoft AHCI driver and that you need Windows 8/8.1/7 SP1. My thought is to update Windows first, then install the SSD firmware (still using Microsoft AHCI), and finally handle BIOS/chipset or NVIDIA settings. Any advice would be really appreciated!
You must switch the controller to AHCI to activate TRIM on your SSD and improve overall performance. The timing of this step doesn’t matter—whether you set it before or after connecting the drive, you’ll need to restart the PC afterward. Remember to configure it prior to installing Windows, since the driver manager disables the AHCI support in IDE mode. This issue is straightforward; just confirm if you did it by accident.
Installing drivers in the correct sequence hasn’t caused problems for me, but I always prioritize installing all necessary drivers before launching programs or updates. Windows includes a standard set of AHCI drivers since Vista, and these will function properly on your system. Kingston indicates that the drive needs to operate in AHCI mode, and firmware updates are compatible only with Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 (or at least that’s their support). You should install your drivers first—including graphics ones—but once that’s done, you can proceed with updates normally.
The Kingston site indicates you need Windows 8.1, 8, 7 SP1, Vista SP2 or XP SP3 in AHCI mode. To proceed, install all relevant drivers, apply the latest updates, and consider updating your SSD firmware. Since you don’t have SP1, upgrading to it is necessary. (For Win7, 64-bit)
You'll need to set up Windows 7 SP1. It's available for free and should install via the Windows update. If it doesn't show right away, check the official Microsoft site for guidance: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windo...ice-pack-1