SSD questions

[Squall1234567]

I just bought a new Samsung 830 SSD and it is super fast, but I'm just confused with all the literature floating around about SSD optimization.


Do any of you own an SSD and do you recommend any optimization tweaks?



Also, this might be a dumb question, but does it matter which SATA controller you connect the SSD to? What I mean is my mobo has intel 3gb sata controllers and 2 Marvell 6gb sata controllers.

Obviously, since the samsung supports 6gb sata, I should connect to the marvell controller, but I have been reading some forum posts that some marvell controllers don't support TRIM and it seems the controller on my mobo is one of them.

To me, that doesn't make sense. I thought TRIM was a software and SSD controller issue.

What do you think?

[Mr T]

Connect it to the marvell controller it will be fine. Ensure it is running in ACHI mode and not IDE mode. Windows 7 and windows 8 support TRIM natively, so you will be good to go.

[Squall1234567]

So TRIM is independent of the SATA controller and their drivers?



Also, what do think about those SSD tweaks that I see on the web? Tweaks like, disabling indexing, reducing the pagefile etc... Are those tweaks still recommended?

[Mr T]

I have found they made no difference and if you have TRIM set, pretty much irrelevant.

[bdub]

check the disk defragmenter, make sure that defragging the c: drive is off.
type "defrag" in start menu search box, choose the disk defragmenter, hit "configure schedule" button, hit "select disks", your c drive should not be available to choose.
win7 should've done it for you, as well as set the trim which is an easy thing to check...
Open Command Prompt with Administrative privileges (Run as administrator) and enter the follow command.

fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify

If the result is '0' TRIM is enabled.

i THINK the marvell may be fine with win7, it's just earlier OS's that trim may not be good for on that controller.

the thread here has some other information thru it that is valuable...
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/wind ... 0e05dac350

[Mr T]

check the disk defragmenter, make sure that defragging the c: drive is off.
type "defrag" in start menu search box, choose the disk defragmenter, hit "configure schedule" button, hit "select disks", your c drive should not be available to choose.
win7 should've done it for you, as well as set the trim which is an easy thing to check...
Open Command Prompt with Administrative privileges (Run as administrator) and enter the follow command.

fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify

If the result is '0' TRIM is enabled.

the thread here has some other information thru it that is valuable...
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/wind ... 0e05dac350

Win 7 and win 8 natively set TRIM. I haven't even noticed the defrag thing, but using win8 the boot speed and basic smooth running was a lot better than win7, so it looks like win8 is better off on SSD's (I know a side note).. And on that side note, to me it is well worth speing the few bucks and getting win8 pro upgrade from M$.

[Squall1234567]

On the side, what do you think of windows 8?

I haven't done much research on windows 8, but does it still have the traditional desktop view with a start button?

[Mr T]

No start button as such, but still you get the desktop... So far have found it sharper and quicker, a lot quicker than win7 and below...

[Squall1234567]

I saw a deal on windows 8. I might try it.


Anyways, back to the subject, I think I'll connect to the Marvell controllers.

Just one more minor gripe.

Ever since I installed the SSD, my screensaver would come out of screensaver mode even though I did not move my mouse or keyboard keys.

Does this have something to do with the garbage collection feature or is it something else?

Is there any way to check what could be bringing my computer out of the screensaver?

[Karlsweldt]

..my screensaver would come out of screensaver mode even though I did not move my mouse or keyboard keys.

There are many features monitored for activity that could deactivate a screen saver. Serial and parallel ports, LAN activity, incoming mail notices, hard disk activity and such.. as well as keyboard or mouse input.
Check the BIOS page concerning "wake up" settings.
If the mouse is very sensitive to DPI resolution, even a "shake" from external sources such as a foot stomp near the desk could cause a signal from the mouse! And if wireless, then consider any nearby devices that have to share the same frequency that could cause interference.. cordless phones, remote controls, or a similar mouse within 50 feet or so!