Installing Intel SSD in a X201s - please help

[visitor]

Hi all,

I have an Intel X-25M 160gb SSD which I would like to replace my X201's HD with.

I've read about alignment issues which would recommend making a fresh re-install of Windows 7.
But the thought of having to re-install and re-configure every single application in my system is discouraging.

So, has anyone successfully installed an SSD in a X201s by way of cloning with an external enclosure without issues ?
I have found some threads mentioning X201 or X200 but not specifically the X201s.

Also, in case there's no way out of a clean install, can I do it using the x201s factory install disks or should I use a standard Microsoft Win 7 installation ?

Appreciate any advise.
Many thanks.

Visitor
[ T23, T42, X31, X60s, X201s]

[Atreides]

X201s should work the same as a X200 or X201.

There are programs that will let you do a full clone, but (if its not too much work) I think it's generally recommended to do a clean install when you get a SSD to allow the OS to configure it properly, and the SSD controller to organize things the best way.

You could use either the factory install disks or standard 7 discs, shouldn't matter.

[visitor]

Thanks for clarifying. As far as things such as firmware and BIOS, is it imperative that I do any of them for the X201s and/or the SDD before attempting the installation ? Mine is a 2010 machine, haven't done any BIOS upgrade.

Also, in case I keep the original HHD for backup, what would happen if I wanted to put it back in (in case of SSD malfunctions or else).
Would I have to again do something about BIOS or alignment ?

Thanks again.

[EOMtp]

... SSD ... alignment issues which would recommend making a fresh re-install of Windows ...

There is no need to re-install Windows. Just clone your drive onto the SSD, and then run Paragon's Alignment Tool:
http://www.paragon-software.com/home/pa ... alignment/

[visitor]

Thanks EOMtp, I'll have a look at Paragon's utility, sounds like a good time saver.

[Tony Chan]

Intel supplies a cloning software if you are cloning to/from a Intel SSD and I believe it is actually a re-brand Acronis. I've just bought a Intel 320 120 Gb SSD and download it from intel site, finished the whole process from my x200s ( from a Corsair F90 ) in less than 20 mins. Now if you are cloning from a non ssd I assume it'll take a bit longer.

The whole process was very smooth and very very straight forward. If you have a Intel SSD, I suggest you give it a try first.

[visitor]

Thanks Tony, I wasn't aware of that, will check Intel's software.

[Tony Chan]

The name of the software is called Intel Data Migration Software. I downloaded from the link below :

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_ ... ldID=19324

I used the first entry which is is version 1.1 English build, about 93 Mb. When launch it will look for a intel ssd, if not found it won't allow you to use it. After that, it's 4 or 5 easy click away. I have my existing ssd as the 1st hard drive, and the new Intel ssd in ultrabay. Once I made all my selection, it will reboot into some sort of dos mode ( as it is "cloning" a bootable drive) and begin cloning. Once done, I swap the ssd, boot up again, and never have to do anything else. Like i said, very simple, and everything just works.

[visitor]

One question, Tony : with the Intel cloning software can I clone the internal HDD onto the SSD inside an external enclosure, or else I should do it reversely starting the system with the HHD inside the enclosure with the SSD already inside the X201s ?
I remember this order-of-things having been discussed years ago about other Thinkpad models. Is it relevant nowadays ?
Thanks again.

[Tony Chan]

In a way, what I did was exactly what you are trying to do. I was running my x200s with a Corsair F90 but want to upgrade to a larger Intel ssd. So I put the new (empty) Intel ssd in ultrabay, boot up x200s with F90 as boot drive, and run the migration software. Like I said earlier, once I finished a few selections, the software understands that I need to clone the existing boot drive to the new intel drive. It then start the cloning process after a reboot ( so it can properly clone a boot drive ). Once it's done, I stutdown windows, replace my F90 with Intel drive. On it's first boot up, I saw a very fast script ran ( like 0.1 seconds ) but that's the only thing I notice. From then on, I would never be able to tell any difference.

Fyi, the only pause I have with those few questions was the one about sizing ( since I'm cloning into a bigger drive ) so I choose proportion for the 2 partitions ( around 1.5 gb for the service partition, up from 1.1gb, and use whatever left as my system drive partition).

[visitor]

Thanks once again, Tony. It looks like I have the right directions now. Next step is dedicate a calm morning and proceed with backups and do the SSD plunge. I can't wait to get rid of rotating disk paranoia and enjoy the extra speed.
When I accomplish the move I will write back with any observations so others may benefit.