First SSD - suggestions and setup

[BryceBooth]

Most SSD's sold these days include a 3.5" drive adapter in the box, unless you purchase an OEM drive. Most firmware updates are fine so long as they are non-destructible ( many of OCZ's latest have been destructible), make sure to read up on the update that you are applying to your specific drive, as methods may vary. Bootable CD's are an easy way to perform the task, however you may just luck out and have the latest firmware installed out of the box.

[great_big_abyss]

Actually one of the drive cages on your 690 should have holes to accept a 2.5" drive

Originally Posted by great_big_abyss

Actually one of the drive cages on your 690 should have holes to accept a 2.5" drive

Hmm, on the original 690? I'll have to take another look at it.

Also, do you guys think I should stick with an 128GB version?

And what do you think of the Plextor M5S?

[BryceBooth]

Plextors M5S looks to be a good drive:
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...EnyUoJFCt8BBcQ

A 120-128GB drive will leave you with @111GB after formatting, and they can start to feel quite small after installing apps and a few games. If that is all that you require, then there is no real reason to get a larger capacity, although for best performance it is usually recommended to use less than half of the drives capacity. I run mine at nearly 75% full, and they seem just fine though.

[Soultribunal]

Originally Posted by zeus3dfx

How do I go about updating the firmware on an SSD before installing Windows on it?

Also, I realized just now that a 2.5" to 3.5" kit would be VERY helpful, as my cm690 has no space for 2.5" drives. Do any of the drives we talked about come with a kit?

Well if you want something cheap, reliable, good ITGC, comes with that adaptor and is under $100.

Mushkin Chronos 120GB 2.5IN SATA3 SandForce SF-2281 SSD Solid State Disk Flash Drive

Recommended to me by a good friend on the forums. Sometimes its best to take a cheap foray into the SSD world first before dropping 2bills on a drive.

Just image with Acronis and you're laughing,

-ST