1. Get Windows 8.1 instead. There is no way to get the key back if you don't have one from a physical disc sticker and can't retrieve it from the current install with a software tool. You could always use daz I suppose.
2. I feel you, Just yesterday was my 2nd ever SSD failure, both mushkins. Though mine were over a longer period since 2010 so I really can't fault the brand much. On the other hand I still have my first ssd from intel bought in 2008 going strong so...
Damn, sorry to hear, Nubs. I had some bad luck with OCZ drives, too. Switched over to 840 Evos a while ago and everything's been peachy.
If you end up needing a new Win 7 code, let me know. I have a spare or two lying around. Win 8.1, as well. :thumb:
http://www.ncix.com/detail/adata-sp600-2-5-256gb-sata3-80-94211-1248.htm
$99 for ADATA 256GB
Not sure about their reliability though.
$90 USD on their NCIX US site
http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=94211&vpn=ASP600S3-256GM-C&manufacture=AData%20Technology&promoid=1248
If you can get by with a 128GB, the 850 Pro is the way to go (especially with that huge warranty) although the $$/GB is much better at the 256GB level. I always go for the most ssd/hdd that I can afford. It sucks running out of space.
I've been running corsair Force SSD's. I've got 2 in my desktop right now. Both about 2 years old. No issues with them (yet, knock on wood)
I've been running corsair Force SSD's. I've got 2 in my desktop right now. Both about 2 years old. No issues with them (yet, knock on wood)
As a matter of principle, I refuse to buy Corsair.
Yeah, I have mostly videos and music, which are better suited to HDDs right now. I only would keep a handful of games on the SSD. I'll probably go for the 256GB because it's only ~45% more expensive, but damn, it's hard to plop that money down.
If you can get by with a 128GB, the 850 Pro is the way to go (especially with that huge warranty) although the $$/GB is much better at the 256GB level. I always go for the most ssd/hdd that I can afford. It sucks running out of space.
Yeah, I have mostly videos and music, which are better suited to HDDs right now. I only would keep a handful of games on the SSD. I'll probably go for the 256GB because it's only ~45% more expensive, but damn, it's hard to plop that money down.
This is why msata and m.2 are awesome. Get one of those and a 2TB-4TB 2.5" hdd and you're golden for a mitx set up and can have super tiny case still.
This is why msata and m.2 are awesome. Get one of those and a 2TB-4TB 2.5" hdd and you're golden for a mitx set up and can have super tiny case still.
This!
If you have an 8 key, you can go to 8.1 from that (or rather install 8.1 from generic install key and put in the correct key to activate). If you haven't tried 8.1 it's a huge difference and definitely worth it in my opinion. SSD prices have dropped huge lately sometimes you can get 250/256GB for like $75-90 on sales. Keeping an image of the ssd if you have room on a hdd is never a bad idea either. While it's less likely firmware updates are destructive these days they can still be handy just in case, or if you want to reclaim performance periodically by doing a full ata secure erase.
I cried when I bought my 1TB Evo but I really only wanted one drive in my case. mITX has its drawbacks. :-[
I have been very happy with my 840 evo. I figure if it dies before the 3 year warranty, I will replace it. If not, I will probably upgrade by then anyways.
I have been very happy with my 840 evo. I figure if it dies before the 3 year warranty, I will replace it. If not, I will probably upgrade by then anyways.
My upgrade cycle tends to be closer to 4-5 years because I'm a cheap bastard. The only reason I have a 3570k is because my Athlon II X3 that I had unlocked to a Phenom II X4 and overclocked died on me...or, more likely, the cheap MSI board died and may have killed it.
Any recommendations for good software for imaging a drive? Last time I tried using Acronis and it did not play well.
I've run into the "lost w7 key" issue very frequently as a computer repair tech. Most often you can just call the number they provide and activate by phone. I've done it at least a dozen times and it's worked every one.
I've run into the "lost w7 key" issue very frequently as a computer repair tech. Most often you can just call the number they provide and activate by phone. I've done it at least a dozen times and it's worked every one.
Nubbs, I have a few copies of Windows Vista kicking around if you need an upgrade point. However, for what it's worth, I have used "upgrade" versions of Windows 8 and 8.1 to do full installs on hard drives before. Pretty sure the images are the same when they're downloaded.
I'll also throw my hat into the "try Windows 8.1" pool. It's really, really good. There will be a few days of adjustment, but you'll probably find it to be faster (boot, operation, etc.). I've really dug it.
I got a copy of each of the Windows 8 versions (both 8 and 8.1 in both x86 and x64), so I can spare one of them if need be. Otherwise, good advice all around.
Guessing that the SSDs that failed on you were Sandforce based. No idea about current gen sandforce, but the previous ones have been pretty horrid in terms of reliability.
Intel usually leads in terms of reliability (when their own controller is used), but Crucial and Samsung are not too far behind. Plextor and Seagate offerings are promising as well, but I don't think any long term studies have been done on them yet.
Well, if you can't activate Windows 7, you can always get Windows 98!
Well, if you can't activate Windows 7, you can always get Windows 98!
98 doesn't support SSDs.
Well, if you can't activate Windows 7, you can always get Windows 98!
98 doesn't support SSDs.
Who cares?
LOL. I actually do have Windows 98 installed on a 16GB SSD in my retro gaming rig. As long as you use SSD with VERY good internal garbage collection it's OK asides from 98 occasionally freaking out when certain operations complete too fast.
Nubbs, I have a few copies of Windows Vista kicking around if you need an upgrade point. However, for what it's worth, I have used "upgrade" versions of Windows 8 and 8.1 to do full installs on hard drives before. Pretty sure the images are the same when they're downloaded.
It's easy to install 8.1 with an 8 upgrade key. You simply don't use it to install, but rather one of the generic keys [Core: 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT | Professional: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB]. Then you change the key to your 8 key to activate. You should also be able to get the 8.1u1 ISO from here (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only) with your 8 key as long as it is a retail not OEM license. Just make sure you do this from an x64 Windows PC if you want the x64 ISO.
Found my old key. I had written it down somewhere. Slowly installing drivers and software and getting it back to normal. I forgot how long and annoying it can be.
Found my old key. I had written it down somewhere. Slowly installing drivers and software and getting it back to normal. I forgot how long and annoying it can be.
Awesome. Glad you got it running.
Found my old key. I had written it down somewhere. Slowly installing drivers and software and getting it back to normal. I forgot how long and annoying it can be.
Awesome. Glad you got it running.
Me too. Now just remembering what all I had installed and getting it set up the way I like it again. Such a pain.
I ended up going with the Samsung 850 Pro 256GB. It was hard to part with the money, but the 10 year warranty is reassuring.
AMD SSD will also be OEM by Toshiba so it's nothing interesting.
I've have very good luck/ performance from a Crucial M4 256MB, which has taken a beating.
AMD SSD will also be OEM by Toshiba so it's nothing interesting.
Buttttttt.... We could possibly bet on some magical expertise they have in quality control or maybe some IP they could input into their line..Show Image(http://img.chinacomputerparts.com/pic/z1d8c261-300x300-1/peeled_onion.jpg)
Mine wasn't an Evo. I had a Mushkin Enhanced Chronos and, before that, an OCZ Vertex 2.yeah, just saying that never had SSD failure before
I had a Mushkin Enhanced Chronos.