Desktop SSD just died :(

[nubbinator]

And I don't have my Windows 7 activation code written down anywhere.  Any recommendations on how to get it reauthorized and replaced or what to do when I get a new drive for my computer.

And I'm pissed since this is the second SSD I've had die on me.  The first one in under a year (OCZ), the second on in just over two years (Mushkin).

[IvanIvanovich]

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...

[Sent]

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.

[nubbinator]

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...

I may have found the original key in my e-mail, but it's an upgrade key.  I had had a free copy of Vista Ultimate that I installed, then installed Win 7 over that.  And I have a Windows 8 upgrade lying around, I just hated it when I played with it. A lot of the shortcuts/hotkeys I use were removed and you have to go about things in a more circuitous fashion

2 years is just too short to me.  I've had HDDs that lasted much longer than that.  By the sounds of it, the controller dying like that is a problem with that series.  I may swing by MicroCenter after work or during lunch tomorrow and grab a new SSD if the price is right, but I hate having to reinstall everything and get it just right.  I need to figure out how to image a drive, save a copy of the image, then just do that if it dies again or I decide I need to reformat.   At least I have no excuse not to clean my computer a little now.

I may even decide to sell off some stuff and move to mITX.

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.

Thanks man.  I'll hit you up if I run into issues with it all.

[Sent]

Are you talking about the Microcenter in Tustin?  I was just there.  Lol.  SSD prices have been dropping consistently last few months.  I don't know what size you're looking for but between TD, Microcenter, Amazon, and Newegg there's been a lot of sales going on for anything from 120 - 500GB.  Like Ivan said, the Intels seem pretty solid and I've had nothing but great experiences with the Samsung's. 

+1 for mITX.

[nubbinator]

That would be the one.

I'm now debating between the Samsung 840 Evo 120 for $90at MC, 840 Evo 250GB for $150 at MC or $130 off Amazon, 850 Pro 128GB for $130 at Amazon, or the 850 Pro 256GB for $190 at MC.  I'm leaning toward the 128GB 850 Pro because of the performance and 10 year warranty.

I was looking at Samsung, Plextor, or Intel for my next SSD, but it's looking like Samsung this round.


If I went mITX, I'd want to build a new computer and I can't really justify that right now.

[elton5354]

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

[Sent]

V-NAND on the new 850's is really nice but personally I can't really justify the price they're at right now.  I was hoping they'd of priced them just a bit lower but the fact that you can get pretty much double the storage capacity from an 840 Evo just makes me    That warranty is pretty damn nice, though.  I'm guessing you're just running OS and your most used programs off the SSD? 

[Badwrench]

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. 

[nubbinator]

I've had too many bad experiences with NCIX US and have heard too many others have same said experiences to use them.  They're great in Canada, suck in the US. 

I'm going to stick to more mainstream reliably good SSDs like Plextor, Samsung, Intel, or maybe Crucial.  The only reason I bought Mushkin is because they were amazing with RAM in the past.

[exitfire401]

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)

[Sent]

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

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but the SP600 controller was kinda ****, iirc.  Dunno if it was ever fixed/updated/whatever but I just remember some reviews that weren't too favorable. /shrug

[nubbinator]

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.

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.

[exitfire401]

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.

Fair enough.

[IvanIvanovich]

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.

[Sent]

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.

I cried when I bought my 1TB Evo but I really only wanted one drive in my case.  mITX has its drawbacks. 

[Badwrench]

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.

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. 

[IvanIvanovich]

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.

[Badwrench]

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!

Edit:  Assuming you have an mSATA port. 

[Sent]

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!

Yeah, I considered msata but it was about a $120 difference between that and the 2.5 at the time.  I really don't need more than 1tb total so I just said screw it.  I was really trying to avoid any HDD at all in my build.  The noise bothers me.  )  Plus, gives me more room to route cables and WC tubing. 

[IvanIvanovich]

m.2 is the way to go now. If you're buying new you should be looking at z97 anyway, and if the motherboard doesn't have m.2 on it it's ****.

[nubbinator]

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 have a Win 8 upgrade key, not the full, and they got rid of the workarounds that let you do a full install from an upgrade.

As for firmware updates, I never run them unless I'm running into issues.

I cried when I bought my 1TB Evo but I really only wanted one drive in my case.  mITX has its drawbacks. 

With the way cases are made that's true.  I'm amazed no one has made an SFF case with this layout yet:

More

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.

[Sent]

That's a pretty neat layout.  Way more drives than I'd ever need but it's nice to have the option.  I'm currently using an Ncase M1 and I don't think I could go much smaller and still have a WC loop.  Like my keyboards, I like my computers tiny.   

[Badwrench]

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.

Ha!  I remember that from the old OCN club (also a fellow Athlon II X3 member  ). 

Since you don't want to worry about it, go with the longer warranty and forget about it.  I also second what IvanIvanovich said about keeping an image on your storage drive.  I have mine saved to an external that I only use for backups of photos and images of mine and my wifes computers.  Externals are getting super cheap. 

[nubbinator]

Any recommendations for good software for imaging a drive?  Last time I tried using Acronis and it did not play well.

[Badwrench]

Any recommendations for good software for imaging a drive?  Last time I tried using Acronis and it did not play well.

I used the tool in Win7.  Super easy.  I did mine after all updates and drivers were installed as well as steam and chrome. 

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/4241/how-to-create-a-system-image-in-windows-7/

[IvanIvanovich]

The biggest problem with that layout case you show is with the gpu. Currently the only way to do something like that would be with a flexi riser and they are not very reliable for performance with GPU. Some people have tried such things and not had much success.
A more viable option is to have the pci-e card edge mounted so it's flat with the motherboard instead of the usual 90 degree. I had an industrial motherboard that was meant to be used for firewall applications (to add a pci-e 4 port nic) and the like with that. it was really nice. That way you would end up with a taller but very thin set up, something like a slightly smaller 1u rack case.

[nubbinator]

Sometimes I'm retarded.  Thanks man.

Now to download or find a W7 CD or go to W8...maybe it's time to make the change.

[divito]

I enjoy my 840 EVO 250GB. Samsung Magician is fairly above what most other companies offer in terms of software too.

As for imaging, the Windows 7 offering is alright, and I haven't had problems with Acronis. However, I rarely use images personally anymore, only for clients if they request it. Between all the software installs I have in storage, the speed at which computers are these days, and the ninite service, getting back to normalcy is a lot faster than it used to be.

[IvanIvanovich]

Go 8.1! I don't like the Windows back up utility. It's stupidly difficult to restore it if you have no working Windows which defeats the purpose. Why would I want to install Windows to restore Windows. That is just dumb. Me, I just use disk clone tools from linux. Then I can boot up a live linux and have it put that image to another disk and it starts right up. Put that image on a fast usb3 stick with an ssd destination and it's not much slower than installing again only Windows.

[dorkvader]

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.

[paicrai]

**** dude that sucks
never had an ssd so i dont know how to help though

[slip84]

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.

[osi]

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.

The phone activation is very nice and is automated.

Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 keys will be different. Also if you upgrade from 8 to 8.1 you will be given a new activation key that is different from your original 8 key but it will not activate a new 8.1 install.

I lost my windows 8 pro license. I ran through all of the legit options I had to retrieve it--calling Newegg and Microsoft. Unfortunatley neither party could help me out so I've been running an alternativley "activated" 8.1 system since

So far I've had really good luck with the samsung 840 pro drives. 128GB and 256GB (256 has slightly more throughput than the 128).  I've seen plenty of the earlier SSD models die though. On my desk right now I have some dead corsair and crucial drives. The longevity of life should be getting better as we march towards the future, at least we hope

[HoffmanMyster]

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.

[Parak]

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.

[nubbinator]

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.

Yeah, unfortunately mine was Windows 7 Ultimate edition bought through my university, so I'm not sure if I would be able to reactivate it by phone and do a clean install from it.  It's worth a shot.

Do you use the phone number that the phone activation option gives you or do you call another one?  I've never had to do a phone activation.

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.

Thanks.  How do you use the upgrade version to do a full install?  The previous workaround didn't work for me when I was trying to set up my dad's HTPC with Windows 8.

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.

Thanks man.  Both you and Sent made that offer.  I'll probably take you up on it.

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.

Yeah, the Mushkin Chronos Enhanced, a Sandforce SSD.  It was supposed to be one of the "new and reliable" controllers.  I guess that was not true.

Intel and Samsung are both great in terms of reliability.  Crucial is great aside from the couple of firmware bugs they quickly got ironed out. The Plextor drives have actually been incredibly reliable.  I was actually looking at one originally for my computer, but I was in grad school and penny pinching, so I went with the cheaper one.

[microsoft windows]

Well, if you can't activate Windows 7, you can always get Windows 98!

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

Well, if you can't activate Windows 7, you can always get Windows 98!

98 doesn't support SSDs.

[microsoft windows]

Well, if you can't activate Windows 7, you can always get Windows 98!

98 doesn't support SSDs.

Who cares?

[nubbinator]

Well, if you can't activate Windows 7, you can always get Windows 98!

98 doesn't support SSDs.

Who cares?

Shoo. I'm  looking for real advice here.

[IvanIvanovich]

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.

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 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.

[SpAmRaY]

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.

That is awesome!

[slip84]

Nubbinator, regarding the upgrade-as-full installation, I just installed Windows 8.1 to a blank hard drive and it never protested. I didn't have to do anything special. It might have more to do with the ISO you have. I might have misspoke if I indicated I did it with just vanilla Windows 8. I've do so many installs in the last six months (six or seven), I might be getting them mixed up. I have done a mix of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 and my memory is crap.

Just let me know if you wind up wanting a copy of Vista so you have a point from which to upgrade. I will honestly never use it.

[SlotH42]

Sorry to hear about your ssd. I may have an unused startup disc for windows 7 lying around if I can find it, you can have it if you pay shipping. I have a USB with my key on it just for this event. I would recommend the 840 EVO. I have 2 120s set up as a raid 0 in my gaming rig, they blow my g skill out of the water.

[dorkvader]

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.

You can still get the windows 7 ISO files from microsoft's archive on digitalriver. The issue is the license key (which he seems to have lost) not the physical install media.

You can contact your university and see if they have W7 or W8 enterprise: most do and you don't lose out n any meaningful features that ultimate had. Usually a uni will be issued a multi-use key that will expire after a few years (likely based on number of activated copies)

slip84: if the machine is recent it's entirely possible that the key is stored on the board and not the HDD. Not going to help him here. Everytime I've upgraded an old machine to 8 or 8.1 it's wanted license keys.

[nubbinator]

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 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.

I tried the generic key and it didn't work.  Looks like I'll be needing a DVD (unless the upgrade DVD works for that) or full ISO and new key for it since it wouldn't let use the generic key.

[nubbinator]

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.

[tp4tissue]

All of my OCZ drives are dead with the exception of my very _First_ Vertex..

I've had no other drives die..

My Catch and release Torrent Drive.. a 128gb crucial M4, sees about 70GB a day writes... and it has been doing that for 3 years..  Still going strong..  But I do notice that it felt sluggish at times.

[Badwrench]

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.