T43, SSD + Win7?

[jiv]

Just wondering, has anyone tried this combination?

I have a T43 with the following:

-Intel Pentium M 1.73GHz CPU

-Intel 915GM chipset with GMA900 graphics

- 2GB of RAM

I'm having speed and space (HDD) issues with it and am considering upgrading the default 59GB IBM harddisk for this. If it works, I also intend to do a clean install of Windows 7. Does anyone foresee/know of any problems with this?

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

Windows 7 with the Intel GPU on the T43 isn't something you should be thinking of. You are much better to stay with the XP OS.

[jiv]

I intend to use the classic interface, without all the fancy "Aero" graphics. Will this change anything?

The reason why I want Windows 7 is because I have a spare Win7 Ultimate key lying around (not an OEM version). I've  lost the recovery discs for my T43 and have no other means to reinstall XP at the moment. Also, I've read somewhere on NBR that clean installs are important for new SSDs to ensure proper alignment. Also, I've been having a hard time finding an IDE HDD with a decent price, so I figured I might as well go for an SSD.

[zoltanthegypsy]

I imagine you will run into this issue:

Problem with non-ThinkPad hard disks

T43 bios error

Even if it isnt' a show-stopper, it will probably be a pain.

Z.

[jiv]

Yes, I've read about that and think I can live with it. At least one user has successfully run Win7 on a T43 with an SSD. His has a dGPU though. I remember George (ajkula66) telling me that any HDD (and I assumed SSD) will work, even with the 2010 error. 

So I guess the only thing I have to worry about right now is if Windows 7 will run (without unnecessary graphical enhancements) on a T43 without a dGPU.

[ajkula66 Guru · Accepted solution]

You have somewhat of a "catch 22" on your hands...here's why:

To get the optimum performance out of SSD, you need W7 in my experience/opinion.

However, W7 will be sluggish due to a lack of proper driver (there simply isn't one) for the Intel integrated graphics.

I'd go with a SATA-mod and a fast conventional hard disk, staying within the realms of XP, but that's me.

Good luck.

[jiv]

Is there a way for me to do a clean install of XP with my OEM key?

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

you would need the recovery media. Aftermarket win xp cd won't work with your OEM keys.

[goretsky Community Moderator]

Hello,

If you do decide to go the SSD route, these SSDs claim to offer much better performance, although I suspect real-world performance will still be lower than what is claimed in the marketing literature.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

[jiv]

Thank you for the suggestion, but those SSDs are over double the price of the MyDigital ones. I'm not wiling to pay that much, considering how I have to install a recovered XP OS.