Questions About SSD for G53SX

[Retired]

Hi guys,

I have been planning to get the G53SX. After Google-ing around, I discovered that many users had issues installing SSDs as a boot drive for this notebook (also G53SW). I too, plan to have a SSD as a boot drive, but I'm afraid of getting the same problem ( Freezing in boot, unable to detect in BIOS, etc) I read that most Sand Force SSD has this problem on the notebook. Was planning on Corsair F Series at first, but now finding another SSD. Can you guys recommend me some SSD that works/boots fine with the G53SX? Thanks 🙂

[ES_Designs]

JustinLFJ,
I have a 128gb Crucial M4 SSD for the boot drive in my G53SW. I haven't run into any issues with this SSD, it was my first experience using an SSD and other than just being new to boot drives in general everything went very smoothly, I couldn't be happier. I would recommend the Crucial M4 to G53 owners.

[Cypz]

I am using an M4 128 SSD in my g74sx and it has been great. A breeze to install and upgrade the firmware to version 0009.

[ES_Designs]

Cypz,
How do I check what version of the firmware I'm running, and what is the procedure of upgrading?

[Cypz]

ES Designs wrote:
Cypz,
How do I check what version of the firmware I'm running, and what is the procedure of upgrading?

Check your current firmware:

-Right-click 'Computer' and select 'Manage' or got to Computer Management in the control panel.
-Choose 'Device Manager'
-Choose 'Disk Drives'
-Select M4-CT128M4SSD2
-Right-click same and choose properties
-Select the 'Details Tab'
-In the Properties drop down list select 'Hardware id's'
-This states your current firmware version here.

My M4 came with v. 0002.

Firmware update:

Go to http://www.crucial.com/support/firmware.aspx
-Download the firmware ZIP file for your size of M4 SSD
-Extract the ISO image from the ZIP file.
-Burn the ISO image to CD/DVD.
-Reboot your computer with the CD/DVD image in the drive.
-The firmware installer will boot up and prompt you to type 'yes' or 'no' to continue.
-type 'yes' if you wish to continue.
-the update takes no more then 1-2 minutes (from my experiences)
-it will complete and then you power off your computer and remove the CD/DVD from the drive.
-Finally boot up your computer and you are all done.

Hope that helps.

Cypz

[MPerni]

For the crucial firmware update here you are: http://www.crucial.com/support/firmware.aspx there you got the new firmware and a easy explanation on how to install it.
I think that all the SSD come with version 0001 or 0002 and in either version you will be able to install the 0009.

[grungeboy2]

i'm going to grab a momentus off newegg soon. i'll post to this thread and let you guys know how well it works out, if i see a improvement, etc.

i like the speed boost the ssd's offer, but right now the tech is a little iffy, problematic, and expensive.

the momentus xt is $100 for a 500GB model and supposedly offers more of the speed benefit.

[Retired]

I see. Thanks for the replies. Would Intel SSDs work too? Crucial M4 is kinda hard to get over at my area...

Also I have another question.. If i would get an SSD, how should i clean install win7 to it? Should i have my default G53SX's HDD plugged out and install W7 or should i format it during the installation?

[Cypz]

When doing a clean install on a new SSD I personally like to disconnect all the other hard drives until the OS is installed. I prefer this because I find I always end up with the OS installed on the correct drive, but the assigned drive letters seem to get messed up. My HDD gets assigned C: and my SSD will either get 😧 or not have a letter assigned. I know you can reassign the letters afterwards, but it is easier to just have the one drive in for the install. :cool:

[Retired]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents real quick.
I have a 128gb Crucial M4 in my G53SX and it came with the 009 firmware. Works like a charm.