It is tempting to use a utility like the dd command or CloneZilla to transfer all data from a HDD to a new SSD. DON’T DO IT! You should backup your personal data and re-install the OS to the new SSD. Gparted or the Ubiquity Installer will format SSD’s with the proper partition alignment and optimize the file system (ext4) for the best performance. You may get less than optimal performance if you just clone the old drive to the new SSD.
SSD CHECK
cat /sys/block/sd(x)/queue/rotational
(x) = driver letter
ALIGNMENT CHECK:
parted /dev/sd(x)
align-check opt (n)
(x) = drive letter.
(n) = partition number.
Proper alignment avoids excessive read-modify-write cycles.
TRIM
The TRIM command enables an operating system to notify the SSD of pages which no longer contain valid data. This prevents unnecessary overwrite operations which can reduce SSD performance and increase wear. Ubuntu/Linux Mint do this automatically, once weekly. Once per week is enough! Running fstrim excessively can contribute to SSD wear. Let the system handle it for you. There is no need to add the “discard” option to any fstab entry. TRIM is applied to a swap partition on the SSD at boot time.
sudo fstrim -v -all
Joe is a fan of Ubuntu Linux and Open Source software and recently started offering Ubuntu installation and support for those just starting out with Linux through EzeeLinux.com. The goal of EzeeLinux is to make Linux easy and start them on the right foot so they can have the best experience possible.
Joe lives in historic Portsmouth, VA in a hundred year old house with three cats, three kids and a network of computers built from scrounged parts, all happily running Linux.
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