X128 buyer still confused on Trim

Have Win 7 Home Prem - 64 bit.

 

Just purchased a refurb Extreme Series x128 - CMFSSD-128D1.

 

I have not opened the box so hopefully I can return.

 

As I understand - any firmware higher than 1.0 will support a firmware update.

 

Does Indillinx Barefoot support Trim with out a firmware update?

 

Any way to tell what version I have without opening up the box?

 

If I do a firmware, will it wipe out all data?

I back up to 2ndary drive, use Carbonite, & Acronis true Image.

 

If I dont update the firmware, then still use a defragger?

 

If I keep the drive and if it needs an update, how often would I need to check for firmware updates? Not used to chk'g firmware on a hard drive.

 

 

help,

signed confused.

Defragging has nothing to do with TRIM. Don't defrag an SSD!

 

If you don't have the latest firmware (came out January 2010) then it won't support TRIM. Update the firmware and you'll be all set to go. AFAIK there's no way to determine the firmware without using software to check. Update the firmware before you put any data on it.

 

http://forum.corsair.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84600

Defragg - got it.

 

So how important is Trim? It sounds like a very usefull feature - and I have Win 7.

 

Since I have to install the SSD inorder to view its current firmware.

then when (or if) I need to update the drive, will it wipe out programs, data, settings...?

 

Do I update the firmware before installing the OS and reinstalling all programs?

Or in my case will restore via a Acronis imaged file.

 

And should I image the SSD before updating? which means reloading the OS.

 

Will an Acronis Image include the firmware on the SSD?

Wondering that if I don't image the file, then do the update and every thing is lost, so when I restore my PC with a previous Image it will have the older SSD firmware.

 

Thx.

 

PS: If the firmware on the SSD is 1.0 - then update.

If the firmware is 1.1 or higher, then it already has Trim support and then no need to update?

(recall I have a Extreme Series x128 - CMFSSD-128D1.)

No, 2.0 and higher is TRIM. 1.1 and higher only has TRIM on X256 drives, not X128.

Could I connect the SSD with a Sata to usb cable, plug that into a USB port, then run CrystalDisk?

If not 2.0 then - I know which version I have.

And if not 2.0 could I install the update then or does it have to plugged into its proper bay?

 

I gather I can copy the update to a CD versus a USB? I ask as I tried running

SpinRite once via USB stick and no luck.