What do I need to do to install Windows onto my new SSD?

Solution 1:

I would recommend waiting until you have the motherboard as the actual chipset and related stuff is quite important for the OS. Might even end up not booting when inserting it in the new computer, at the very least it will have to auto detect and PnP a lot of things.

Solution 2:

If you insist on doing this now, instead of waiting for the hardware you need, then install it and sysprep it.

After you install Windows on the SSD, follow these steps BEFORE you pull the drive out.

1. Run Command Prompt as administrator
2. Type to Command Prompt: %windir%\System32\Sysprep\Sysprep.exe, and hit Enter
3. In sysprep dialog that opens, choose System Cleanup Action as Enter System Out-of-Box-Experience (OOBE), select Generalize, select Shutdown Options Shutdown. Click OK
4. Sysprep generalizes now your Windows 7 setup and shuts down your computer.

At this point, disconnect the drive. It will be ready for you to put into your new build. Once you have the rest of the parts, connect the drive.

1. Boot the PC from sysprep generalized hard disk. You will notice Windows booting as if it was the first boot after installation, installing default and updating registry. One or two reboots are needed, depending on your system specifications
2. When Windows finally boots up, you will need to enter all information as if this really was a new, fresh installation

That should work just fine.