[snatch22]

Thanks for your continued assistance, but no dice. Says unsupported. Intel also doesn't seem to be of much help... this is my thread on the forums there: https://communities.intel.com/message/220509 Not sure if I should pursue a refund or wait it out and hope they fix it..

Have you tried out openelec?

I have very little experience with linux in general and before I installed the SSD I attempted to get openelec running on a USB stick, but I couldn't get it to boot from the live stick according to the directions on the openelec wiki.. I *think* it has something to do with the uefi bios but this system is for someone else so I wanted to get windows on and I didn't try too hard. I suppose I could look into it more..