SSD questions - SSD as Boot / HDD as Storage

[Goothry]

I'm trying to find out the best way to set up my SSD as boot (and primary programs) and HDD as storage (and lesser programs). I've searched the forums here and google. The forums here seem to say that all I need to do is copy and paste some folders from one to ther other and ta-da! However, I've also stumbled across this: http://www.overclock.net/t/664738/how-to-setup-ssd-boot-drive-with-secondary-hard-disc-optimization.

Is one way better than the other? Are these simply two ways of accomplishing the same goal? Is one more recommened than the other?

I have no experience with SSDs to date, which is why I am asking for some experienced input.

 

[God Mode]

I just use as-is with the exception of disabling hibernation on the ssd since I don't use it. I also move internet temp files and zip/rar temp folder to the regular hd.

 

[Arcadio]

I also move internet temp files and zip/rar temp folder to the regular hd.

Is this really necessary?

 

[Elixer]

Is this really necessary?

Nope--unless you are talking about many gigabytes a day...

 

[LokutusofBorg]

I'm trying to find out the best way to set up my SSD as boot (and primary programs) and HDD as storage (and lesser programs). I've searched the forums here and google. The forums here seem to say that all I need to do is copy and paste some folders from one to ther other and ta-da! However, I've also stumbled across this: http://www.overclock.net/t/664738/how-to-setup-ssd-boot-drive-with-secondary-hard-disc-optimization.

Is one way better than the other? Are these simply two ways of accomplishing the same goal? Is one more recommened than the other?

I have no experience with SSDs to date, which is why I am asking for some experienced input.

This is highly dependent on how big of an SSD you're talking about here. If you have a 60GB or larger SSD then I wouldn't bother trying to move your Users folder. It's more trouble than it's worth. If you're using a smaller-than-60GB SSD, then I would suggest saving your pennies and getting a lower-tier, larger drive. Trying to use a small SSD is more trouble than it's worth.

Having said that, you cannot simply copy and paste files to move your Users folder, as you seem to suggest/ask. You have to tell Windows to use a different location, as that guide you linked to details. I did this back in the Vista days, but I used some options during install that made Windows use my D: drive from the start. I have never done that again and never will. It is just not worth it. I will use a spindle drive for my boot volume over mucking with stuff at that level.

Now, having said *that*, on all my multi-drive systems I move my Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders to my D: drive via the Location tab under the folder properties dialog. It takes 10 seconds, and solves 95% of what you are having to worry about with a small boot volume, only I do it for other reasons (makes it easy to reformat and reinstall, which I don't have to do as often as I used to, but I still clean install probably once a year on one or another of my computers). I install all programs to their default location under Program Files, and I install all my games under D:\Games.

Moving your temp files, or your page file, or stuff of that nature off of your SSD negates half the reason to have an SSD in the first place. If you find yourself in that kind of a situation, you should just buy a new modern HDD and call it good. HDD performance is continually improving. It only takes a year or so before 7200RPM drives essentially match the performance of 10k RPM VRs (VRs are continually improving, as well). The point is, if you have an old HDD, you don't have to upgrade to an SSD to see a large performance gain.

 

[bryanW1995]

I'm trying to find out the best way to set up my SSD as boot (and primary programs) and HDD as storage (and lesser programs). I've searched the forums here and google. The forums here seem to say that all I need to do is copy and paste some folders from one to ther other and ta-da! However, I've also stumbled across this: http://www.overclock.net/t/664738/how-to-setup-ssd-boot-drive-with-secondary-hard-disc-optimization.

Is one way better than the other? Are these simply two ways of accomplishing the same goal? Is one more recommened than the other?

I have no experience with SSDs to date, which is why I am asking for some experienced input.

I generally avoid regedits unless it's absolutely necessary (like uninstalling TOB). Besides, that looks like a major PITA. I've only got 57gb on my data partition of my ssd, but all I did was disable hibernation and move the page file to my hdd.

 

[bryanW1995]

Moving your temp files, or your page file, or stuff of that nature off of your SSD negates half the reason to have an SSD in the first place.

I haven't noticed a performance drop-off since moving my page file to the hdd, though I'm also accelerating my data drive with SRT. What sort of applications benefit the most by having the page file on the ssd?

 

[Binky]

Install the OS and programs on the SSD. Keep the data on the HD.

Moving the entire user folder seems stupid. Just move the My Documents, My Music, and other "My" folders to the HD (as needed). To do this, just pull up the properties on the folder, click the location tab, and move them. Put all of your music, videos, pictures and whatever else in these folders, which are completely accessible through your homegroup or other default links, even though they are on the HD.

Pagefile should probably stay on the SSD. I bought my SSD's to make my systems faster, and keeping the pagefile on the SSD is faster. I don't care about longevity. With enough ram you can safely shrink the pagefile manually.