Windows 7: Setting Up a small SSD + HDD

Jambe · 02 Aug 2011

I'm about to build a high-end computer and in searching for a solid state drive (64GB) I read on Newegg feedback the following:

"Do yourself a favor and link your HDD to your Users folder and use your SSD for applications and Windows. This avoids space being used up randomly by Windows for Temporary Internet Files...."

Can someone explain specifically how to do this?

(C: drive will be the SSD and D: drive will be a 1T HDD.)

Bare Foot Kid · 02 Aug 2011

Hello mate.

Have a look at the information in this tutorial at the link below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

User Profiles - Create and Move During Windows 7 Installations

Jambe · 23 Aug 2011

My Build...

Case: Coolmaster Storm Scout
M/B: Gigabyte Z68MA-D2H-B3
CPU: Intel i5-2500K
PSU: Coolmaster 600 W
Memory: Ripjaws 16 GB
Video: Saphire Radeon 6770
SSD: Crucial M4 128GB
HDD: Samsung 1.5 TB

My Questions...

1. Someone has suggested that one should shrink the SSD by 25% (short stroke drive) to improve performance and longevity. Should I do this?

2. It has been suggested that pagefile should be disabled. Some disagree. Can it be placed on the D:\ drive? With 16GB I'm thinking I won't need it.

3. It has been suggested that system restore should be disabled. Some disagree. Can it be placed on D:\ drive?

4. It has been suggested that drive indexing should be disabled. Someone argued that it is not necessary. I think it was in Kari's Relocate User Folders feedback but I haven't been able to find it again. Is this recommended?

5. Someone says enable LargeSystemCache. Someone says disable LargeSystemCache. Who is right?

bobkn · 23 Aug 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by Jambe

1. Someone has suggested that one should shrink the SSD by 25% (short stroke drive) to improve performance and longevity. Should I do this?

Short stroking is done with mechanical HDs to improve access times by limiting the throws of the read/write heads. SSDs are random access devices, so the access time is the same regardless of where the data reside. I have a hard time imagining how "short stroking" an SSD would help at all. You might as well try to make your car go faster by encouraging it with a buggy whip.

theog · 23 Aug 2011

Hi Jambe
As the the Gigabyte Z68MA-D2H-B3 has a EFI BIOS, what is your review on the GA EFI BIOS.

Jambe · 23 Aug 2011

@theog,
I am a novice when it comes to BIOS--just know enough to do a basic configuration. I haven't figured out how to even access the EFI BIOS. The splash screen goes by so fast I haven't been able to read all the options.

The mobo manual doesn't use the term EFI so I will just have to explore when I get this set up with the SSD.

Hoping to get some of the above questions answered before doing that.

Jambe · 23 Aug 2011

@bobkn,
Thank you. I am going to take your advice and eliminate short stroking from my step-by-step list for setting up the SSD.

(I intend to post that list here after I actually do it.)

ignatzatsonic · 23 Aug 2011

Most here would tell you to use a page file and to leave it on C unless you are really pressed for space.

No reason not to continue to use System Restore unless you are really pressed for space.

I turn off indexing as I don't need its capabilities--it's useful if you search file contents as opposed to file names. I use a third party search tool (Everything) that provides near instantaneous file name searches.

gregrocker · 23 Aug 2011

I personally would buy an SSD large enough to contain my User folders, page file, and restore points, then use HD for image and other storage.

If you become pressed for SSpace then yes you can shift User folders off onto HD but it will likely extend read times since you're going mechanical.

Windows 7: Setting Up a small SSD + HDD

Setting Up a small SSD + HDD problems?