Windows 7: What do I install on SSD

fireberd · 30 May 2012

I'm building a new PC and will be using an OCZ Vertex 4 128GB for the primary drive. I have a 1TB, 7200 RPM drive for everything else.

I know I install Windows on the SSD, and I'll install my recording software (Sonar X1, Melodyne, Ozone 5 and Pro Tools) on the SSD. What else should I install on the SSD, such as MS Office, security software? (Microsoft Security Essentials, Malwarebytes), etc?

Can I tell Windows to install the Libraries (such as "My Documents" folder) on the 1TB drive?

Jack

seavixen32 · 30 May 2012

Your SSD is plenty big enough so my recommendation would be to install Windows and all your applications on it.

These tutorials may be of help to you.

SSD - Install and Transfer the Operating System

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

As for your libraries, check this tutorial, which explains how to change the default location of your user profile.

User Profile - Change Default Location

Brink · 30 May 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by fireberd

Can I tell Windows to install the Libraries (such as "My Documents" folder) on the 1TB drive?

Jack

Hello Jack,

In addition, you might consider this below to be able to access the files from your libraries with the files actually located where you like instead of moving user folder locations. It would be much safer to do and trouble free.

Create a new folder at any location you want.
Move any files you want into the new folder.
Include the new folder into a library of your choice.
If you like, you can also set the new folder to be the default "save" to location for the library as well.

Victor S · 30 May 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by fireberd

Can I tell Windows to install the Libraries (such as "My Documents" folder) on the 1TB drive?
Jack

If you make backup system images, be careful about moving Win 7 files to a different drive. Those files are considered part of the Win 7 image.
Make sure you understand how that works with the image software you use.
I recommend you leave them alone.
You can point your applications to keep data on the other drive, and if any Win 7 library starts using too much space for any reason, the data can be copied to the other drive.
As others have said, 128GB is plenty big for Win 7 and apps.

gregrocker · 30 May 2012

If you need to move anything off the SSD to save space the easiest method is to copy your User folders to the data drive, rightclick to add to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums. Then when you click on Documents, Pictures, etc. everything will show up. If files get put into the SSD User folders just drag them to the HD in the library window.

Install programs to SSD to take advantage of faster speeds. If it fills up, uninstall the lesser-used programs and reinstall them to the HD.

ignatzatsonic · 30 May 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by fireberd

What else should I install on the SSD, such as MS Office, security software? (Microsoft Security Essentials, Malwarebytes), etc?

Generally, everything that will fit.

I have 50 apps and Win 7 installed. It occupies 29 GB on an 80 GB SSD. Maybe put games on the HDD if that applies to you.

The only concessions I have made are to restrict the space devoted to System Restore and eliminate the hibernation file.

You may as well take advantage of that snappy access time for all apps if at all possible.

karlsnooks · 30 May 2012

fireberd,
With that large a SSD you will be able to install Win 7 and ALL applications to the SSD and have much room left over.

You can put your documents, videos, pictures, music on another drive if you would like.

I have everything on one 128 GB drive, although I've not that many videos, pics, etc.

I'm including a pic of the output of TreeSize Free to give you an idea, but everyone's mileage is different.

Oops, I see that there is a new version, so I'll include pics in next post. I prefer to close all programs before a fresh installation and also to make a System Restore Point.

windude99 · 30 May 2012

I have everything on my ssd except for Virtual Machines, Disc isos, and backups. But, I don't have a huge amount of data like a lot of people.

mjf · 30 May 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by Victor S

Quote: Originally Posted by fireberd

Can I tell Windows to install the Libraries (such as "My Documents" folder) on the 1TB drive?
Jack

If you make backup system images, be careful about moving Win 7 files to a different drive. Those files are considered part of the Win 7 image.
Make sure you understand how that works with the image software you use.
I recommend you leave them alone.
You can point your applications to keep data on the other drive, and if any Win 7 library starts using too much space for any reason, the data can be copied to the other drive.
As others have said, 128GB is plenty big for Win 7 and apps.

As Brink points out you can move the libraries but the point made here has concerned me in the past. Brink is the man to comment.

I have a 128GB SSD and I keep OS and all apps on this drive. I keep misc data like word docos, spreadsheets, etc here plus some photos I want to edit as well. All other "big stuff" such as music large photo collections, videos I keep simply in folders on my spinner. I backup this relatively static data differently.
Anyway it's just the way I do it to keep my images relatively small.

karlsnooks · 30 May 2012

firebird,

This will show you how my 128GB SSD is laid out. You will notice: OS and apps on C, everything else on D

What do I install on SSD-treesize-free-c-drive.png

Name: TreeSize Free D Drive.PNG
Views: 2143
Size: 47.7 KB

Windows 7: What do I install on SSD

What do I install on SSD problems?