2.5" internal SSD--boot?

markg2 · 27 Jul 2011

In conjunction with recently increasing RAM and soon to move from 32 bit to 64 bit, I need to increase HD size.

Drive Options:

1. (as recommened elsewhere) replace the current laptop drive with a 64GB SSD as the boot drive and add another larger 2.5 SATA II drive in the ultra bay.

2. Simply replace the current primary drive with a large SATA drive.

With the OS on the SSD drive (option 1) there's supposed to be a very significant performance increase. What I do not get is how you control the data size of the smaller SSD drive. Since the OS installs to that drive and MS wants your data to live under My Documents which is determined by the Profile it seems that the 64GB would fast become a limitation. For example, even though I store my data currently under MyData not My Documents, software installed continually wants to store data unbeknownst to me under various Users throughout various sub directories of those users (All Users, Myname, etc).

So if you use a smaller SSD HD as the boot drive is there really a way to keep the data size manageable and skewed to the larger second HD?

Britton30 · 27 Jul 2011

Hello Mark. This may help you out.
https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/149969-ssd-install-transfer-operating-system-3.html

Many members here are doing this same type of setup.

karlsnooks · 27 Jul 2011

markg,

So if you use a smaller SSD HD as the boot drive is there really a way to keep the data size manageable and skewed to the larger second HD?

Yes.

Rather quickly after putting your os on the ssd, then move your profile folders, such as documents, music, video, pictures to the big drive.

We've got a tutorial here on just this.

I'm sure one of the guys will chime in with the link.

I'm using less than 23 GB on my "C" drive

markg2 · 28 Jul 2011

I had no previous idea of the technical complexity using an SSD as the boot drive.

Thanks, but I'll pass.

Mark

essenbe · 28 Jul 2011

It is not technically complicated. Just follow a few simple rules and it will be the best upgrade you have done. Moving user files is quite simple. Read this tutorial on moving user files. I have a laptop with 2 SSDs in it. I use 1 for a boot file and 1 for user files. But the second one is not necessary or desirable in many peoples case.

karlsnooks · 28 Jul 2011

markg2 said:

I had no previous idea of the technical complexity using an SSD as the boot drive.

Thanks, but I'll pass.

Mark

Reconsider your decision. The procedure is well-documented. using a SSD for your C will give you an amazing performance increase. You will ask yourself why you didn't start using an ssd sooner.

markg2 · 28 Jul 2011

I'll move the decision from forget it to pondering.

I first need to do the OS 32-->64 bit install. Once I get that in my rear view mirror I can focus on the drive(s).

Thanks for the support. I'll be back.

Btw, thanks for the link to Brink's moving folders. I remember the last time some else (a tech person charging >$) messed with profiles on either my wife's W2k or XP machine and totally screwed stuff up!

Mark

essenbe · 28 Jul 2011

markg2 said:

I'll move the decision from forget it to pondering.

I first need to do the OS 32-->64 bit install. Once I get that in my rear view mirror I can focus on the drive(s).

Thanks for the support. I'll be back.

Btw, thanks for the link to Brink's moving folders. I remember the last time some else (a tech person charging >$) messed with profiles on either my wife's W2k or XP machine and totally screwed stuff up!

Mark

If you follow the tutorial, you won't have any problems. It's simple and quick, I've done it several times and have never had an issue.

Britton30 · 28 Jul 2011

Sure Mark read it through, re-read it, then follow the steps in order. You should be fine.