[OPINION] SSD or HDD for OS/Main Apps

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  1. Posts : 68
    Windows Ultimate x64
       #1

    [OPINION] SSD or HDD for OS/Main Apps


    As the title mentioned, I have been researching around on SSD for OS. What it helps is just faster boot OS and launching apps/games/software faster by few seconds. Since I'm buying a low storage SSD, so less write/read/moving large files around.

    I currently have a 1TB HDD and I'm going to upgrade by adding one SSD (maybe 64/80 GB only).

    So what's your opinion on SSD and HDD setup? Thanks in advance.
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  2. Posts : 2,973
    Windows 7 Professional 64bit SP1
       #2

    OS and Programs: SSD
    Data/Storage: HDD

    I would recommend a 128gb SSD because they are faster than 64/80gb drives, and the price difference isn't THAT much.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 544
    Windows 7 64bit
       #3

    Hi leonnkeong,

    'Users' seem to have mixed views about the 'SSD upgrade' when looked from the 'cost' stand-point. Yes, it is likely to be effective when used for 'Windows installation'. Though a disk size of '80 GB' should suffice; however would agree to 'kbrady1979' if '128 GB' storage drive is affordable. The larger 'storage size' may prove handy with 'higher bandwidth' to handle 'Windows Updates, service packs, along with software installation & updates' in future.

    Unlike the traditional 'Hard Drives', 'Solid-state drives' use microchips to store data and are quieter, more durable and faster in operation. Not only do they have much faster read times since there is no moving head, but they also start up faster because they don't need to spin. Also, since the physical location of data doesn't matter on 'SSD', 'read speed' is consistent regardless of where the data is stored; and disk fragmentation isn't really a problem.

    The most obvious advantages of an 'SSD' are 'faster boot-ups and application starts'. However, upgrade with 'SSD' is likely to be more helpful if you launch multiple applications and other 'multimedia intensive software' that take longer time to load e.g. Adobe Photoshop, etc. In addition, if you reboot your computer frequently (perhaps because you dual-boot), you may find a reduced 'boot time' of an 'SSD'.

    On the other hand, if you use your system for basic functions like managing 'Email' or 'Office work', you may want to continue with the use of traditional disk.

    Hope this helps.

      My Computer


  4. Posts : 26,863
    Windows 11 Pro
       #4

    As has been said above, OS and programs on the SSD and Data on the hard drive. Typically, all of your user folders would reside on your 1TB hard drive as well as large files such as games. I also agree that a 128GB SSD would be better, but I ran the OS and all programs from a 64GB SSD for over a year and never ran out of space. Too many people are too concerned about read and writes to an SSD. Don't be, they are far more durable than most people think.
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  5. Posts : 68
    Windows Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks for the replies.

    In a nutshell, get a 120 GB SSD for OS and main programs/games - Photoshop, Sony Vegas, and 1 TB HDD for main storage and side-programs?

    Anyway, do you recommend Intel SSD?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 679
    Windows 7 professional X64
       #6

    The only mixed feeling I have about SSD's is that I'd only be able to see their performance what.. Once a day perhaps..
    I only turn on my computer once. And run programs only once. But I guess some data accessing would be faster as well.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 18,415
    windows 7 home 64bit
       #7

    The Samsung Pro would be a good choice
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 351
    Windows 7 pro 64bit. (SP1)
       #8

    Erick Aguilar said:
    The only mixed feeling I have about SSD's is that I'd only be able to see their performance what.. Once a day perhaps..
    I only turn on my computer once. And run programs only once. But I guess some data accessing would be faster as well.

    That's not true.. all operations with SSD feels faster not just boot and app startup.
    so I would go with less ram (for example 4GB in place of 6-8GB) but definitely SSD.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 679
    Windows 7 professional X64
       #9

    vaidas3 said:
    Erick Aguilar said:
    The only mixed feeling I have about SSD's is that I'd only be able to see their performance what.. Once a day perhaps..
    I only turn on my computer once. And run programs only once. But I guess some data accessing would be faster as well.

    That's not true.. all operations with SSD feels faster not just boot and app startup.
    It's not a lie either.
    Most users only turn on their computers once a day. Call it cliche. But the biggest fad i've seen about SSD's is startup time.

    What else would I benefit from with an SSD? could you elaborate? Besides data releabitlity of course. That one I do like, but SSD's are too expensive right now to have the same amount of capacity of a mechanical HDD in an SSD array.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 12
    Windows
       #10

    maxie said:
    The Samsung Pro would be a good choice
    Ditto that. When you read about user experience installing and reliability, Samsung is the leader and second place is far behind. I would not consider anything else right now.

    Be sure to make a backup image for the SSD. Data recovery is practically impossible for SSD's due to the nature of their load balancing utilities and fragmentation.
      My Computer


 
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