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#11
Performance-wise, the hybrid SSD/HDs do OK as a OS drive.
A bit better than a just a spinner, but not nearly as good as a SSD.
In regards to reliability ... not so sure. I wouldn't do it personally. Id go spinner or SSD.
As whs said, dont worry about SSd reliability. My most recent was a 80GB Intel 320 series a good while back. I just installed Windows on it, and haven't messed with it since, and its still strong and healthy.
I too agree a SSD is the single best upgrade you can do. You really only need a small one for the the OS apps only.
Everything else can be on the WD Blue.
And dont worry about SATA speeds. Even a SSD throttles to SATA 3 speeds will destroy any spinner, and you will certainly see the difference.
The WD Blue is a good HD, have some myself.
But if its going to be your only drive, with everything including the OS on it, you may want to consider a Black Edition.
Although not a lot of difference, the Black Edition will have a slight overall speed advantage.
Both are excellent drives though, just something worth considering.
I use a WD Black as a Game drive. And believe it or not, games actually load a bit faster from it. But OS is on SSD, and that WD Balck is dedicated to Steam and Steam Games only. So it has nothing else to do.