64GB SSD + 1.5TB HD... Options for fresh Win 7 install?

[nicman]

Hello, all...

I'm building a modest gaming machine for the kids, with the main components at the end of this message. My question is how to best make use of the 64GB SSD drive with the 1.5TB mechanical HD. From what I've read, the following are the most prevalent installation types:

1) Install Win 7 (and few key programs requiring fast access times) on the SSD... everything else (media, documents, etc.) on the mechanical HD.

2) Install everything on the 1.5TB and enable Intel's Rapid Storage Technology feature, using the 64GB SSD as the 'cache' drive.

3) A variation of Option 1 where the users files are stored on the 1.5TB HD... I've read mixed results on the actual procedure, though...

4) Other suggestions?

With Option 1 (maybe even 3), I'm concerned that we'll run out of space on the "smallish" 64GB SSD after loading Win 7 (plus the recommended free space required). Appears to be the quicker option of all options. I wouldn't have that problem with Option 2, but would be slower, I'm sure. This machine will be mostly used to play games and internet browsing/gaming.

Any suggestions? Thanks! Below is what we have...

- i5-2500K 2nd Gen CPU

- 8GB RAM

- 64GB SSD (SATA-3)

- 1.5TB 5900 RPM (SATA-3)

- GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Fermi) 2GB

- BIOSTAR TZ68A+ MB w/ Intel Z68 chipset (Intel® Rapid Storage Technology)

- Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

 

[seavixen32]

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

Personally, I'd go for Option 1 to take full advantage of your SSD performance.

Microsoft recommend 20GB minimum, with up to 40GB preferable for Windows 7 so that still leaves you 20-40Gb or so for your applications.

If funds allow, you might want to consider a larger SSD. Failing that, just install Windows 7 and apps with fast access requirements to your SSD and the rest on your spinner.

 

[theog]

BIOSTAR TZ68A+ MB w/ Intel Z68 has a uEFI BIOS.

How to install Windows 64 bit on a uEFI BIOS:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html

Check the uEFI BIOS setup, you can download the manual from here:
http://206.108.48.60/upload/Manual/IZ68A-AHT_110420_B.zip

 

[nicman]

seavixen32: Option 1 was my first choice, actually. If I go this route, I'll just have to be vigilant that the kids don't install anything on the SSD drive.

theog: I was actually planning to enable the UEFI BIOS for this computer... but thanks for the links! What I didn't know was that three partitions would be created during the Win 7 install. If I choose the 64GB drive, would I have any issues with space? Do these partitions have a minimum size limitation that I will not be able to comply with?

Thanks to both of you for the feedback!

 

[theog]

For the SSD, I would stay with the Windows installer,s partitioning.