Looking at SSD: Storage Locations

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empirebattles

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Oct 23, 2012
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First off, i'm looking at some SSD's. I dont have a LOT i want to put on there. The machine i'm going to install it on is used primarily for games (not hard-core gaming, but games just the same).

My goal is to put the OS on there (win 7), and possibly LoL (league of legends,... just for loading times :p ).
Most other games that i play, there isn't a wait for anything in the first place (most of them are single player).

First step question: How to decide what to put on the SSD? Should something like winrar/zip be stored on the SSD, or would that make a difference? I would only keep any MMO games that i play regularly on there (for size saving)... are there any other standard applications that typically should go on a SSD?

Second question: How you relocate files? My plan is to essentially remove my current HDD, and install the SSD, and act as if i were installing windows fresh. However, that means program files (and the other components installed with windows), are all on the SSD. Which directories and files can be safely moved off of the SSD to save space? Is there a way to change the 'default' install directory (program files) to point to the new location (probably something like D:/Program Files ... for sanity sake :D ).

I always like to plan every step out before i start working on stuff like this.... so sorry for all the questions (i know these forums give the BEST answers around :) )

I'm just in the planning stages, and am in no hurry.


Side note: I know intel is one of the best choices, but they are a bit pricy. I've read before that samsung is a pretty good contender for the SSD market.
Seeing as i'm not looking to hold a LOT on the SSD, should i go with a smaller intel drive, or go with a samsung with a little bit more space? (I'm trying to keep this upgrade inexpensive). Any informed opinions on which route i should take?
 
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Traciatim

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Nov 11, 2006
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Do you have a board that supports SRT? If so, I've been pretty impressed with the fast load times and the 'set it and forget it' nature of having an SSD as a cache drive.

Personally I wouldn't put my OS on the SSD directly, it seems to me like a huge waste of space since most of the highly used items will be in memory as drive cache anyway once you boot, I also only restart my machine every couple of weeks, so who cares if it boots in 20 or 40 seconds? Also, that means you are putting things like service pack and update uninstalls on your SSD which you will constantly have to monitor and clean up. Also, if your application usage changes you have to uninstall and install things again all the time.

If you can do SRT have you thought about a 60GB SSD to speed up your system and general use drive and then a 120GB for those apps/games that you just always want to be fast? There are lots of options :)
 
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empirebattles

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Oct 23, 2012
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well, i've got a GA-970A-D3 for my mobo... dont think i have SRT (unless i overlooked something).
Everything that i have read, says one of the BEST things to do is put the OS on the SSD. I, unlike yourself, restart my computer at least 4-5 times a day. My application usage is pretty stagnant. Most applications, would be stored on the spindle drive NOT the SSD...
I do not automatically do updates. I manually go through windows updates, and only do those which i know i need/want (and a lot of windows updates are updates for software, which i'm hoping can be stored OFF of the SSD... which is why i'm asking this question ;) ).

And i dont have 'a lot' of games... like i said. I only have MAYBE 1 or 2 games that i play regularly. And even the ones i dont play regularly, they dont have that much of a huge load time.
And my finances are pretty limited, so getting 2 SSD's is out of the budget.

I know WHAT i want to accomplish with the SSD, i just want to make sure i know how i'm going to get there :)
 
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Traciatim

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No SRT on AMD. So yeah, it should be pretty straight forward of just throw the SSD, install windows, make a link from programs files to the spinning drive so that you still have program files on your SSD for reference (Since windows doesn't generally play will with the program files directories moving. You can Google how to move your documents, pictures, and music directories if you use them, and then install the games you want on your system drive in \games . . . pretty straight forward.
 
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RetiredChief

RetiredChief

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First, on space. Using 128 gig SSD as an example. Your usable space is around 96 Gigs. I) you lose approx 8 gigs - amu stated capacity vs real formated size. and 2) You need to leave approx 20% UNUSED so that wear leveling, Garbage collector and TRIM can work ther magic.

2nd, Some space saving tweaks can save around:
.. For system with 4 gigs RAM. Save approx 11 Gigs
.. For system with 8 gigs RAM. Save approx 26 Gigs
HOW:
A) Disable Hybernation, NOT need with SSD. Saves an amount = to Amount of RAM
B) Manage Page File (Virtual Memory). For 8 Gigs of Ram Set Min and Max BOTH to 1024 mb (saves approx 11 Gigs). For a 4 gig Ram system set BOTH to 2048 Gigs which would save 4 gigs
C) Disable restore points - Use windows System image back-up. This should be down withwithout disabling Restore Points.

Not counted, But definately save some space:
.. My C:\User\"you"\My Documents to HDD
.. Can also do this for internet Temp folder.

My Systems ( 2 desktops and two laptops)all with a SSD OS + Program drive Plus a 2nd "working data SSD".

With ALL my programs on C-drive, OS + programs take about 30->35 ggs. This would STILL leave 55 -> 60 Gigs free for Games.

PS: I have some 13 SSDs which include
.. 3 Crucial M4's
.. 3 Samsung 830's
.. 1 Samsung 840 Pro
.. 2 Agility III's
.. Older Sata II SSDs (which include a G1 and a G2 Intel SSD)
My recommendation on which SSD:
1) Samsung 840 Pro - Only if money is not a question
2) Crucial M4, Plextor M5, or If you can find a Samsung 830. Of these three - which ever is cheapest - and WAIT for a sale price.
3) Samsung 840 Non-pro. Uses NEW TLC NAND, Should be good reliability, but not out long enough to prove it.

DO NOT use Benchmarks to base "buy decision" on. Reason, in reallife day-2-day usabe there is very little diff. As to reliability, which is what I primaril base my choice on, the ones I've mention are just as reliable as Intel's SSD. Reason I excluded Intel is their use of a SF Controler.
 
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