Files vs Programs on an SSD

bluelobster · Apr 9, 2013

Alright, so I'm getting ready to build my first PC tomorrow! (very excited)

One thing I'm debating is what exactly to put on my SSD vs my HDD. I have a Samsung 400 series 250gb SSD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147189&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=), and a Seagate Barracuda 7200rpm 1TB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148840&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=).

I'm planning to put my OS (Win 7 64-bit Home Prem) on my SSD (of course). I also want to put autocad inventor (a common CAD software) on my SSD as well (engineering student). As far as games, I plan on putting about a dozen or so games on my SSD. And here's where I'm stuck.

Should I keep my files for my CAD program on the SSD as well, or just the program files for CAD? Will this make a difference much if I just keep the part files, etc. on the HDD?

And as far as games, should I install Steam on my SSD, and install a few games on the SSD from there and install the rest on the HDD with a custom install, or vise versa: install Steam on the HDD and do a custom install of just a few select games on the SSD?

Last question, how much free room should I leave on the SSD? I've read/heard that keeping it at no higher than 80% capacity will keep performance optimal.

geofelt · Apr 9, 2013

240gb is a good size for your ssd.
My strategy would be to put everything on the ssd, at least initially, and see how you do.
Just monitor the capacity, and when it approaches 80% start to move things to the hard drive.
Some files like video's will be known to be very large as will backups. Put them on the hard drive initially.
Are the CAD files are very large? If so they can go on the hard drive.
Later on, you can relocate files or even programs if necessary.

If you reach 90% capacity, my computer will show the drive in red as a warning. It is not the end of the world, but start planning to fix the issue.

nukemaster · Apr 9, 2013

It depends on the files. Many programs files load entirely into ram on load, in that case, the file location should not be an issue.

For my personal system, I have all my files on the hard drive and almost all my programs on the SSD.

Steam now lets you setup a second(or more) library in another location anyway. When you do a steam install of a game, It will ask, Once you make a second library, You can install games in either.

Also, if you have a game installed on the SSD and you do not want to uninstall and reinstall it, you can give this a shot.

Guide : Move software/games to another drive without reinstalling.

I have moved many games without negative effects and it works with programs as well(but it is still best to install in the preferred location first.).

DarkSable · Apr 9, 2013

I would put Windows, all programs and applications, and Steam on the SSD.

Then put ONLY the games that benefit from being on an SSD on there - MMOs and single player games benefit the most, since zoning first in a shooter just means you have to wait longer for everyone else to zone.

Also, I like to stay at about 70% capacity, just so that I don't have to worry about anything, but around there is where you want to be.

Search

Files vs Programs on an SSD

bluelobster

Honorable

nukemaster

geofelt

Titan

nukemaster

Titan

DarkSable

Judicious

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page