How much storage required for Windows 8

Pokefinch27

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Jul 6, 2013
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I'm building my own computer, I got all my parts picked out and everything. But I wanted to have a separate hard drive for my OS and all those neccesary files and my games and skype and stuff like that. If I was going to do that how would I set that up and how big of a hard drive would I need for the OS.
Thanks
 
I agree with the 120GB recommendation, such as a Samsung 840 (non-Pro) for about $95.

You need more information though:

1) You need to apply "overprovisioning) which will hide about 15%. Samsung Magician can do that for you. You can Google that if you wish but basically you'll get a massive slow-down if you nearly fill the SSD.

2) After formatting and overprovisioning it will be about 89GB of usable space.

3) Also, make sure to upgrade the firmware (I had to do it with the BOOT method using Samsung Magician. That may have been fixed since newer versions are out).

EXAMPLE SETUP:

1) 120GB Samsung 840
- Windows
- applications

2) 2TB Hard Drive:
- STEAM GAMES (all in "STEAM" folder. Once created during Steam install to say E:Steam, all game download auto install here)
- Media
- Downloads
etc.

Points:
- an SSD provides little advantage to gaming other than shorter load times (25 to 100% roughly). I did EXTENSIVE testing.
- If space becomes an issue, you can REDUCE the size of the Pagefile and ELIMINATE Hibernation completely. If you have 8GB of RAM, this can save between 10 and 15GB roughly.
- I have my max and min Pagefile set to 2GB. If you have 6GB or more of main memory that's plenty.
- Hibernation does WRITE to your drive thus reducing it's life, however in practice it's extremely unlikely anyone will ever wear out an SSD in five years. I've seen the numbers and 10+ is likely.
- SSD's don't suddenly fail due to wearing out. Eventually, memory is blocked off when the wear algorithm guesses it's unreliable. I use my SSD every day and two years later it's at 100% capacity.

*After you install Windows and programs you may think "I've got PLENTY of space". Maybe true, however Windows and program updates will slowly eat up that capacity over time. I went from 35GB to 60GB in one year without actually adding anything. It did eventually stabilize as the System Restore maximum is capped etc. Just a WARNING.

Which SSD?
I prefer the Samsung 840 or the Intel 335. The Intel 335 has a 180GB model as well but unless you need it don't bother, and I also think they account for overprovisioning (not certain) so you get more capacity in reality. It used to be true at least.

There are other models which are just fine, though it's a good idea to get one with SOFTWARE that can handle firmware updates, testing and applying overprovisioning like Samsung/Intel do.

For you, I think the 120GB Samsung 840 (non-Pro) for about $95 is probably the best value.

PRICING:
SSD prices are dropping at a rate of 2x to 2.5x every to years. So a 250GB drive that costs $250 might be $100 to $125 in two years. Don't buy more than you need. I consider 80GB a bare minimum, 120GB the best choice, but 180GB or greater overkill for just Windows and programs.