Win8.1 on SSD + Win7 w/ Games on HDD

Dubski

Honorable
Oct 12, 2013
7
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10,510
Hey guys!

I recently bought an SSD (still being shipped) and I will be installing Windows 8.1 on it. I have standard 7200rpm 1TB HDD with Win7 that will be my secondary.

My questions are:

1. Say I decide to install a game on the HDD with Win7. Can I run it just fine while I'm booted in Win8.1 on my SSD? Also if I'm installing new software BUT I want it saved on the HDD, do I install/DL the Win8 or Win7 version? (I'm aware that I won't be taking advantage of the SSD speeds when trying to run things from the HDD)

2. Which hard drive will the hardware (e.g. GPU) be looking for the drivers if I'm running the game from the HDD?

3. I know that I need to perform some SSD optimization settings (for example, turn off defrag if it doesn't do it automatically). If I want to continue to have defragmentation done on my HDD, will I have to boot from that drive instead of the SSD or can I still perform a defrag JUST on that disk while running my OS through the SSD.

Thanks for any assistance!
 
Solution
1) install 8.1 on SSD, in BIOS boot priority should be SSD first.(win-7 is ignored unless you boot from HDD 1st) Drivers go on SSD. Any new games and/or large files you want on the HDD have to be assigned to that drive. (default location pre chosen as many downloads will not ask, most do).
2) the hardware does not "care" and uses both as needed.
3) defrag & optimization is adjusted by you, in win-8.1 , you choose which drive (check/uncheck box/drive letter) also win-8.1 has TRIM enabled for your ssd and that prevents auto defrag of SSD.
1) install 8.1 on SSD, in BIOS boot priority should be SSD first.(win-7 is ignored unless you boot from HDD 1st) Drivers go on SSD. Any new games and/or large files you want on the HDD have to be assigned to that drive. (default location pre chosen as many downloads will not ask, most do).
2) the hardware does not "care" and uses both as needed.
3) defrag & optimization is adjusted by you, in win-8.1 , you choose which drive (check/uncheck box/drive letter) also win-8.1 has TRIM enabled for your ssd and that prevents auto defrag of SSD.
 
Solution

Dubski

Honorable
Oct 12, 2013
7
0
10,510


Just a little more clarification.
1. Meaning that games on the HDD will still be able to play fine while I am booted from SSD? As a result, when I'm downloading a file and it asks me for my OS, I should select Win8.1 EVEN THOUGH I'm putting it in my HDD?

2. I assume then I can just keep up to date drivers on the SSD and not worry about the HDD.

3. Got it!

 
1) YES the 8.1 will access and run every file/game(s) (except the win-7.OS) from the HDD. Drivers that ask for a OS, you would choose 8.1 version (90% of 8.1 drivers (Ex. video card), are the same version as win-7/64) regardless of where you keep them.

2) YES that's what I do. Drivers, Java, adobe, (steam, origin, ubisoft) launchers & utilities on SSD.

3) YES once you have SSD you never go back, you'll see. But there will always be a HDD for storage. until I see a 4TB SSD for $80......Haha:pt1cable: