HDD First, SSD Later?

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Gster24k

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Oct 19, 2013
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Hi all,
I am doing my first build and I'm looking for some advice on storage. At the moment I'm thinking of installing a standard 1Tb HDD first. Then when I have the money, I would like to install an SSD. My question is, will I be able to put my O/S on my SSD, and just delete it from my HDD, or is there an ideal solution for this.
Also, my other option is to get a 1TB SSHD, hybrid storage which would work out cheaper, but wouldn't be my preference. Would this have any advantage other than price, or is my first option a much more ideal method. Thanks for your interest in my post.
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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Mar 3, 2012
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I bought a HDD and 2 months later added a SSD. Lesson learned. If you are thinking about getting a SSD then do it from the get go. SSDs have gotten so cheap. Right now the two best are Samsung EVO and Intel 530, based on price and performance; and size matters.

I never tried a SSD/HDD hybrid but it sounds cool in theory. But I do know that a SSD is amazing for all programs and HDDs are excellent for storage space.

I'd suggest biting the bullet and getting the SSD first.
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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If you do the ssd later, you will need to reinstall all your programs.
That is assuming that your ssd is not sufficiently large so that you can clone the hard drive to the new ssd.

I suggest you buy the ssd up front and defer on the hard drive.
The ssd will make everything you do so much quicker.
A 120gb ssd will hold the os and a handful of games. With a 240gb you may not need a hard drive at all.
It is easy to add a hard drive later if you need to store large files such as video files or backups.

The hyprid ssd/hard drives are generally good only for very specific and predictable situations. I would not bother.
 
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enemy1g

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Oct 3, 2013
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Would be ideal if you got the SSD, and had an external HDD laying around that you could use in the mean time to store your stuff.

Unless you're going to immediately fill up your HDD, I would definitely recommend going with the SSD first. If you only plan on putting games on your primary drive, get a 250GB Samsung EVO and install most of the games you play, and uninstall/install games as you see fit. Having a SSD is a night and day difference between a HDD.
 
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Gster24k

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Oct 19, 2013
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Thanks m8,
I was looking at prices for SSD's, and came across a 64Gb sandisk ssd on amazon. It had 4.5 / 5 stars with 75 reviews which is pretty good. Price is just over 50 euro. So if I got this along with a standard 1Tb hdd, could I use my ssd for my O/S and whatever remaining space for programmes and games. Then when the 64Gb's are used will it automatically save everything else on the hdd. Or before you use a programme must you choose a storage device to use, and it will only use that device regardless of how much space you have left. Then if there is no space left will it automatically save on the Hdd. Sorry, I'm completely new to this so it probably sounds like I haven't got a clue, that's because I don't. Lol :)

 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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Mar 3, 2012
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What you said is right, but I got a problem with it. Systems in 2013 are better off putting OS and all programs on SSD, but some games can go on HDD. It doesn't really affect performance...more so that your programs aren't on one central drive.

If I was to buy a SSD today I wouldn't go less than 120GB. This allows you to put OS, all programs, and some games on the SSD. Everything else throw on the HDD.

You will see the difference ASAP.
 
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Gster24k

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Oct 19, 2013
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If I can't stretch it for a 120 Gb, would a 64 Gb be sufficient you think for just my O/S, and then put my games onto the hdd. I forgot to mention, I'll be using my pc primarily for gaming and everything else is secondary. And because I'll be mainly using it for gaming would it still be of much benefit for me to get an ssd for just my o/s. Thnx for all your replies m8.

 
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Y0GI

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Jul 22, 2013
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If you filled the 64 GB SSD, Windows would NOT automatically roll over the storage to the HDD. Instead, it would cause all kinds of problems because Windows doesn't work well with full drives, be they HDD or SSD. When you install a program, if you accept the default location it will normally install to your C: drive. With an SSD, you would select the "Custom" or "Advanced" installation which lets you select a desired location for the program installation. That way, you keep your OS on the SSD and games and other programs on the HDD.



Windows needs about 20-25 GB for its installation, but that size grows as you use the system and add updates, etc. So, a 64 GB drive would be sufficient for windows but that doesn't leave much room for games and programs. So, the main benefit would be your Windows boot time which would be quicker but all of your programs and games would load as normally from the HDD. I don't think that I would buy an SSD for just my OS.

Yogi

 
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Gster24k

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Oct 19, 2013
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Thanks guys, I really found these replies helpful. Your right Yogi, I don't think it would be worth it just to get one for my o/s, and at the moment I could only afford a 64Gb ssd, so I think I'll hold out until I can upgrade to at least a 128 some time later. Thanks again, mucho appreciated!
 
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Y0GI

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Jul 22, 2013
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You're welcome! Glad to help!

Yogi
 
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