How to configure a newly build PC and how to use an SSD and HDD together?

fifa500 · Jul 10, 2014

I know this question has been asked many times before but I'd like some help based on what I need.
I know that you have to go into the bios and do something but I'm not sure what you exactly have to do so any help on the bios part when installing windows would be helpful. I have an Asus motherboard if that's relevant.
For the second part of my question, I want to install windows, Microsoft office, adobe programs and a few other commonly used software on the SSD. I don't need a tutorial on how to do these things but I want to know how to make all the windows libraries (documents, pictures folders etc.) be put onto the second HDD and how can I force windows to install programmes on the HDD after I've already installed the important programmes in the SSD.
I thought I'd just mention that I haven't actually built the PC yet. I am using an i5 4690k CPU so I'm guessing I would have to update the bios (Asus Maximus VII HERO Motherboard) for it to detect the CPU so I'd like to know how to do that as well.
If there are other things that you think I should know when building my PC then don't hesitate to include that in your answer. I'm aware that the answer I'm asking for might take a while to write so thanks in advance for your help

USAFRet · Jul 10, 2014

Programs - do NOT 'force' them to all go elsewhere. Many things you WANT on the SSD.
Depending on the size of your SSD, the OS and probably ALL your applications will fit.

Your Libraries - See these:
Win 7 & 8: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1834397/ssd-redirecting-static-files.html
Win 8.1: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2024314/windows-redirecting-folders-drives.html

From the above links, causing the Libraries, etc to save elsewhere is built in. No need for registry edits, etc.

abel98 · Jul 10, 2014

First, if your current bios doesn't support your cpu, it won't do anything at all. You will need a compatible cpu to boot the pc, otherwise you can't even get into the bios. Ask around for people who have a compatible cpu or maybe a shop that could help you. If that's fixed, all you have to do is just go into bios, select first boot device or something similar, and put in the cd-rom with windows, and reboot. It will boot from the cd, and from there it will giude you through the installation process. MAke sure to slect the ssd drive while installing windows as the the target drive. When the installation is complete, shut down pc, boot it, go into bios and set the first boot device to the ssd. Reboot and you will have a fresh windows install on your ssd. If you want to, add some accounts, and after that install drivers for your hardware. You can use the disk that comes with some products, but it's better if you go to the site and download the latest drivers from there. When installing programs, you'll see that windows has your ssd (C drive) as a default installion drive. If you're installing a program that you want on the ssd, such as the ones you mentioned or drivers and windows stuff, it's best to keep it that way. Other applications can be installed on a different drive, simply by browsing to the right folder while in the install wizard of the program. My last point is that the windows libraries are always on the drive where windows is installed, and you can't change that. However, you can just leave those folders empty and make new folders on your hdd, just name them pictures, documents, music etc. Hope i helped

EDIT:
I see that USAFRet found out how to change the locations of the libraries, so use his info to do that.

USAFRet · Jul 10, 2014

My last point is that the windows libraries are always on the drive where windows is installed, and you can't change that.

In the Libraries properties, you can easily change what drive stuff in there lives.

fifa500 · Jul 10, 2014

I've got one more question. Let's say I redirect the documents library to my secondary HDD. If I do this and I tell Microsoft Word to open/save a document then will it automatically go to the documents folder first (which is on the HDD, the drive without windows installed)?

USAFRet · Jul 10, 2014

fifa500 :

Yes. If you save to "Documents", wherever the Documents folder points to is where it will be saved.
This is how I have my system set up. Docs/Music/Pics/etc all live on a secondary drive. In my case, another SSD.

fifa500 · Jul 10, 2014

I've checked the size of all the programmes I want to install and they all fit onto my SSD. Thanks for all your help and I found your tutorial helpful on how to redirect windows libraries with Windows 8.1

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