Is it smart to put an OS on a gaming SSD?

Simon_Aytes

Commendable
Apr 2, 2016
2
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I am a first time PC builder and I have already learned so much from the long journey but I have come to a crossroads that I can't seem to navigate. As of right now on my part list I have a 500GB SSD for games and a 120GB SSD for my Windows 8.1 OS. If I put the OS on the 500GB one will that be safe or will I run the risk of crashing the SSD and in turn my computer? Or should I just play it safe and get two? Please help!
 
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There is no issue with putting an OS and games on the same SSD. It would be just like having a laptop with a single HDD.
If you're only wanting to buy 1 SSD, get the 500GB SSD and slap your games and OS on it. If you're getting 2, put your OS on the 120GB and just use the 500GB for games. I would at least get a...

aparnell572

Reputable
Mar 30, 2016
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With how far technology has advanced with ssd's they are just as or more reliable than a hdd. If you are really concerned at the possibility of losing sensitive data then you should set up a raid 1 array with a second 500 gb ssd. It'll allow for redundancy and ultimately a peace of mind. Good luck
 

Joshua Martin

Distinguished
Sep 16, 2014
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There is no issue with putting an OS and games on the same SSD. It would be just like having a laptop with a single HDD.
If you're only wanting to buy 1 SSD, get the 500GB SSD and slap your games and OS on it. If you're getting 2, put your OS on the 120GB and just use the 500GB for games. I would at least get a 1-2TB HDD to store media and such on it so you don't have to worry about pictures, music, videos, and downloads filling up the space on your SSD. That content doesn't really need the "quick loading" a SSD offers. Honestly, other than quicker loading times, you won't get any performance difference for your games either so they can go on a HDD instead of the SSD as well if you didn't want to buy 2 SSDs. The cool thing is if your OS gets out of whack, it's just a simple reinstall of the OS. Sure you'll have to reinstall some programs but you won't lose and Game data or your media since they'll be on another drive. Ultimately it's up to you.

Here is how my setup is:

120GB SSD (OS)
2TB HDD (Games)
1TB HDD (Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, and Downloads have been relocated to this drive)
1TB HDD (This drive keeps more important data and doesn't usually spin unless I need to access it.)
2TB External HDD (I backup my Documents, pictures, videos, and downloads in case my drive fails)
 
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