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Storage Options

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September 30, 2012 3:47:17 PM

I am putting together my list of components for my new PC build. I am now trying to decide what I want to do with storage for all my files, and programs etc. I am going with an SSD for my OS, I am not sure what to do about HD’s.

Should I have just one HD or is it best to get 2 and do a Raid configuration or something? I will have a hot swap bay for backing everything up on an HD
Should I also install my programs (Software) on the SSD?

Thank you for your time…

More about : storage options

a b G Storage
September 30, 2012 4:29:10 PM

If you're getting a decently-sized SSD (128gb or larger), you should definitely put your programs on it. This applies most to programs with significant, annoying startup times like games and Photoshop.
Since you'll be putting your programs and OS on your SSD—I assume you do have the budget for a good-sized one, as you're considering HDD RAID—you don't need to worry about the speed of the HDD. It'll contain data for which speed doesn't really matter, like media files and documents. Just get any cheap 7200rpm drive. This one's fine, and it's currently the cheapest on Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
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September 30, 2012 4:39:16 PM

I am looking at the Crucial 256 GB SSD and yes I use PS and Lr4 so my plan was to put as much as I can on the SSD.

Can you explain a little on which RAID config would be best and size of HDD to use?

Thanks again.
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a b G Storage
September 30, 2012 5:41:04 PM

You shouldn't use any RAID configuration, because you don't need to worry about HDD speed.
The size of the HDD depends on how much media you have, mostly. If you don't collect video files, you'll almost certainly never go over 1tb, so just get the one linked above. Smaller HDDs aren't much cheaper.
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September 30, 2012 5:46:36 PM

Thanks for your help kajabla.. I was thinking that any RAID setup would not benifit me just making sure.
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September 30, 2012 5:47:35 PM

If I got two HHD's installed in the PC same size could I just copy everthing off one drive to the other?
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a b G Storage
September 30, 2012 5:57:02 PM

Yes, you can clone drives pretty easily.
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September 30, 2012 6:16:40 PM

Do I need software? what would you recomend?
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a c 98 G Storage
September 30, 2012 6:28:47 PM

What is cloning the drive going to accomplish? You could easily set up a mirror if all you want is hardware redundancy. This is not a backup. backups need to be to something external - or removable, and possibly kept off-site for real catastrophic(as in the building burns down) protection of data.
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September 30, 2012 6:56:15 PM

I would always still back up, just thinking if I have a drive failure I would have an exact clone to go to with no down time.
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Best solution

a c 98 G Storage
September 30, 2012 7:03:27 PM

Then raid 1(mirror) would be what you want. If either drive failed, you would still have access to your data. I just wanted to make sure you weren't overlooking the need for a backup.
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a b G Storage
September 30, 2012 8:49:01 PM

Oh, I actually misread your question. I missed the "in the same PC" part. ss is right that RAID 1 would be one way of doing backup.
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October 1, 2012 12:12:54 AM

Wish I could pick 2 Best Answers Thanks Kaj and SS
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October 1, 2012 12:13:42 AM

Best answer selected by pm8546.
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a c 128 G Storage
October 1, 2012 12:53:14 AM

RAID 1 is nice as it provides redundant protection for ya valuable files is one of the HD tanks. But in case of say a fire, or electrical surge....both HD's can be toasted.

I'd suggest a 2 TB Seagate XT in the box and one of these for a backup drive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=E...

backup and store the HD off site.
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