How to extend an SSD to an HDD, treat them as just one drive

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
MyKeyblader

MyKeyblader

Reputable
Nov 28, 2014
103
0
4,680
I have an alienware with Windows 10 installed on an SSD. I have a 1 TB empty, unallocated hard drive. I would like to combine the two drives together so that once space runs out on the SSD, it will use space from the HDD. Is there any way to do this within Windows 10 or using a third party software tool? I would like to keep the OS on the SSD bootable if possible.
 
Solution
androbourne


I do system repairs all the time and I have never found Dells laptops with this setup. The only real way to do it is by using a Raid to strip the drives together.

Normally these Raids need similar disks as in space to work but depending on make/model you might be able to do it with uneven sizes.

However, still not recommended. For one you can't control how or where data is placed on the Raid meaning at times it could use the HHD instead of SSD for primary transfers and...
Sort by date Sort by votes
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,459
17,919
184,590


That is a monstrously bad idea.

Simply use the HDD as another drive letter.
Having more than one drive and drive letter is very, very common.

Redirect some things to go directly to the HDD, instead of the SSD.
Your Libraries, for instance. Doc/Music/Video/etc.
Downloads in your browser.

Win 7 & 8: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1834397/ssd-redirecting-static-files.html
Win 8.1 & 10: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2024314/windows-redirecting-folders-drives.html
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
MyKeyblader

MyKeyblader

Reputable
Nov 28, 2014
103
0
4,680


 
Upvote 0 Downvote
MyKeyblader

MyKeyblader

Reputable
Nov 28, 2014
103
0
4,680
I am aware of the dangers associated with this, such as one drive failing will get rid of data on both. What other reasons are there? I am not fully convinced that its bad enough to not try.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,459
17,919
184,590


1. It servers absolutely no purpose.

2. "I would like to combine the two drives together so that once space runs out on the SSD, it will use space from the HDD."
You really, really don't want the SSD to "fill up". That is a quick way to kill the drive performance and lifespan.

3. It's far better for you, the human, to designate what goes where.
Some things you want on the SSD, some things don't benefit from that speed.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
MyKeyblader

MyKeyblader

Reputable
Nov 28, 2014
103
0
4,680


I've seen some laptops that such as Dell ones that have an SSD and an HDD and only one drive shows up for the user. I think its some kind of proprietor software or setup, but there has to be someway to do it. Please let me knnow if theres any possible way to do it.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
MyKeyblader

MyKeyblader

Reputable
Nov 28, 2014
103
0
4,680

I don't think its a hybrid drive, as there is an SSD and an HDD when I take the back cover off
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
androbourne

androbourne

Honorable
Jul 18, 2017
2,369
6
13,615


I do system repairs all the time and I have never found Dells laptops with this setup. The only real way to do it is by using a Raid to strip the drives together.

Normally these Raids need similar disks as in space to work but depending on make/model you might be able to do it with uneven sizes.

However, still not recommended. For one you can't control how or where data is placed on the Raid meaning at times it could use the HHD instead of SSD for primary transfers and get slower speeds then you would except, depending on where the system decides to place the data.

I would do as others have suggested. SSD for boot drive and HHD for storage. You can redirect your profile to the HHD that way it is used by default when saving items to your profile.

Now if you were dead set on doing a Raid to strip the data across to make one big drive. I would suggest you replace the HHD with an SSD and then strip it. But in all honestly, I think its just a waste of time because two SSDs in a stripped Raid wont improve performance in terms that matter and just causes more of a headache to manage the Raid, especially if one drive dies.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,459
17,919
184,590


Those might have a tiny 32GB "SSD", and a 1TB HDD.
The SSD is simply a cache for the HDD. It is not an addressable individual drive.

Unless your laptop comes from the store like that, ignore it.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom