Optimal Partition setup for Windows 7 on SSD

ssd

I'm setting up my system with Windows 7 right now, with knowledge that I am going to be getting a SSD in the future. What optimizations/setup should I do now to make a smoother transition in the future?

  1. Should I created two partitions – one for the OS and one for the data? Assuming this is the case, I would be able to easily ghost my OS partition onto the SSD in the future.
  2. If so, what should go on the OS drive besides the OS? Program files? If I install games or Visual Studio, should it go on the OS drive or the data drive? I can see the SSD filling up fast if I install all my program files on there.
  3. I've seen a few posts where people talk about leaving a portion of the SSD unformatted – is this something I should do?

Thanks!

Best Answer

  1. Should I created two partitions - one for the OS and one for the data? Assuming this is the case, I would be able to easily ghost my OS partition onto the SSD in the future.

    That's close, but no cigar (wow, I haven't used that line in years). What most bloggers say is OS in one drive (the SSD) and the data in another (the HDD).

  2. If so, what should go on the OS drive besides the OS? Program files? If I install games or Visual Studio, should it go on the OS drive or the data drive? I can see the SSD filling up fast if I install all my program files on there.

    Keep in mind that most of the SSD tipsters are power users. The kind that leave their computer on at night because they expect their DVD to finish ripping, their download of a 200GB torrent, and rendering of an Adobe AfterEffects project to complete overnight. Because their computer is just that freaking good.

    Anyway. Yes, keep the program files on there. You'll be able to launch them a lot faster. Besides, keeping the program files on a drive different from the OS drive, unless they are portable, is messy.

    Your program files would take up quite a bit of space but since it's an SSD you probably have a second drive anyway to keep your data.

  3. I've seen a few posts where people talk about leaving a portion of the SSD unformatted - is this something I should do?

    Comparable to cleaning out the registry. There really is no point, but it sounds useful. It isn't.

On a side note, Lifehacker has a great guide on the subject you ought to read. The Intel SSD Optimizer won't hurt either.

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