Is it possible to install the Windows system files on a small SSD and have all important folders (C:\Program Files, C:\Users) on a 2TB data drive? I assume this is how one would use an SSD to achieve higher performance
Windows – SSD + Data Drive Windows 7
ssdwindows 7
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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).
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.
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.
WinDirStat is confusing and you should avoid it. Run TreeSizeFree as admin it shows the usage in depth and cleaner way compared to WinStatDir.
With this sorted TreeView you can detect the causing folder easily.
Best Answer
As far as
C:\Users
is concerned,C:\Users\<Profile>
C:\Users\<Profile>
For Program Files, let the main Program files folder exist on C: , and create another folder manually on your HDD
Then, when installing programs, select the manually created folder as the installation path