How to set up an SSD?

ryryryan

ryryryan

ryryryan

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Hi all! So I just invested in the 256GB Crucial M4 (and also a 1TB HDD) and I'd like some tips to set it up at first, as I don't imagine it would be the same as a HDD?
I plan to use the SSD for windows, all my programs & steam, backing up then uninstalling any Steam games I don't need.
However, is there anything I should do in windows to make sure the SSD isn't being needlessly written to? For example, should I install Chrome to a different drive as no doubt it will be writing tons on the SSD with history/cookies etc. Also, would all windows files be on the SSD and its just my music and movies on the HDD? I just don't really know the best way to set this thing up, would really appreciate any help!
 
1) Unplug all drives, leave only the disk drive and SSD connected. Change boot order to boot from the disk drive first.
2) In the BIOS turn the SATA mode from IDE to AHCI. This will get the best performance out of the SSD and will enable the TRIM feature which will keep the drive fast over time.
3) Install Windows, then drivers and any updates Windows require. You may change the boot order back to SSD and replug in the other drives at this point.
4) In Windows Explorer, you can change the directory of Documents, Music, etc to your HDDs. This way everything will go to the HDDs, including downloads if you've done this correctly. Heck, you can even redirect it to the existing folders from your old Windows install, then your personal files will be ready to use straight away.

That's about it. Windows 7 is pretty efficient with SSDs so no need to disable things like pagefiling. I've left everything to default on mine except for hibernation (It takes a chunk of SSD space) and it still have about 8 years life on it.
 
Thanks for the links! I use chrome and there is no way to change the cache folder :( I've read that using a link junction or something like that works though. May give it a try.
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums...ion)-from-caching-to-your-SSD-using-Junctions

EDIT: Thankyou Orc! That's some simple yet very handy information, very much appreciated :) Did you mean change the boot order to the disk drive first? To install windows. And I didn't realise you can change the directory of documents, music and everything like that. Will google search this and hopefully find some quick little how-to's. :)
Found one! Easy! :D http://headstrongfarm.hubpages.com/hub/Windows-7_-_Moving_My_Documents
 
Last edited:
ryryryan said:
Thanks for the links! I use chrome and there is no way to change the cache folder :( I've read that using a link junction or something like that works though. May give it a try.
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums...ion)-from-caching-to-your-SSD-using-Junctions

EDIT: Thankyou Orc! That's some simple yet very handy information, very much appreciated :) Did you mean change the boot order to the disk drive first? To install windows. And I didn't realise you can change the directory of documents, music and everything like that. Will google search this and hopefully find some quick little how-to's. :)
Found one! Easy! :D http://headstrongfarm.hubpages.com/hub/Windows-7_-_Moving_My_Documents
Click to expand...

"mklink /J" for folders, without the "/J" for files. Run the command line as Administrator.

Most folders in the user folder can be re-directed to another drive. It's actually part of the windows OS, so don't use mklink if you don't have to. RMB -> Location.

I've installed Steam on the HDD, and mklink things like Skyrim and TF2 onto the SSD, as most of my steam games are better off that way (while keeping original backups on HDD). You can do the opposite, but if you have loads of games, better put steam on the HDD by default. Although 256GB is a lot!
 
You don't need to move anything to another drive - in fact, this will just render having the SSD a bit pointless. Aside from disabling auto-defrag on the SSD, just let Windows do its thing.
 
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