Installing OSX onto 2 HDs?

FatRakoon · 24 May 2015 at 06:50

With all my computers, I use an SSD for the O/S and HDs for the Data

For example :-

Windows
SSD = C:Windows
HD = Apps, Documents, pictures, pron etc

Linux
SSD = /
HD = /home

Can I do the same with the mac?
I know I can just install everything to the SSD and use the HD for extra data, but what I want, is for it to default to the HD for the data, docs, music and so on.

Right now, I have the SSD with OSX and the HD as just data, and Im sort of stuck really.

I could have course simply use the HD on its own, but then the system will be slower and thats the last thing I need with this thing.

Anyone care to light up my life on this one?

ChrisD. · 24 May 2015 at 10:56

Just use Fusion Drive and let OSX worry about where your data goes.

There's a few articles around that show you how to do it yourself.

FatRakoon · 24 May 2015 at 15:23

Fusion Drive? Ok, I will look that one up.

A few articles? Where?

MagicBoy · 24 May 2015 at 15:27

Yep, try Fusion drive.

FatRakoon · 24 May 2015 at 18:01

Ah... now, are these anything like the HD dual drives that have been available for a while?

I definitely like how this fusion drive seems to work... It uses the SSD all the time, but as it fills up, it moves the least used files to the HD, so everything is fully automatic and it makes everythijng as quick as it can possibly be!

I really like that idea, however, I am a little irritated by the price.

Thank you my friend.

Feek · 24 May 2015 at 18:07

FatRakoon said:
I really like that idea, however, I am a little irritated by the price.

If you have a Mac with an SSD and a mechanical drive already, it won't cost you a penny. This thread has a link to an article and a video showing what you can do to convert your two existing drives into a Fusion device.

FatRakoon · 24 May 2015 at 18:15

Seriously? Cool, I will have a look... If that does what I need it to, then I will be madly in love with you and I wil have your babies etc

MagicBoy · 24 May 2015 at 18:23

Seriously. It's a software solution in OS X.

Feek · 24 May 2015 at 18:46

FatRakoon said:
Seriously?

Oh yes - When the postman comes next week I'm ripping out the 2Tb drive in my 2011 iMac, replacing it with a 4Tb drive and making a Fusion drive out of that and the Apple SSD

FatRakoon · 24 May 2015 at 19:01

I am quite impressed with the whole idea!

I have watched the video, and taken notes down... it looks actually quite easy.

my imac though only has the ability to have a single drive along with the DVD, so if I used that, then I would have to use a USB drive. I have only USB 2 and so while the use of the SSD will be fast, the transfers will kill the system stone dead, so its not a perfect cure for everyone.

My Hackintosh, Iam still going through various things to get it running right, howeve, much of that, I also have down quite well in my head and its fairly easy to sort much of it out, and thats the one that has the SSD+HD and so tahts the one that will be made up to fusion drive if it goes well.

my keyboard though, is a cheap ebay job and has not got the proper mac keys, so I have had a quick play and I cannot get into the control-r recovery so I either need a new keyboard or mine is not fully setup right.

I will have it done by tonight I promise.

MagicBoy · 24 May 2015 at 19:05

What year iMac is it?

Recovery is Cmd+R. On a non-Mac keyboard the Windows key is usually the Cmd key.

Feek · 24 May 2015 at 19:56

Sorry, Hackintosh talk is not allowed.