Q on performance and set up for a new build

[Noto]

Hi all, I am making a complete new build soon and i want to get it right. So i figured why build a fast machine and skimp out on the HD... No point processing data that fast when the HD cant send info fast enough to it. As a result i will probably get a Raptor.

I recall reading somewhere that it is best to put the cache(?) that windows makes on a seperate drive to improve performance. Apparently this allows the Computer to read windows or say my game on HD1 and then use the cache on HD2. Thus eliminating the need of the HD head running back and forth looking for cache then back to the game/windows. Is this tip worth doing? And what problems could occur.

OK lets now assume i have bought a 74gb raptor. How should i set up my system?

a.) just install windows on the raptor and put my software and games on the bigger storage drive.
b.) Install windows and essential programs / games on raptor. Other stuff on storage drive


Thanks for reading any help is much appreciated

Noto

 

[rpstewart]

If you're set on the Raptor then option b) is the sensible one, it makes sense to put all the stuff you need quick access to on the fast disk. You can then stick media, backups and the swap file onto a storage drive.

There is of course the other option of a RAID0 array of quick 7200rpm disks, a pair of Seagate 7200.10s are a bit more expensive than a 74Gb Raptor but will return a far higher sustained transfer rate than the single drive while providing far more space. You do of course have to deal with the problems of RAID0, ie if one drive dies all the data on both disks is lost so you need a good backup strategy.