Topic: SSD vs HDD - OS vs Storage

[George]

^ wicked

'Cept for the windows part

Hater.

I have a SSD 64GB Kingston...it BSOD on me after a month and I received a replacement.  I'll admit I'm hesitant to reinstall it, but I'll give it another go this weekend probably.  The biggest change I saw using it was Windows 7 64 bit loading up in 20 seconds versus 45 seconds for my SATA 3 6gb HDD. 

[mmedley.]

I have been running the 40GB Intel "value" drive linked above since April or so in both my desktop and laptop. They have been rock solid drives and fast as all get out. I love them and will NEVER go back to a non-SSD drive for my OS drive. I have had no problems whatsoever with either drive. Both are running Windows 7 Ultimate. These drives have estimated MTBF lives lasting WAY longer than most other drives.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

I have been running my SSD for several months now and love it. I got this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227394

I am running my OS (Win 7 x64 Ultimate) w/ programs installed on the SSD.

I have the Swapfile on a second standard drive (partitioned so the Swapfile is at the BEGINNING of the drive). Also the USER folder (documents and settings) are also on the standard drive.

This keeps the writes to the SSD low. By placing the Swapfile at the beginning of the standard drive, increases speed. Keeping files on the standard drive allows me to reinstall Windows without backing up the files (although they are backed up on another drive as well).

The SSD is EASILY the best thing I've ever done to increase performance of my computer. Startup times have been cut in half (or better). Programs open WAY faster.

The cost has really come down. If you've got the bug to upgrade something it's the best bang for your buck (IMO).

If you're not running Windows 7, I would suggest upgrading as well since it supports TRIM.

[Shadow_7]

I have the Swapfile on a second standard drive (partitioned so the Swapfile is at the BEGINNING of the drive). Also the USER folder (documents and settings) are also on the standard drive.

This keeps the writes to the SSD low. By placing the Swapfile at the beginning of the standard drive, increases speed. Keeping files on the standard drive allows me to reinstall Windows without backing up the files (although they are backed up on another drive as well).

Different strokes for different folks.  Not that it matters with solid state, but with spinning platters, you should have the swap file in the middle.  So the read head is at worst 1/2 the total swing arm length away.  There's also merit to putting it at the end in case the drive partially fails, you might still be able to use the front of the drive.  Not that you'd want to.  At least not for anything important.  If you mess up the front of it, the drive is pretty much toast for any purpose.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

I have the Swapfile on a second standard drive (partitioned so the Swapfile is at the BEGINNING of the drive). Also the USER folder (documents and settings) are also on the standard drive.

This keeps the writes to the SSD low. By placing the Swapfile at the beginning of the standard drive, increases speed. Keeping files on the standard drive allows me to reinstall Windows without backing up the files (although they are backed up on another drive as well).

Different strokes for different folks.  Not that it matters with solid state, but with spinning platters, you should have the swap file in the middle.  So the read head is at worst 1/2 the total swing arm length away.  There's also merit to putting it at the end in case the drive partially fails, you might still be able to use the front of the drive.  Not that you'd want to.  At least not for anything important.  If you mess up the front of it, the drive is pretty much toast for any purpose.

I was under the impression that if the heads were parked it would be faster to get to the beginning of the drive. I guess if the drive is working all the time the middle would be better.

Makes sense though. Thanks.