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    Multiple Hard drives on laptop (SSD/7200RPM)

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by tsquare, Jun 15, 2011.

  1. tsquare

    tsquare Newbie

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    I just acquired an Asus G37 laptop. It has a 7200 RPM Seagate Momentus factory drive. It has a spot for another hard drive. I am considering getting a 96GB SSD to put in the empty bay.

    As I understand it, the OS should be the only thing on the SSD. Is that correct?

    The computer will be used for high end drafting software (Revit / Autocad). Should I install Revit and Autocad on the SSD as well, or OS only?

    Thanks.

    Also, I imagine that after I install the SSD and OS, do I need to change any bios settings and such to make it the start up drive? First time adding multiple drives on a laptop.
     
    tsquare, Jun 15, 2011
    #1
  2. Abidderman

    Abidderman Notebook Deity

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    I would install the ssd in the hard drive bay, install the os and the programs you need on the ssd as well (to take advantage of the speed increase) and then store the data on the hdd in the ODD bay. Make sure in bios it is set to ACHI and if I am correct in assuming your putting win7 on it, it should be aligned properly. Then make sure you have the latest drivers for your ssd and enjoy. Oh, make sure you turn off defrag for the ssd.

    You can change the order of the startup in bios if it isn't the ssd by default. Just go to boot and it will allow you to see which drive is first, and then make sure it is the ssd.
     
    Abidderman, Jun 15, 2011
    #2
  3. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    Yes, SSD in the main drive slot, HDD in the ODD caddy. Set BIOS to AHCI. A fresh install of Windows 7 will automatically align the drive, and will turn off defrag scheduling for the SSD.

    My typical use is to install OS and apps on SSD and data and games on the HDD. This way you'll get best use out of your SSD.
     
    HTWingNut, Jun 15, 2011
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  4. vinuneuro

    vinuneuro Notebook Virtuoso

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    All OS and applications should be on the ssd.
     
    vinuneuro, Jun 15, 2011
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  5. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    Use the SSD for your O/S and programs (as others have already said).

    Also, do a clean install too. There are many things that Windows 7 will optimize itself to the SSD you install (not all SSD's will need all/every tweak Win7 can do).

    I highly recommend (with your two drive system) to move the users folder to the mechanical HDD using the information in the following link:

    See:
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...gramdata-folder-separate-drive-partition.html


    I also highly recommend not doing any other tweaks 'for an SSD'.

    Good luck.
     
    tilleroftheearth, Jun 16, 2011
    #5