SSD users: how are you organizing your data/folders between SSD and regular HD?

Hi folks,
So there's lots of info on the internet about how to optimize Windows 7 on an SSD. There's lot's of conflicting information, however.

How are folks who have SSDs in their Thinkpads optimizing/tweaking their setup? And which SSD are you using?

I just picked up an Intel 80 GB G2.

TIA!

 

I'm going to assume you mean you'll be running a hybrid setup (SSD main with HDD in the ultrabay [or possibly a USB external]).

Keep EVERYTHING that really matters on the SSD. This includes Windows 7, swap file, documents folder, programs, etc. All of these can benefit from the improved performance of an SSD. Additionally, if you need to pop the HDD out to use the optical drive it will minimize impact.

Use the HDD for files that are large and get little benefit from the improved SSD performance. This is most notably media files (movies, music, and pictures [although I keep my pics on the SSD as I only have a couple GB worth]). You can also keep downloaded installers and disc images (e.g. ISO's) on the HDD as they can be very large as well.

One final thing to note. If you're going to be watching a movie on battery that is on your HDD it may make sense to transfer it to the SSD beforehand. A good SSD uses 1.0-2.5W less power when reading than a comparable HDD (depends on exact model). The short burst of power required to transfer the movie from the HDD to the SSD (should take less than a minute) will likely be recovered by the increased power savings during playback. Additionally, if you move your machine during placyack the SSD will not cause the movie to skip (it's exempt from the Active Protection System).

I'm using a 64GB Samsung 1.8" SLC SSD as the only drive in my ThinkPad. However, I have access to about 3TB of data on six HDD's in my desktop over 802.11N (this is where all of my media, ISOs, and downloaded installers reside).

 

you use 1.8" in your tablet? how come my tablet comes with a 2.5" (wd2500bevs sata)

 

You can use an adapter. I have the same 1.8inch samsung SLC but it is in my HTPC right now. Lenovo sold that earlier as its only SSD offering.

 

I have a 120GB SSD. 120GB is plenty for everything I have, and lots to spare, so I don't need a second operating storage unit. I use external storage only for backups and images of the working drive. I used to partition the working storage unit in two - 1) OS and programs 2) user files, to make wiping and replacing OS easy, without touching the user files - but after a SSD firmware update to implement TRIM seemed to enjoy wiping every one of the files on the second partition, I reverted to one single partition. No problems since. I do not bother with Lenovo rescue partitions etc. I just use the Win7 imaging system to image everything onto an external HDD once a month or so, and incrementally keep a separate file backup up-to-date every day or so using Microsoft Synctoy 2.1.

The second question posed re tweaking the SSD is another issue much more involved. I can only give you my individual settings, which are probably hit or miss. Modern SSD's are so quick that you can just not worry, and you might not notice in all the near-instantaneous operations. Win7 does much more than Win7 and XP for SSD optimization. But I check that there are as few automated processes as possible set at set times - like defrag, spyware scans, antivirus scans, etc. I do not use a recycle bin. I have reduce system restore amount from 5% to 3 % but probably should reduce that further or turn it off (anyone?). Indexing and Windows Searching are disabled. Prefetch is disabled. Others disable superfetch as well...

 

1.8 vs 2.5 ssd, which is better for battery conservation

 

Thanks!
Yup, I'll be running dual drives once my Ultrabay adapter arrives.

I presently have almost all of my core apps installed and have 46 GB left over. I imagine I'll want to leave some extra space (15 GB?), so I still have about 30 GB for future apps and some core data files.

SSDs rock!

 

I have 2 256 GB SSD's in my thinkpad and the first one is split into two partirions, the first partition is for the OS and the second is for programs. The second ssd that I have in the Ultra bay is used for storage and so are the two 64 GB express card SSD's..

 

I get the feeling that you like high speed storage...

 

2x 256 GB, that must have cost a fortune