How to run SSD and HDD?

[hcps-lyonsec]

How does the combo work?

Planning on running windows on a ssd and then mostly everything else on hdd.

-Is it easy to use, switching between the two?
-Is it okay if you really only have windows on the ssd and all your games on the hdd.
-So is it okay if a get a small ssd just for windows?

 

[ikaz]

Basically all you do is install the OS on the SSD, and format the other drive and install application as needed. I basically have a SSD 256GB(well it actually a NVMe but that doesn't matter) and 1.5 TB HDD. So during the installation of windows I created a 120 ish GB C partition for windows. Once every was installed I then used the 100GB or so space left on the SSD and created another partition for apps or games that I wanted to load faster. I then took the 1.5 cut that in half for so 700GB or so for games and 700GB for random files like music/temp scratch files/etc.

Yes it fine to have your games/programs on the HDD putting them on the SSD would only help with initial load times not actual game play.

 

[CountMike]

It's no different than having 2 or more HDDs, Use faster for OS and most important programs and other one(s) for less important programs/games and storage.
Because of GB/$ ratio, 240 - 250BG SSDs are best buy for now. When you install a program or game on second disk some parts are still installed on OS disk so it may also fill up fast. Beside OS, an SSD also helps a bit with actual program/game performance because of faster virtual memory.
There's actually nothing to "switch to", both disks and their partitions are going to have own letters so when you want to install a program or game just point it disk/partition you want to.

 

[USAFRet]

How does the combo work?

Planning on running windows on a ssd and then mostly everything else on hdd.

-Is it easy to use, switching between the two?
-Is it okay if you really only have windows on the ssd and all your games on the hdd.
-So is it okay if a get a small ssd just for windows?

There is no "switching". The other drives just appear as other drive letters. D, E F...
Yes, however...It never ends up as "only windows"
Define "small". Don't fall into the trap of going too small in an effort to save money. You want a 250GB or larger SSD.

How to manage space between the two drives:
Win 7 & 8: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1834397/ssd-redirecting-static-files.html
Win 8.1 & 10: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2024314/windows-redirecting-folders-drives.html


For Steam games:
Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder