Installing an SSD while keeping mechanical hard drive

[Lionheartvll]

I recieved a samsung 256gb evo SSD as a present and I wanted to install it into my desktop. Ideally, I would like to keep my current 2tb mechanical hard drive installed to use for basic storage of things I don't use all that often (some games, music, other programs, things like that) while using the SSD for commonly used games and programs, as well as windows itself. My first question is how would I go about installing the SSD? Is it as simple as plugging it in like a normal installation and my PC would then work as if I had two hard drives? Or is it a more complex process to have multiple hard drives installed? Also, when I get both of these hard drives installed, how would I go about putting the windows 8 OS onto the new SSD so that windows loads from that drive instead of the mechanical drive?

Thanks for any information you can give!

 

[clutchc]

Same as using a HDD, with a few exceptions for best performance. Here is a good guide for installing Win8 on a SSD: http://www.overclock.net/t/1240779/seans-windows-8-install-optimization-guide-for-ssds-hdds
Wiring-wise, it hooks up just like a HDD. A data cable and a power cable.

You can then format the HDD and use it to store pgms and data on it you don't want taking up space on the SSD.

 

[Entomber]

this is the best practice:
1. unplug your mechanical HDD
2. plug in only your SSD
3. insert install media and install Windows 8 fresh onto your SSD
4. install all motherboard drivers
5. plug in your mechanical HDD and format it

Sidenote: there is no such thing as a 256GB Samsung EVO, only the Pro comes in 256GB; the EVO comparable size is 240GB

 

[WildCard999]

First turn off the system and make sure your grounded/discharge any electricity by touching the metal outside your case and install the SSD into your system by connecting the SATA cables (1 power/1 data). From there I would disconnect both SATA cables from the Storage drive. This will ensure that the OS is installed to the SSD. Then install Win 8 onto the SSD and get all the nessesary updates. From there power off the system and install the Storage drive the same way you did with the SSD. Format the Storage drive. The system should auto detect the HDD.

 

[USAFRet]

Sidenote: there is no such thing as a 256GB Samsung EVO, only the Pro comes in 256GB; the EVO comparable size is 240GB

Actually, it's 250GB. I just got two, am looking at the box right now.