OS on SD, programme and files on HDD

[Mr-20Slater]

Hi, is it possible for Windows to be on an SSD, and my HDD hold other programme and files. If I did this, is there any way I could keep my windows 'perfect'? Or does it always get changed regardless.
Also, would I need a RAID card to do this on a z87 pro motherboard from Asus.
Thanks.

 

[RealBeast]

You can load the OS on the SSD and most of the programs on the HDD. You don't need a RAID card, just attach both the SATA ports. The SSD cannot remain "perfect" since you will have Windows updates and registry file changes from the program installs, and unless you actually change a couple of registry keys for the destination of programs and programs x86 some programs will not give you a choice of install location.

 

[HiTechObsessed]

You wouldn't need a RAID card. You can definitely do what you're asking though That's the setup I have.

When you install Windows, just specify you want to use the SSD as the install directory. Then after that, use the HDD as the install directory for games and other programs.

 

[USAFRet]

Hi, is it possible for Windows to be on an SSD, and my HDD hold other programme and files. If I did this, is there any way I could keep my windows 'perfect'? Or does it always get changed regardless.
Also, would I need a RAID card to do this on a z87 pro motherboard from Asus.
Thanks.

No RAID needed or recommended.
What you propose is very common. But no, you can't keep the OS "perfect". Stuff will get written to the C drive no matter what. But that is not a cause for concern. It is absolutely normal.

See this for how to redirct items to elsewhere:
http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1834397/ssd-redirecting-static-files.html

 

[Y0GI]

That is how I have my system set up. Windows + a few programs on SSD and documents, photos, etc. on HDD.

I don't understand about keeping Windows "Perfect"?

No, you will not need a RAID card for this.

Yogi

 

[ubercake]

You can put Windows on the SSD and programs and data on other drivers.

There is no way to keep Windows 'perfect' as every application you install has at least a reference of some type on the Windows install. So, in a sense, it always gets changed. But you could always keep a drive image on another driver for a point in time and restore Windows as necessary.

You only need to set up a RAID array if you want to use one for some specific purpose. The Z87 motherboard already has RAID capable disk controllers, though most of us do not even use a RAID setup. You definitely don't need a RAID card to run Windows on an SSD and everything else on HDD(s).

 

[pauls3743]

What you propose is what many of us have been doing for years. Install OS and essential programs on the SSD and install everything else on a storage hard drive. The system as a whole gets a boost simple because all the small file transfers/edits of the OS are concentrated on a very fast responsive drive which leaves the other application more room to breath so perform quicker.

 

[USAFRet]

And whatever SSD you eventually get, 120GB minimum, preferably larger.