New SSD - several questions about installing multiple SSDs
New SSD - several questions about installing multiple SSDs
For as long as I can remember, I've needed several hard drives... maybe since I began building 20 years ago. I've always tried to balance them with software split between each one, etc.
My present configuration is 2 - 2 TB 980 Pro's. I bought a 4TB 990 Pro for Christmas and my goal has been to finally have just one drive for everything. BUT - then I started thinking... why not keep one of the 2 TB drives ONLY for files, pictures, music, etc. – basically my onedrive "drive" which would only take about 500GB leaving my 4TB free for my apps, games, etc.
In short, I don’t want any programs running on the second drive... just My Documents, My Pictures, My Music, etc.
I'm asking this question because my current My Documents setup definitely has folders created by programs that were installed. This could be from a previous build since I've kept my "My Documents" folder for years and years.
Is there something I should take into account to make the second drive exclusive to files and have no programs running?
There is no issue with using additional drives for personal files. That’s exactly how I manage with six SSDs. One drive handles the operating system and apps, while the others store specific file types. You might think about avoiding redirecting your default libraries for documents, videos, etc., to another drive. Yes, I’ve written some guides on this topic before. However, Windows and applications have improved at handling other locations and folders, so they don’t require the default libraries. Just save a file to a folder on the second drive, and the next time you need to save something, it will likely use that same space. You definitely don’t need to rely on the built-in default libraries.
You are limited only by the capabilities of your motherboard.
The way data is spread across the drives is completely at your discretion.
For instance, I use 7 drives in my work or gaming setup.
I'm assuming it's fine to set up my documents, photos, etc., on the second drive and link OneDrive to them. Just confirming my understanding.
I personally wouldn't handle the actual redirect of the default Libraries to the second drive. Just set up a few folders... MyDocs/MyVids/MyDownloads... whatever. Keep the original default Libraries on the C drive. When you save something, just inform the app to save there. You can also adjust your browser settings to automatically save to that other folder. Redirecting the default Libs used was once a good idea, but over time it can become troublesome. Simply letting you decide where to save things is much safer.
These libraries are connected to the active NTFS user. During an OS reinstall, this adds complexity. Or if you remove the drive and connect it to another computer to transfer files, you'd need to go through several steps to get access. It's possible but not ideal. The default Libraries could be helpful only in a multi-user environment where each person has their own login and account. In such cases, the Libraries remain tied to individual users, so Mary wouldn't be able to view Bob's 'Documents' folder.
I'm glad you're on board. I'll keep the 4TB for my main storage like documents and similar files, and the 2TB will serve as extra space for additional programs when required.