Preparing an SSD and a SATA hard drive
Preparing an SSD and a SATA hard drive
Hello! I’m receiving a new computer at the end of the week. Although I’m not a gamer, the price seems very reasonable for this setup.
I’ll be using the AMD RYZEN 5 7600X, MSI PRO PRO A620M-E AM5, and a 500GB HP EX900 M.2 SSD with NVME PCI-Express 3.0. I have 16GB of DR3D-VM memory, a 500GB SATA drive, and a 500GB SATA power supply from Thermaltake.
I plan to install Windows 10 on the SSD via a USB stick, likely entering BIOS to assign the drive during installation. For the SATA drive, I want to store most of my files there. Should I create a directory on it and point the installer there? How do I organize directories and files on the hard drive? Is there a tool that can help set up something like Windows Explorer for managing these?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I don't suggest placing apps directly on a HDD that way. If you're worried about space on the SSD, think about choosing a bigger one.
HDD is ideal for storing things like photos, videos, music, and backup files.
It's better to remove the HDD, install Windows on the SSD, and then reconnect it. Use Disk Management to set it up again.
You don't need to perform this action. The system will attempt to boot from any connected storage device. If a suitable HDD or SSD isn't available, it will look for USB drives. When installing Windows, ensure both drives are connected and identify the correct one as an SSD. If you prefer not to manage this, disconnect the HDD first and reconnect it after installation. After setup, use the Start Menu search to type "diskmgmt.msc" and format the drive through it. To install programs, select "Custom install" or similar options, as default settings may direct them to Program Files. Once formatted, File Explorer will allow interaction with the drive.
Only the SSD should be connected during OS installation. Avoid splitting the OS and applications; install everything on the SSD. Games can remain on the HDD.
For Windows 10 clean install guide:
If you need a Windows 11 clean install tutorial, refer to the link provided. Otherwise, follow the Windows 10 clean install instructions. This guide will walk you through a clean installation of Windows...
For interacting with the hard drive, you can use File Explorer. To place files on it, follow the appropriate steps within the interface. For organizing directories, arrange them accordingly to store your files. Let me know if you need further clarification.
For downloading via the browser, you can adjust the default folder in the browser settings.
This applies to FireFox:
The L drive is essentially a separate system, with that letter assigned. A folder/subfolder on my NAS.
All my home systems and browsers store files there.
Your hard drive will have its own unique drive letter. It could be D, but it might also be E, F, or Z...
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Creating folders?
In File Explorer.
Based on the queries, you may prefer avoiding the two drives and opting for one large NVMe to store everything.
Having six drives is acceptable if you wish to handle it yourself.
It's a good idea to use just one drive. If you prefer, you can divide files and programs between an SSD and HDD, but it's not very practical. You should also configure Windows to install applications on the HDD, and if you use Steam, your library should be stored on the HDD.
Using a single drive is simpler and speeds up loading. I would choose an HDD for additional storage space for videos and photos, as well as for items that don't require high speed.
500Gb is not too much. Here are two options:
- WD Black SN850X
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/cr...pc...ds200t2x0e
It's costly but reliable.
- Silicon Power UD90
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/f4...40...bp44ud9005
More affordable, still a solid option.
For a bigger HDD, the Toshiba P300 is recommended – 2,4 or 6 Tb.
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/2b...b-...wd240uzsva