Cache SSD or separate HDD.

[heineygoat]

I have a 60gb SSD and a 500gb HDD.

 

I would usually just install the OS on the SSD and use the HDD as a mass storage drive.

But then I realized I could cache the HDD with the SSD. I don't fully understand what caching is but I'm sure I could work it out.

 

Which configuration would be faster?

[extremescouter]

It depends on your usage scenario, but normally a pure SSD for your boot drive would be faster. Learn more about caching here: 

 

[Godlygamer23]

Thumbnail is awesome.

[WoodenMarker]

Using the SSD for your os/apps will almost certainly be faster than caching.

[Godlygamer23]

And you'll see the performance benefit immediately, rather than having to wait.

[PBaines]

i think you will find that after a few weeks that 60GB really isn't enough.

 

Should have a 120gb minimum SSD for OS and all programs etc

[Sfobrien52]

SSD cache + HDD:

-a little slower than pure SSD

-way faster than just HDD

-Takes out the hassle of moving programs back and forth from large HDD to small SSD as it automatically moves most frequenty used files

-Cheap

SSD:

-Super fast

-super expensive

 

Long story short, with the size of your SSD it would probably be best used for caching as you can use the entirety of the drive to speed up the rest of your system rather than just the os files and some games you have to manually put there

[MdX MaxX]

I personally prefer OS on the SSD, HDD separate.  That way, if my HDD goes under, I can still boot into the OS and run programs.

 

Unless you have A LOT of programs, you can fit all your programs on a 60GB SSD.  Just make sure you direct Documents, Downloads, and all that to the HDD.

 

And make sure you move the pagefile to the HDD as well; by default it sits on the system drive, and that takes up quite a bit of space.