Intel SRT vs Installing OS on SSD

Eric · January 3, 2013

I'm going to be getting a SSD soon for my computer upgrade, and I'm trying to figure out what would be best for me. I have applications installed across 2 hard drives on my computer, I have over 300GB of games installed across both drives. I know if I decide to use the SSD as the OS drive I'll have to reinstall Windows due to the size differences, Is the speed of an SSD vs SRT enough to invest in a larger SSD as an OS Drive? Or is the difference minuscule? If I do decide on SRT, does the size of the SSD make an impact as well? I think it has to be at least 60GB.

MdX MaxX · January 3, 2013

You have it switched around; SRT can only use a maximum of 64GB of an SSD for cache. If your SSD is any bigger than that then you want to just install the OS on the SSD.

If your SSD is 64GB then you can probably go either way. I personally have the OS installed on my 64GB SSD and I've been managing it just fine. My games are on my HDD so I don't benefit there, but hey, I can deal with a little longer load times.

HewinFM · January 3, 2013

I prefer using the SSD for the boot + common used applications (browser and Adobe CS6). All my other apps and games are stored on a second 1TB drive. I also put the page file on the second drive since it wastes a lot of space on the SSD.

Getting a larger SSD for your boot drive will also allow you to have more headroom for the operating system, and some extra space if you ever want to dual boot.

Also since you're doing system upgrades, now would probably be a good time to invest in a good backup solution to mirror your drive content periodically just in case anything goes wrong.

FloRolf · January 3, 2013

i would recommend you a 120gb os ssd. personally i've got a 60gb one and this is way to small for windows+a few stuff. i also guess that an ssd omly helps in certain applications (which you can install on a 120gb one), and not much in games.

Last but not least the bigger ssd's are faster in general. oh yeah and they are pretty "cheap" right now.

Money · January 3, 2013

Keep it simple and install the OS to your SSD. It just keeps everything completely manageable and fast.

MuZeVII · January 3, 2013

A year ago I would've recommended intel SRT, but with the falling SSD prices I would seriously recommend a 256GB SSD (Good bang for buck at the minute). You can then install your OS and commonly used programs/games on there without any worries. In particular, look out for a Crucial M4 or a clearance Samsung 830 (not 840) for a good value.

Hope that helps :)