use new drive for primary or secondary?

[lance70]

Hi, I just ordered the WD VelociRaptor 300GB drive, right now I use my D drive for all my music and pictures, things that take up a lot of space and keep my OS and programs on C. With this new drive what's your opinion on the best use for it? Thanks.

 

[goombawaho]

Why did you buy it?? What I mean is that didn't you buy it with some use for it in mind - like moving everything on your D: drive onto the new drive??

That's what I would do. Then maybe put ULTRA important stuff on your old D: drive as a 2nd backup copy.

 

[lance70]

thanks for the input, honestly I was thining of using it for the main drive but then thought if I still put the music, pictures & video on the D drive I may not get the full advantage of it, so figured I better ask around and see what others would do, thanks for the help

 

[goombawaho]

What did you mean by "full advantage"??? Did you mean performance increase or size increase??

You could also move your swap file once you have the drive installed.

 

[lance70]

I was talking about the performance, wasn't sure if I would get more having the OS on there or my files. Thanks

 

[cdogg]

Having your system drive on the fastest hard drive is often the most beneficial. Drivers and program files are stored on C: so that's where you'll notice the biggest benefit in most situations.

The rest of your personal data (music, pictures, and video) can be on the slower drive. Obviously the best solution is to have two fast drives for both the operating system and personal data, but when you only have one then you should plan on using that for the operating system.

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Einstein
[tab][navy]For posting policies, click [/navy]here.

 

[lance70]

thanks, that makes sense, yeah couldn't afford another one of these drives, wish I could of. I will probably go with that, just reinstall the OS on the new drive and all my software, thanks!

 

[cdogg]

The reinstall will probably make a bigger difference, since you're starting fresh with a clean install. Add the fast drive and you'll be doing backflips after seeing the difference!

If you've got the time, I definitely recommend you take it and do a clean install like you planned. However just keep in mind that you always have the option to clone the drive too. A free utility should come with the new drive you purchased or you can find it out on WD's site.

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Einstein
[tab][navy]For posting policies, click [/navy]here.

 

[lance70]

thanks for the info, I had no idea about the clone software, hmmmm, yeah but like you say probably best if I just reinstall everything. I will plan on doing it this weekend, yeah look forward to seeing the difference.

 

[goombawaho]

Still use the old drive for backup purposes - you can never be too careful.