Solid state drives (SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs) are two common types of computer storage devices. SSDs use flash memory and have no moving parts, making them faster and more durable than HDDs. However, HDDs typically have a much higher storage capacity per dollar compared to SSDs.
Using both an SSD and an HDD together combines the speed of SSDs with the storage capacity of HDDs. The SSD can be used as the primary drive for the operating system and apps to improve speed and performance. The HDD can be used as a secondary drive to store files and data. This allows you to get the benefits of both in one system.
The most common setup is to use a smaller SSD as the boot drive for Windows and applications, while using a larger HDD for storing documents, photos, videos and other files. This takes advantage of each technology’s strengths to balance speed, durability, capacity and cost.
SSD Overview
A solid-state drive (SSD) is a storage device that uses flash memory chips to store data, unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) that use moving parts like platters and a read/write head. SSDs have no moving mechanical components, making them more durable and shock-resistant than HDDs.
The advantages of SSDs include much faster read/write speeds, lower latency, improved reliability, and quieter operation compared to HDDs. SSDs also use less power, generate less heat, and allow for smaller and thinner device designs. The downsides are that SSDs are more expensive per gigabyte than HDDs and generally have lower capacities. SSDs can also experience gradual performance degradation over time as cells wear out. Data can be lost if an SSD fails or is improperly powered down [1].
Overall, the benefits of speed, durability, energy efficiency, and compact size make SSDs well-suited for devices where responsiveness, reliability, and form factor are important, like laptops, tablets, and high-performance desktops. HDDs are still used for bulk data storage and backups due to their lower cost per gigabyte. Many systems use a combination of SSD and HDD storage to get the best of both technologies.
HDD Overview
A hard disk drive (HDD), also known as a hard drive or fixed disk, is a mechanical data storage device that uses magnetic storage to store and retrieve digital data using one or more rigid rapidly rotating platters coated with magnetic material (GeeksforGeeks, 2022). HDDs have been the predominant storage device for computer systems for decades due to their affordability and ability to offer large capacities.
HDDs rely on mechanical moving parts like the spindle motor, disk platter, and read/write head to store and access data. The platters spin at high speeds while the head moves back and forth to read and write data. This makes HDDs susceptible to failures from hardware malfunctions or shocks. However, modern HDDs include features like SMART diagnostics to monitor hardware issues. The mechanical nature also results in slower read/write speeds compared to SSDs (Crucial, 2022).
Some of the key pros of HDDs are affordability per gigabyte and high capacities up to tens of terabytes. The cons are slower speeds, potential mechanical failures, larger size, noise from moving parts, and higher power consumption. Overall, HDDs offer a cost-effective way to store lots of data if speed is not the top priority (Quora, 2023).
Use Cases for SSD and HDD
SSDs and HDDs each have advantages and disadvantages that make them suitable for different use cases. SSDs provide much faster read and write speeds, lower latency, and better overall performance compared to HDDs. However, HDDs have higher storage capacities and are cheaper per gigabyte of storage. Here’s an overview of when to use each type of drive:
SSDs are ideal for the following uses:
- Boot drive for your operating system – SSDs will allow much faster boot times.
- Primary drive for active applications and games – SSDs provide faster load times.
- Frequently accessed files and data – SSDs allow quick access.
HDDs are better suited for:
- Bulk storage and archiving of infrequently accessed data – photos, music, documents.
- Video recording and production – large video files benefit from HDD capacity.
- Backup drive for an SSD – HDDs provide more affordable mass storage.
For laptops and desktops, using a small SSD as the primary drive for the OS and apps, paired with a larger HDD for data storage, provides a good balance of speed and capacity. For servers and high performance workstations, all SSD storage maximizes speed. Individual use cases and budgets ultimately determine the ideal mix of SSD and HDD storage.
Sources:
https://cloud.google.com/bigtable/docs/choosing-ssd-hdd
https://www.crucial.com/articles/about-ssd/ssd-vs-hdd
Set Up Guide
Setting up an SSD and HDD together on your computer is a straightforward process. Here are the step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring an SSD and HDD together:
- Install the SSD – Open up your computer case and mount the SSD into an open drive bay using the provided screws. Connect the power and SATA cables to the SSD.
- Install the HDD – Mount the HDD into an open drive bay and connect the power and SATA cables, just like with the SSD.
- Boot into BIOS – Restart your computer and enter the system BIOS (typically by pressing F2, F10 or Del during boot). The BIOS setup will detect both drives.
- Enable AHCI mode – In the BIOS, switch the SATA mode to AHCI rather than IDE. This allows the drives to use the full performance and features of SATA.
- Set boot priority – In the boot options, move the SSD to the top of the boot order. This will make your system boot from the SSD first.
- Install OS on SSD – Insert your OS installation media, restart your PC, and install the OS onto the SSD.
- Partition HDD – Once in your newly installed system, use Disk Management to partition and format the HDD.
- Configure folders – Redirect your user folders like Documents, Downloads, etc to the HDD instead of the default location on the SSD.
That covers the essential steps for setting up and configuring an SSD boot drive with an HDD for extra storage. The drives will now work together seamlessly.
Configuring SSD as Boot Drive
The key steps for setting an SSD as the primary boot drive are:
1. In the BIOS settings, go to the boot order and move the SSD drive to the top of the list so that the computer boots from it first. For example, on many PCs you would press F2, F8, F11, or DEL during boot to enter the BIOS. Then navigate to the boot options. Source
2. Save the changes and exit the BIOS. The computer should now boot from the SSD.
3. If you have not already, install your operating system and programs onto the SSD. You may need to perform a fresh OS install or clone the OS drive.
4. Once the OS is on the SSD, go back into the BIOS and confirm the SSD is still set as the first boot device.
5. After booting from the SSD, you can format the old HDD and use it for storage. The SSD will now be the primary boot drive.
For more detailed steps, consult your motherboard or computer manufacturer’s instructions on accessing the boot order and selecting a boot device. With the SSD properly configured in the BIOS and the OS installed on it, you will have faster boot times and better performance.
Using HDD for Storage
A hard disk drive (HDD) is well-suited for storing large files, games, media, and other data due to its high capacity and inexpensive cost per gigabyte. While an SSD is faster, an HDD provides more storage space per dollar spent. Here are some tips for using an HDD to store your files and games:
Designate your HDD as the default location for all general files, such as documents, photos, videos, music, etc. When saving files from your applications, set the save location to a folder on your HDD rather than the SSD.
Install non-essential applications like games, video editing software, photo editing software, etc. onto the HDD rather than the SSD. The performance boost from an SSD is most noticeable for software that loads frequently, like your operating system and primary applications.
Store your game library on the HDD. Copy installed games over to the HDD rather than leaving them on the SSD. Steam and other gaming platforms allow you to create multiple library folders and designate where games are installed.
Move your media files like movies, TV shows, music, eBooks, etc. to the HDD. Media files are large in size but do not require fast loading times. An HDD provides plenty of capacity for a sizeable media library.
Perform regular backups to the HDD. An external HDD can provide a great backup destination for system images, file backups, etc. Backups require a lot of drive space which makes large capacity HDDs ideal.
By understanding the strengths of each drive technology, you can optimize the usage of both your SSD and HDD. Place items that benefit from speed on the SSD, while using the HDD’s lower cost per gigabyte for data that requires more storage space. This allows you to take full advantage of both drives.
Optimizing Performance
When using both an SSD and HDD together, there are several tips you can follow to maximize the speed and efficiency of your setup.
First, make sure TRIM is enabled for your SSD. TRIM allows the SSD to efficiently erase deleted data blocks and keep performance high over time. Windows enables TRIM by default but it can be disabled. Check your SSD documentation to confirm TRIM is active (Source).
Also avoid running defragmentation on the SSD, as this is unnecessary and can shorten the drive’s lifespan. Defragmentation is only useful for HDDs. Disable defrags in Windows for the SSD volume (Source).
Make sure your SSD is configured as the primary boot drive and run your operating system and frequently used applications from it. Store media files, documents and other data on the HDD instead. This maximizes the SSD’s speed benefits.
Finally, check for firmware updates for both the SSD and HDD. Keeping firmware updated can fix bugs and improve performance over time.
Maintenance Best Practices
Properly maintaining both SSDs and HDDs is crucial for optimizing performance and extending the lifespan of the drives.
For SSDs, it is important to enable TRIM support, avoid completely filling up the drive, and refrain from defragmenting the drive. TRIM allows the SSD to efficiently erase blocks of deleted data so they can be rewritten. Keeping at least 10-20% of the SSD free enables better performance through wear leveling. Defragmenting is unnecessary for SSDs and can actually shorten their lifespan.
Some other best practices for SSDs include updating firmware, limiting the number of partitions, and using SSD monitoring tools like CrystalDiskInfo to check drive health.
For HDDs, defragmentation helps maintain performance by consolidating fragmented data. Scheduling regular defrags through Windows’ built-in utility can help. Backup your data regularly as HDDs are more prone to failure over time. Also avoid moving or shocking HDDs when they are running to prevent damage.
Both SSDs and HDDs benefit from monitoring SMART data for signs of issues. Keep your drives clean and avoid exposing them to magnets or excessive heat.
Conclusion
Using an SSD and HDD together provides the benefits of both technologies in one system. The SSD offers faster boot and load times for your operating system and frequently used programs. The HDD provides more affordable bulk storage for files and media.
With the OS on the SSD, you get a snappier experience when turning on your computer and launching apps. The SSD’s faster speeds also result in better gaming performance when installed programs and launchers are on it. For media files and documents that don’t need fast access, the HDD offers capacious storage at a lower cost per gigabyte.
Optimizing the setup by putting apps and OS on the SSD, while using the HDD for data storage, provides the perfect combination of speed, performance, and capacity. This setup comes highly recommended for both budget-focused and high-performance PC builds. With proper maintenance like defragmenting the HDD and enabling TRIM on the SSD, an SSD/HDD combo will provide great reliability and longevity.