mSATA for caching (Inspiron 15z specific)

[alkemyst]

I just picked up two 750GB Scorpio Blacks to upgrade the 500GB Scorpio Blues in two Inspiron 15z's I own.

I found out the 15z supports mSATA so since the HDD install is so involved, I am thinking also updating them to a mSATA cache drive.

Is 32GB good enough or should I go with 64GB? I see at 120GB you should start using it as an OS drive.

I never used mSATA.

 

[Brainonska511]

I'd pick up a 64 or 128 GB drive and use it for the OS.

I've got an Intel 128 msata drive in my laptop. It's not as fast as my desktop's ssd, but it's definitely faster than the 500 GB drive I now use only for data.

 

[alkemyst]

I'd pick up a 64 or 128 GB drive and use it for the OS.

I've got an Intel 128 msata drive in my laptop. It's not as fast as my desktop's ssd, but it's definitely faster than the 500 GB drive I now use only for data.

I don't have a ton of time to dedicate to this.

I'd have to figure out how to migrate a Dell Windows 8 install with no physical media to the mSATA if I wanted to move the OS. If you have a better way let me know.

I saw a lifehacker thing, but it didn't talk about program files.

 

[Brainonska511]

I'd have to figure out how to migrate a Dell Windows 8 install with no physical media to the mSATA if I wanted to move the OS. If you have a better way let me know.

You could probably get away with using some disc imaging software to move the C drive to the mSATA drive.

If you were interested in the full install route: I know with Windows 7, there were ways to extract your OS key via software (the manufacturer one, not the one on the sticker), then reinstall with a legit, downloaded copy of W7, and then re-install your manufacturer's key.

I can't comment on the utility of having a caching drive though. 16-32GB should be sufficient for that task.