SSD partitioning for new Win7 64 install

[Carson Dyle]

Going back 15 or more years, I've almost always configured my boot drive with a C: and a D: partition. Ostensibly, this was to have a second partition to install an emergency OS if the OS in the C: partition became corrupted or otherwise unusable. I don't think I ever once used that capability. When larger drives over 200 GB began to become common, I created the D: partition just to separate data from the OS and programs, and would install 32-bit Windows into a 40-60 GB C: partition.

In a couple of days I'll be installing Win7 64-bit on my first SSD based system, using a 128 GB SSD. Is there *any* good reason to split that SSD into more than one partition?

 

[ViRGE]

Unless you're going to boot multiple OSes, no.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I used to do the same thing, now I just use up the whole drive as all my data is on my server now so hardly no data goes on the PC other than profile stuff. With SSDs being smaller, I use one SSD for windows and one for Linux that way I'm not cramming two OSes on one drive, and dual booting windows is a bigger pain than before now.

So yeah just use the whole drive. If you still want a data partition or emergency OS room I'd just use a HDD for that. Keep the SSD for static (more or less) data such as the OS and applications and associated profile stuff that goes with each app.

 

[kalrith]

I used to do the same thing, now I just use up the whole drive as all my data is on my server now so hardly no data goes on the PC other than profile stuff.

I do the same thing. 128GB SSD is enough for my programs, but I keep all my data (besides profile stuff) on my HTPC, which also acts as my file server.

 

[Binky]

I like a small and clean OS partition to make image backups smaller...but the space you chop off to make a D partition just isn't that much space. I just use the whole thing now, but it ends up as mostly empty space (which SSD's love to have). I selectively install games on the SSD and all programs, but all pics/music/etc. goes on mechanical drives.

If you do decide to partition, a 40gb partition for the OS is on the small side. It will fit fine for now, but it may eventually grow out of that space. I'd make it at least 60gb for the 32 bit, and maybe another 10-15gb (or more) for the 64-bit. Space is cheap!

Oh, and make regular backups!