SSD storage optimization questions

[boozie]

So I've read the Sticky back and forth multiple times but I still have some things I'd like answered.

The biggest concept is moving files off the SSD, what needs junctions and what I can drag and drop. Steam/games I have a handle on. I understand I can cut/paste My Documents folder, will this work for my temporary internet files, system restore saves (don't even know if this is movable), and the page file?

Is the page file even worth moving? I have 8 GB of RAM and at most will have 2 games open, browser with a few tabs, and ventrilo running at once. Should I be shrinking the page file? No idea how to do any of that (including moving) but I am sure I can google it once I know what I actually want to do.

Is it bad to have my AV program installed on the SSD?

Are there any other steps I should be taking for improving the lifespan? I am not really a power user in the sense that I'm writing a ton of things to the SSD, but I do feel guilty/nervous for having to install the OS 3 times.

 

[DirkGently1]

Can you send me the SSD please. It sounds like you don't want to, or won't be, using it.

 

[stargazr]

I wouldn't move My Documents by copy & paste. There's a way to do it through Windows: Go to My Docs folder/r. click/location. You can also do that with Downloads folder.

I wouldn't mess with your page file.

AV is fine.

 

[aceO07]

There's a thread on another forum where there's people testing how much they can write to their SSDs (Intel G2/320 and OCZ V2 40GB). I believe they've written at least 40TB and the media wear level is only down 25%.

I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[happy_gopher]

There's a thread on another forum where there's people testing how much they can write to their SSDs (Intel G2/320 and OCZ V2 40GB). I believe they've written at least 40TB and the media wear level is only down 25%.

I wouldn't worry about it too much.

I have run 2 of my 40GB Vertex2's out to 740TB and 760TB before failure. Definitely don't worry about wearing them out anytime soon. I think MLC is waaaaaaayyy under-rated.
Happy_Gopher

 

[Blitz KriegeR]

I've recently found this app called "SSD life" that reads your SMART data and calculates your nand status and lifespan based on your usage patterns. It's free and works with nearly any SSD (not ilindix). Google SSD Life, should be free.

For a gaming desktop also with 8 GB of RAM (sig, SSD added thanksgiving 10') with all opertating progams on the SSD other than Steam/games I've read 15TB and written 8.3TB to the drive. Based on that; the app estimated useful lifespan is till Feb 20'.

Sounds pretty rugged to me, and I have no comaplaints at all about switching to an SSD; I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

 

[greenhawk]

The biggest concept is moving files off the SSD, what needs junctions and what I can drag and drop.

the moving of files off the SSD has the aim of removing programs and files that are not used while leaving space for programs you do use often (or want a speed increase with).

my documents is up to you, but it is not a cut/paste move as windows will still think it is in the same location. It needs a windows setting change to move it.

The page file can be moved, but a fast one is useful (ie:being on the ssd) for if you run out of RAM. windows only uses it for overflowing so best leave it (though you can shrink it's size and place one of the HDD as well so windows can do what it needs to do with the page file).

moving the internet temp files is possible (setting in the browser itself), but the idea of cache is for fast access to common files, so moving it off the SSD will not help with normal day to day web browsing. if you are not using it for something, then why get a SSD would be a common question asked by others for moving too much away from it.

The only thing you need to be aware of is programs that write a lot of data, Those are the ones that need watching (ie: defrag programs ect). Though the writing and fast reading might be acceptable as the program you want does that.

If you want to keep the SSD like a child in bubble wrap, then I suspect you getting a SSD was not the best use of your money.

It is to be used, not placed on the wall and admired.

 

[boozie]

Does you mean " Trim " or Garbage Collection command to SSD storage optimization ?

Nope, that stuff is set up by default by Win7. I just was feeling guilty for installing Win7 3 times combined with not really changing anything since using it. My space on my 120GB SSD is probably already ~80 GB full and I've read you want to leave some space on it free for performance as well.