What to place on the SSD?

[Sepp]

Hello,

I'm waiting for my new 27" 2.93Ghz i7 currently, and would like to order the right SSD for it (I will retrofit it, and yes, I am aware of the risks).

I've read that the SSD should be used for read in the first place, rather than write...and because money is always an issue, I'd like to buy the smallest size required for OSX and Applications...

Now if I have a look at my current boot drive, I see four folders:

-Applications (12.9GB)
-Library (72.43GB)
-Systems (4.59GB)
-Users (129.63GB)

Here are my questions:

- which of those folders should be on the SSD eventually?

- how do I manage to place them on the two different internal drives? Just by drag and drop after installation?

- it looks like I could get away with a really small drive, like a 50GB one. I am kind of surprised, because I expected the applications folder to be much bigger, since I run FCS (Install files are 50GB) on my current MP.
Should I calculate for other data, of which I am not aware right now?

-Which one would be the best SSD out there for my purpose?

Applications: Final Cut Studio - Adobe CS4/5 (PS AI ID) - Aperture - Logic Express and the usual suspects (iLife...)


your help is very much appreciated - Thanks,

Joe

 

[dexthageek]

Generally, you want the System (OSX) and Applications to be on the SSD, these files seldom change except for upgrades. Then you would use a standard HDD to store your music, videos, saved application files, etc...

 

[Hellhammer]

1. At least Systems and Application. Library folder holds some important files for OS X and apps so I would add it too. BTW, how is it so big? I have 12GB Library folder and 30GB app folder, are you sure that's correct?

2. Your best bet would be to do a clean install of OS X and then move your Home folder to HD. It can cause issues if you just drag and drop them, especially with some apps

3. OCZ Vertex 2 and OWC SSDs are both great. They use SandForce controller so they have integrated garbage collection etc

 

[Sepp]

1. At least Systems and Application. Library folder holds some important files for OS X and apps so I would add it too. BTW, how is it so big? I have 12GB Library folder and 30GB app folder, are you sure that's correct?

2. Your best bet would be to do a clean install of OS X and then move your Home folder to HD. It can cause issues if you just drag and drop them, especially with some apps

3. OCZ Vertex 2 and OWC SSDs are both great. They use SandForce controller so they have integrated garbage collection etc

I double checked: the Audio folder is 28GB, and the Application support folder is 41GB.

Thanks for the home folder tip!

Another thing:

The Scratch disk for FCS will have to be the internal HDD... Would you consider an external one as a beter option (be it a RAID, or anything else)?

 

[Hellhammer]

I double checked: the Audio folder is 28GB, and the Application support folder is 41GB.

Thanks for the home folder tip!

Another thing:

The Scratch disk for FCS will have to be the internal HDD... Would you consider an external one as a beter option (be it a RAID, or anything else)?

If you get external, make sure it's FW800. However, scratch disk should be fast so use the internal one instead, you can store other stuff in the external