SSD + external...... How to set up?

[Cbdboz]

Hi,

Finally coming to a decision on ssd or fusion.

Can anyone point me in the right direction as to how to configure my Mac so that it works seamlessly with a ssd & external storage solution.

If too complicated, I will just go all out for fusion, but it does appear that ssd could be more future proof.... But this will only work for me if relatively easy to set up, and then .... It just works#

All help appreciated.

 

[saudor]

It all depends on the size of the SSD you are thinking of getting, your critical data size (that you must have with you always) and your total data size.

In my case, i went with SSD + HD dual drive system. I took out the DVD and stuck that inside an USB enclosure (which is great since i only use it maybe once a year.. if ever)

I wasn't a fan of fusion because i didn't like that i had no control of what goes on the SSD and what's on the platters. i.e. I tend to fine tune things so that extra write-intensive apps that would otherwise wear out the SSD faster go on the HD. Plus i want my apps to start fast even in cases where i haven't used it in a while. (I think with fusion, it starts moving things around)

 

[Cbdboz]

I currently have a maxed out hard drive on my old 2008 iMac 560gb, and am looking to buy a new retina iMac as my workhorse and a refurbed Mac mini as the hub for my home theatre and for family to use.

I love the idea of speed on my new imac, and for my uses both fusion or ssd would be a Significant improvement on current machine.

I have a WD my book 4TB ready to act as central storage connected to the refurbed Mac mini and have all my media files on it.

I could just go for the 3TB fusion drive on my new iMac, but then this defeats the purpose of having all my media files in the central storage (which I intend to make available internally and externally via Mac mini and OS server). Also, I can see the benefits of having an external HDD as opposed to fusion incase anything goes wrong with HDD it's easier to replace etc.

However..... I have no idea how I set my iMac up so that the OS, and applications all point to the SSD, and all files created are written to and sre read from an external Hdd......if this turns out to be a difficult thing to do, or I constantly have to think about where I am saving to, then I would just go for the Fusion, and then copy all media files to the WD my book connected to the Mac mini.


If it's a breeze to set up (SSD & external HDR) and then it just works.... Then SSD it is, but if not the fusion it is.

Hope this helps......and if it is a breeze, would be great if someone could let me know how #

Cheers

 

[Cbdboz]

Have gone for internal fusion in the end - as concerned a ssd + external may be too complicated and would also not support time machine backups....

Also, I am assuming I can still use the fusion + external if I really want to..,, albeit would be a waste of the internal hdd element of the fusion drive.....

Had to pull the trigger..... And r-iMac is on it's way