SSD/HD Advice (Partitioning/Boot)

[tonywang.xmpt]

I recently purchased a MBP
and I have a general idea on how I'm going to set it up.

Here's my setup of my SSD/HD
- Replaced my internal HD with an SSD (80gb Intel X25-M G2)
- Replaced my "rarely used" optical drive with a internal HD (500GB Hitachi Travelstar™ 7K500 )

My "Plan of Attack"
- Make my SSD contain ONLY boot/system files (Boot/run computer with this)
- Two partition my second HD (Hitachi):
One for applications (ie: iLife, Photoshop, iWork, AutoCAD, ect)
The other for my personal/work files (ie: music, projects, homework, ect)

Here's my question that I need advice for
1. Is this a good setup?
I'm definitely keeping the SSD as a boot/system ONLY but for my other internal HD,
should I just mix the application with my files or not?
(leaning towards keeping them partitioned/seperate but don't know if its necessary)

2. Exactly how should I split the second HD if I do decide to do so?
How much GB for the application ONLY partition section and how much GB for my personal/work/music partitioned section?
I want a good balance and not "run out of space" for one area over another.
Should be a reasonable split. (only have 500gb currently, "future" to 1tb)

For better understanding on how I use my computer,
Application wise:
- mostly design software (AutoCAD, photoshop, ect.)
- no games whatsoever
- basic softwares (iLife, Microsoft Office, ect.)

Personal/Work wise:
- ton of music (double digit GB, currently around 30gb at most??)
- store a few "not ALOT" of movies on my HD (like 3 at most at a time),
- store my homework/project
(using this laptop for college: architecture major)
- basic data stuff (word, ppt, pictures, ect.)


I know these may seem like lame/unnecessary questions,
but I want to be thorough and organized in my "HD".
Also, I wish to speed up my computer and prevent data loss.

Thanks for all your help!

Edit:// I have a 1tb external HD that I try to back up my data on
If there are "unnecessary" items to keep on my laptop,
I'll transfer the data over to the external HD)

 

[Eddyisgreat]

booooooooooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggg

boot and system files on your ssd only? what an incredible waste of expensive high speed space.. It is traditionally OS and Apps with your user space files on an alternative drive where the cost /gb is far lower (like on a traditional hd)

Certain applications will need to be installed on the OS drive (Like Photoshop).
AutoCAD for mac? is that right? Isn't that still in Beta or something?

I wouldn't even partition my hard drive unless it was a bootable nightly backed up spare of the SSD.

But if you must, Application's won't need "that" much space. Maybe 100 or so gigs , and if you don't install games well...cut that in half easily.

How I would do it and how I actually have it in some respects :
SSD For Apps and OS. Lean install fresh off the bat, no extra languages , printer drivers, X11 or anything (deselect these from the OS X install helper). no iLife (useless for me). I have a few gb on a bootcamp partition for Windows 7 and a few other Apps.

500 Gb Drive unpartitioned for basically everything else. Scratch space, large files, games, downloads, etc.

 

[tonywang.xmpt]

Well AutoCAD is coming out for Mac eventually
In the mean time,
it'll mean "bootcamp"

I just read that it's better to leave space in the SSD to retain it's speed.
So, does installing applications on the SSD increase the overall "speed/performance" of the application then?

Then does it make better sense to install the important applications on the SSD
(ie: iLife, photoshop, "bootcamped" AutoCAD, ect.)
and the lesser important ones on the other HD?
(ie: Divx, Vuze, ect.)
Or just install all apps. on the SSD.

I suggested to two partition the second HD to further "organize" my files,
but it seems that it may be unnecessary

(I don't fully know that's why I'm asking.
I apologize if my "thought process/ideas" seem foolish.
Better to know now than be sorry)

Thx for your critque

 

[demonsavatar]

I just read that it's better to leave space in the SSD to retain it's speed.
So, does installing applications on the SSD increase the overall "speed/performance" of the application then?

This was way more important in the 1st gen drives.

Then does it make better sense to install the important applications on the SSD
(ie: iLife, photoshop, "bootcamped" AutoCAD, ect.)
and the lesser important ones on the other HD?
(ie: Divx, Vuze, ect.)
Or just install all apps. on the SSD.

If you can fit all the apps on the SSD, DO IT. That is how you will see the awesome benefit of the SSD.

 

[farmermac]

That's how I have my mbp and iMac set up

Ssd for boot and apps
User folder on hdd

Best setup. Apple even thought so for the 27" imac

 

[tonywang.xmpt]

This was way more important in the 1st gen drives. If you can fit all the apps on the SSD, DO IT. That is how you will see the awesome benefit of the SSD.

Haha awesome.
I didn't know that the G2 (second generation) was exempt from it.
It makes a lot of sense now.
Thanks for the help

(There's absolutely no need to two partition the ssd for boot/system file and application right? It sounds ridiculous but just wanted to make sure

Thanks again.