Why Two SSDs Are Better Than One in Your Windows PC

Select Language:

If you want to boost your PC’s performance, utilizing two SSDs instead of just one can make a significant difference. One common approach is to set up these drives in a RAID 0 array, which merges their speeds for faster read and write operations, delivering impressive benchmark outcomes. Alternatively, you can dedicate one SSD for your operating system and use the second for applications and games. This guide will walk you through effective strategies to leverage two SSDs, helping to optimize bandwidth and overall system efficiency.

Isolate the OS from Applications

While configuring SSDs in RAID 0 can seem appealing, it’s not always the best method for everyday speed improvements. That’s because SSDs already operate at high speeds, and RAID configurations primarily show gains in specific benchmark tests rather than real-world performance. A more practical and impactful solution is to separate your operating system from your applications and data.

For example, installing the OS on one SSD and keeping your applications, games, and project files on another prevents them from competing for the same bandwidth. This setup is particularly advantageous for professionals engaged in intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, where speed and responsiveness are crucial.

Kingston

Another tip is to store your OS and applications on one drive while placing scratch disks, media files, and project data on the secondary SSD. This arrangement reduces competition for bandwidth, leading to smoother performance.

Understanding SSD Durability

Adding a second SSD generally enhances your system’s reliability. There’s ongoing discussion about the longevity of SSDs — some worry about wear and tear, while others note that SSDs tend to be more durable than traditional hard drives, mainly because they lack mechanical parts.

The reality lies somewhere in between. For instance, implementing two SSDs in a RAID 1 configuration — where data is mirrored across both drives — allows you to safeguard your crucial information and minimize downtime during hardware issues.

IDG

Segregate Heavy Write Usage and Encrypt Drives

To bolster reliability further, consider dedicating your primary SSD for write-heavy applications like media editing, gaming, or work-related tasks. Store less demanding files such as documents, media, and project files on your secondary drive.

Finally, using two separate drives offers enhanced data security. You can encrypt each SSD independently, ensuring that even if one drive encounters issues—like a corrupted update or malware—your data remains protected. In the event of such problems, you can safely recover data from the secondary drive, provided you have the encryption key.