Thinkpads Forum

I see references to people running a SSD in main drive slot, then a larger HDD in the ultrabay.

I'm unsure if this is to maximize utility/cost because of SSD expense and a need for much more storage, or a reliability/functionality point? Or both?

I ask as I'm contemplating a 120-ish GB SSD for my main bay. Cost is affordable for SATA II (T61p, upgraded BIOS, Win 7/64), and frankly I can live with using 50GB or so total - I really don't need more. Would I benefit from putting a large HDD in the ultrabay for data? I never use the CD/DVD R/W so not having it installed is not an inconvenience. To be honest, even a SSD is not a screaming need for me; I just thought it might be neat with the current low prices for 100/120GB ones and the fact I now have SATA II. I could live without much regret with the existing/stock 100GB 7.2k drive; I don't do anything I would describe as "intensive" on the computer.

I have on hand a 500GB 7.2k drive; way overkill for anything I might need. So I don't need to go buy a large quality HDD. I was thinking of doing this:

1) SSD main drive with boot program files
2) 500GB SATA HD in ultrabay, also bootable, for storing photos, documents, etc. And as a bootable back-up if the SSD fails.

Is this overkill? Or is there a better, more elegant solution for reliability? Just use the SSD and sell the 500GB HDD? I have read a lot about SSD's but still don't have the full picture about the best way to utilize them, configure a system, etc. I'm no expert (clearly).

No, you have a common setup there. I'd do exactly what you're contemplating. In fact, I might go 1-1.5TB on the 2nd HDD if you have an UltraBay Enhanced bay (the 12.7mm height drives drive should fit). You also have the option of an USB enclosure for your Multiburner in case you do want to use it and not swap out the HDD.

Most of my Thinkpads run with a SSD as the main drive and at least 500 GB in the Ultrabay. All my documents, pictures, videos, music, etc are pointed to the HDD. On my T61s, the Ultrabay is significantly slower than the main drive (SATA II vs PATA to SATA conversion). Last time I benchmark the Ultrabay in my T61 I was only able to max out at 125ish MB/s, which is in line with SATA I speed. For data this is fine as larger capacity trumps speed.

Other benefits for me is the ease of swapping Ultrabay drives from one machine to another yet still retaining the same data. Also, if and when I want to reload the program and OS drive for whatever reason, it's relatively simple to do and my data is untouched.