scook
Streaming - To reduce their memory footprint some synths such as Kontakt or BFD can be configured to read their samples from disk while playing.
Nonstreaming - All of the Cakewalk sfz engine synths (Rapture, DimPro, Session Drummer, Studio Instruments) read their samples into memory when the synth loads into the project.

So, with that clarity, if most of what I'll be using are nonstreaming, it's still a good idea to put the sample data on my 150 GB velociraptor (not on the OS drive and not on the audio data drive)???  Thanks everyone for your patience with my remedial questions. :)

The location of nonstreaming samples is not a performance issue. The reason for locating the samples on a drive other than the OS drive in your case is the size of the OS drive.

scook
The location of nonstreaming samples is not a performance issue. The reason for locating the samples on a drive other than the OS drive in your case is the size of the OS drive.

Got it, so since my SSD is 180 GB, best to put my nonstreaming samples (Cakewalk's, DrumCore) on that 150 GB drive, right?

I think that was the upshot of the first part of this thread. That is if you want to use your SSD for the OS. Personally, I use a regular HD for my OS and an SSD for read-mostly data (like samples). I don't care about fast boot, I am much more concerned about reliability and feel better using a standard drive where disk writes happen often.

4 Internal Drives is a lot so make sure your computer's power supply can handle that many. I once added a third internal drive and the power supply I had at the time was not up to it and it caused strange problems and ultimately caused me to lose a bunch of files.

daveny5
4 Internal Drives is a lot so make sure your computer's power supply can handle that many. I once added a third internal drive and the power supply I had at the time was not up to it and it caused strange problems and ultimately caused me to lose a bunch of files.
 

Thanks, Dave. The power supply is adequate to the task. It's a Corsair Gold AX850. The full machine being built for me (with some mods) is from EndpcNoise (http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/intel_i5_powerhouse_quiet_pc.html) and the guys there are recording musicians as well. And if I lose files, this time maybe I'll lose the files I meant to delete but never got around too! :)

scook
I think that was the upshot of the first part of this thread. That is if you want to use your SSD for the OS. Personally, I use a regular HD for my OS and an SSD for read-mostly data (like samples). I don't care about fast boot, I am much more concerned about reliability and feel better using a standard drive where disk writes happen often.

Thanks, Steve. It may not be the wisest thing, but...I want to experience fast boot at least on one system. Ultimately it won't matter and I'll just adapt to it and wonder why it's not faster!

mmorgan
In my experience sample libraries have a habit of growing (a lot!) over time and once you have used one you do not want to have to move it.

Thanks, Mike. Guys, if I outgrow the 150 GB sample drive, and if I just clone that drive to a 1 TB drive later on and replace it in the same slot, would that be transparent in terms of Windows 7 and X2 and the plugins seeing the data/samples in the same place / on the same drive?

chamlin
 would that be transparent in terms of Windows 7 and X2 and the plugins seeing the data/samples in the same place / on the same drive?

Yes, just make sure that drive has the same drive letter and you should be OK.