New Build - Large partitioned SDD for cache vs smaller faster cache SSD?

[selborne]

Hi,

I'm working on a new build which I want to be powerful (games/video+photo work), long-lasting and as close to SILENT as possible. Parts so far include

Already Have:

ASUS P8Z68-V Pro Z68 LGA1155 ATX 3PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 2 PCI B3 Motherboard

Antec P183 V3 Aluminum ATX Tower Case 4X5.25EXT 6X3.5 2X2.5INT Front Audio USB3.0 *No PS*

Antec CP-850 850W Cpx Dual PCB Power Supply Modular ATX12V V2.3 80PLUS Active PFC SLI 120MM Fan


PLanning On Getting:

Intel Core i5 2500K Quad Core Unlocked Processor LGA1155 3.3GHZ Sandy Bridge 6MB

GELID Solutions Tranquillo CC-TranQ-01-A 120mm Hydro Dynamic CPU Cooler

Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 Vengeance 8GB 2X4GB DDR3-1600 CL9-9-9-24 Dual Channel Memory Kit

Western Digital WD20EARS Caviar Green 2TB SATA2 3GBPS 64MB Cache 3.5IN Hard Drive Oem

Holding out for the Powercolor HD 6850 SCS3 silent


Now I also already have a:

OCZ Vertex 2 Extended Sandforce 240GB 2.5IN SATA2 Solid State Disk Flash Drive SSD

My question is, what is the best way to set up my drive.

My current plan is to utilize the SSD for the OS and commonly used applications and partition 64gb for cache purposes for the 2gig WD HDD. Does this make sense?

Would it be better to utilize the SSD for OS/apps and primary drive purposes AND then get a SMALLER, FASTER SSD for cache for the HDD?

I am looking to finish this off this week so thoughts appreciated! (either on parts I still need to get or tips on silencing this system further)

[Rison]

WD green drives =/= fast.

Best setup i've done is SSD for the OS, and have two WD 1TB Black hard drives in RAID 0 off the motherboard for data.
For video+photo work, splurge for the 2600k for the extra threads.

The HSF you chose (GELID) can't mount a second fan for push/pull. If you want a budget fan, look towards the ever popular Coolermaster 212+, then mount two quiet 120mm fans on it (The Noctua P12s come to mind)

[draemn]

Well, the more programs you regularly use, the larger your SSD cache will need to be...

If you have a 240GB Vertex 2, just set up the 64GB for a cache. If you get a smaller, faster drive, you'll only see performance improvements if you only use 3-5 programs on a regular basis, or you'll see no performance boost as your cache keeps 'evicting' programs to add the next program you use. Also, only those 3-5 will see a performance boost, nothing else will.