Some programs (probably older or written by less-talented writers) have an installation process that wants to install them to the 
"C" drive.  You may or may not have any such programs.

You need to be aware that compact flash units have a limited number of  write cycles in them.  Storing the operating system seems 
like a good idea, since you probably figure that once it is there, there will be little writing done, since it should be 
"permanent."  However, log files and file allocation tables may be dynamic and your system could experience premature failure.

Still, say for a system used only for offline gaming, the idea is interesting, assuming that a total failure would not result in 
significant loss.  Try to use the fully-licensed version of XP (as opposed to the OEM version) so that it may be reinstalled if/when 
the system fails.

See the following web site for a little more information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_drive

If  you go through with this, please let us know in a month or two how it worked out using the solid state memory.

Dean Kukral


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Bob Lendrim
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thursday, June 04, 2009 1:33 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Computer build question


A friend is planning a build and asked me some questions which are beyond me. He wants to run XP Pro 64 bit. He wants to put the OS 
on a pair of MLC solid state drives (80G) which will be contained in a 5 1/4" enclosure and utilize Raid 0. He would like to have 
all his programs (other than the OS) on a conventional hard drive. His question to me was whether he can run all the programs on the 
separate (D) drive. We've both built several computers, but this new stuff is unknown. Does anybody have any comments or suggestions 
as to the feasibility and practicality of such a setup? Any and all comments would be appreciated.
Thanks, Bob Lendrim

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