[JaKWaC]

32gig SSD or a 320 HDD for an external OS boot disk.

With the SSD i'd partition it into 4 primarys. Allowing for three bootable OS and one 8 gig file transfer/whatever (aka viewable by windows). With the HDD I would basically just get a *plum* ton more file transfer space because the OS wouldn't need that much space. I could possible have more bootable OS but I don't need that many.

The external enclosure i'm getting has USB 2.0, eSATA, and a DC power port (Which can be powered with a DC to USB cable).

[no2pencil]

** Moved to Computer Support & Operating Systems **

[hookiethe1]

Seems like it should be a product of what you want it to do. I'm assuming the cost is similar for each? Are you willing to sacrifice the capacity for the speed? If yes, then get the solid state. If no, then get the HDD. Simple.

[EnvXOwner]

Get the SSD. It's worth it.

[JaKWaC]

The reason I was considering the Solid State was mainly to keep the power comsumption down. The drive will be powered over USB only. Data connection will be eSATA. Since the drive will be used for booting OS off of I need to make sure that which ever drive I use has enough power and wont give out acidently due to power issues.

[RyanRobinson]

For the sake of saving on power consumption (which will be unnoticeable). Putting four OS's onto a 32GB drive is pretty silly. I know Windows 7 takes up about 4GB of disk space which will grow more when you start to install updates.

Get the 320GB drive with an RPM of 7200. You get the quality value of gigabyte per buck and it will provide enough room for four operating systems.

No brainer really.

This post has been edited by RyanRobinson: 20 December 2010 - 10:39 AM

[JaKWaC]

I'm looking to be running OS like slackware, back|track, debian and arch. I'm not looking at saving power, but more keeping my drive from loosing connect because there's not enough power to run it. A 7200 RPM drive seems like a lot to run on a USB cable and I've read that they sometimes will drop because of power issues. Thats the concern I have and thats why I'm asking around.

[RyanRobinson]

I still think 32GB is a bit limited for the installation of 4 OS's. Try a 5400RPM dive instead. Most hard drive enclosures come with a USB lead that has two male ends for more power consumption if it needs it.