New SSD after Skyrim installation

[tschilpi]

Hello,

 

I currently have an 500GB HDD and started to install Skyrim with Mods on it..

I want to buy a 120GB SSD, but it will take about 2 weeks before it arrives.

 

Since it's now where I have time to do it... Can I finish my Skyrim installation and then move my OS + Steam + Skyrim and Mods to the new SSD?

If yes, how should I procceed? Just install Windows 7 on the SSD and move Steam and all Skyrim and Mod Organizer files to the SSD?

[phazer11]

Question first. Why are you limiting yourself to a 120GB? The 240GB have dropped in prices lately.

[tschilpi]

Question first. Why are you limiting yourself to a 120GB? The 240GB have dropped in prices lately.

I found a cheap one for 40 Euros.. I can't afford the double price for 240GB right now, the only thing I want though is my OS and Skyrim with Mods on it.

Edited December 24, 2014 by tschilpi

[TirigonX]

Don't just move around files. Steam won't be able to find them anymore.

You could try a program called Steam Mover to change the location of files after installation. It will move the files to a specified location and create so called junction points in the original game folder. So Steam will "think" Skyrim is still in the original folder.

 

It should be ok to move MO's mod folder to the SSD. Be sure to create backups on MO's left and right pane before moving any files. (symbol with blue arrow)

Then change the mod directory. (open MO, go to Settings (screwdriver/wrench symbol), check "Advanced" and change the Mod Directory filepath accordingly)

You will probably also have to change the filepaths for the executables. (click the cogs symbol and modify binaries for SKSE, Skyrim, Skyrim Launcher and everything else that got moved)

 

All of this should work but it's just theoretical. Haven't done this myself yet.

Safest way would be to uninstall Skyrim and reinstall it on your new SSD. Steam itself can stay where it is. Just make sure to choose a filepath on the SSD during the installation.

 

(btw I'm also planning to buy a 128GB SSD soon. Already have a 60GB model for Windows and apps. So 128 GB should be enough, since it will be mainly for Skyrim. Most games shouldn't profit that much from a SSD and my big HDD isn't that bad)

[tschilpi]

Thanks for your input. I had a new idea, though.

 

I just formatted my drive, a 500GB HDD and put a fresh windows install on it. I will start installing my Skyrim with Mods now.

 

When I am finished, I will see how much space everything needs (Steam, Windows, Skyrim with Mods etc, everything I wanna have on my SSD), and then I'll order a proper SSD. If something doesn't fit, I'm going to make a backup and delete it from the HDD.

 

Then, with a programme, I will move my entire HDD with the Windows installation to the SSD. Then, I'll format my HDD, put everything I don't need on the SSD on it (like Documents, maybe some programmes etc), and simply boot from the SSD.

 

Tada. I should then be able to enjoy the new SSD speed with my Skyrim and Windows. Right?

[Daagar]

Using Steam Mover (or doing the equivalent from the commandline) works just fine - I just did this myself, moving both Skyrim + the MO 'mods' folder over to an SSD from an original HDD install. This also gives me the benefit of keeping the MO 'downloads' folder on the original HDD, and I can easily move back any unused mods to the HDD to keep space usage on the SSD in check.

 

Running from an SSD was a night and day difference for me - while FPS obviously won't change, the difference in speed when entering new areas or 'turning around' is game changing.

[TirigonX]

 

Running from an SSD was a night and day difference for me - while FPS obviously won't change, the difference in speed when entering new areas or 'turning around' is game changing.

 

So does the game run smoother in general since you switched to a SSD? I know it can reduce loading screens, but I'm curious about the performance in exteriors. Right now I get quite a few stutters, especially when riding a horse.

[Kelmych]

Steam Mover shouldn't be needed any longer since you can now use Steam games on multiple disks. When I got an SSD I first had Steam create a new game library folder on the SSD using the Content Libraries button in "Steam:Settings:Downloads" in the Steam client. Note that the new game library folder should be in a a folder such as "Games" and not in a "Program Files (x86)" folder. I then moved the Skyrim folder to the "\SteamApps\common\" folder in the Steam folder on the SSD, and then had Steam install the game in the new game library folder. Since the game folder was already there Steam didn't need to completely re-download the game.

 

There are detailed instructions on several forums on how to do this. Unfortunately the Steam support web pages don't cover this situation directly; they only cover moving an entire Steam folder of games or installing a new game in a new game library folder (versus moving an individual existing game).

[Daagar]

So does the game run smoother in general since you switched to a SSD? I know it can reduce loading screens, but I'm curious about the performance in exteriors. Right now I get quite a few stutters, especially when riding a horse.

It does. I was a bit surprised here as well, as I assumed it would only help load times. But there seems to be enough disk activity while wandering around the cities that there is a marked improvement.