Hey guys,

Just curious if someone has done it before and thoughts behind it. I’ve ordered a 16 with GPU and was wondering what’s the best way of setting up the system when it arrives.

My primary OS is Arch Linux and I prefer not to split the disk for windows. And I happen to see some folks might be booting an OS through an expansion card ( I got the 1TB ).

My windows usage is primarily Steam and nothing else. The expansion card seems fast enough to run an OS, but it doesn’t look as fast as an SSD or NVMe, so games like starfield might suffer some performance is my current guess. If my guess is right, does it mean it’s better to have some external SSD to use as storage?

What do you guys think?

  • 67darwin@alien.topOPB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    Thanks folks!

    Seems like it’s impossible to run Windows on expansion card (shows my lack of knowledge of the OS), so it’s either Linux on the expansion card, or just install each OS on the separate SSDs.

    I actually forgot there were 2 SSDs coming with it, so SSD option actually works.

    • getto_child671@alien.topB
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      I have windows 10 installed on my expansion card, then I have all my steam games saved on the main SSD in an NTFS partition so games can be played from both windows and Linux, without having to be installed twice. It’s the perfect setup for my use case.

      Since you’ll be working with a FW16 using the other M.2 would be a much better option, but it is totally possible to install/run windows on a USB drive

    • _XonoX_@alien.topB
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      It is definitely possible! I just installed Windows 11 To Go on my 1tb expansion card using rufus and it runs very nicely. The card gets only slightly warm when booted into windows but it should be fine i think. I have only had it installed for 2 days though but all works very well for now.

      • GeraltEnrique@alien.topB
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        Totally agree. It’s just funny seeing soo many people say it’s impossible. It’s really stable in reality. Refreshing to see actually knowledgeable people here

    • GeraltEnrique@alien.topB
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      It’s possible and really easy. Don’t listen to misinformation from inexperienced people. DM me if you need help