this post was submitted on 03 Jul 2024
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Hard drive switch for independent boot (lemmy.world)
submitted 4 months ago by untorquer@lemmy.world to c/buildapc@lemmy.world
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I am building a new PC. I want to run Linux and windows on separate SATA 2.5/3.5 SSD hard drives. I need windows (Winn11 Pro) for work. Linux will run all personal computing needs.

I have a horrible history with dual booting Linux and windows (grub getting murdered).

I currently plan to shut down the PC, switch power to the drives, and start up on the other OS.

Can i use a switch which only toggles power to each drive while keeping data cables attached to accomplish this? Will this be possible with windows on one drive?

Is there a smarter solution?

Example: https://www.amazon.com/Kingwin-Optimized-Controls-Provide-Longevity/dp/B00TZR3E70

Thanks!

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[โ€“] untorquer@lemmy.world 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Cool thanks for the info! Ill put win on sata 0 and install before putting the second drive in!

The hardware switch idea would be to preclude bios boot leader selection altogether

[โ€“] vikingtons@lemmy.world 2 points 4 months ago

It'll only attempt to place those files on sata 0 if there's a disk connected. I'm not sure if it will move up the index in lieu of disk0, I suppose I should test that at some point.

In any case, you can just isolate it on first install at any SATA slot you find convenient; in-place systme upgrades shouldn't move things around afterwards.