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Hard drive switch for independent boot (self.buildapc)

submitted 5 months ago by untorquer to c/buildapc

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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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[–] [email protected] 9 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

I’m not sure I’d go that far to be honest. 1) windows behaves much better when it has its own drive to install on and 2) linux boot loaders become less important because if you break it, you can use your bios to force boot windows and it’ll still boot.

IMHO, two drives is the way to go with dual boot. Set the Linux drive in the bios as the primary boot drive, and configure the bootloader to add the windows drive to the menu. While you’re learning that, you can boot windows through the bios, once you get it, you’re always presented with a menu upon boot to pick which one you want.

One final word of advice, buy different drives. Either manufacturer or size. It’ll be easier to tell them apart when you’re doing disk operations.

Good luck!

[–] untorquer 3 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Thanks! I'll try this first.

Rip... Both drives will be the same hw. But as long as there always in the same order in bios/bootloader it should be fine.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 5 months ago

It’s fine they are identical. In the past, it was easy to just unplug the drive you didn’t want to mess with just to be sure (sata cables), but it’s a little harder with m.2 drives. Write the uuid #s down and identify them that way…