Nope you could partition the SSD drive as well with at least 40 to 80 gb for just the OS and essential programs. Games run fine off of the extra hd although they would be faster on an SSD. The problem is that most games nowadays are close 30 gigs or more. So that's why secondary drives work better. Laptops you not getting much games on it period.
As for your laptop check your power settings that could be why your hd drive is throttling. OR its a low RPM model which is often the base drives they give before you have to pay more for upgrades. I'm sure its a setting issue. You might want to check out a notebook forum for similar problems in the same model.
It looks like the vents are on the bottom which is a little strange, so you may have to elevate your laptop. If it overheats it might throttle too.
As for your laptop check your power settings that could be why your hd drive is throttling. OR its a low RPM model which is often the base drives they give before you have to pay more for upgrades. I'm sure its a setting issue. You might want to check out a notebook forum for similar problems in the same model.
It looks like the vents are on the bottom which is a little strange, so you may have to elevate your laptop. If it overheats it might throttle too.