Copying non-OS HDD to SSD

[chefduane]

I intend to clone my non-OS internal HDD to an external SSD via USB and then remove the internal HDD and install the SSD internally. I would like it if you all would verify/critique/review my process to see if I am doing this appropriately. Any input is appreciated.

New Samsung 850 EVO 500k will be attached via USB 3.0 front panel connector with SATA III hard drive adapter cable.

Macrium Reflect will be used to copy all data/program files over from the internal HDD to the external SSD.

I then intend to remove the internal HDD and install the SSD internally. I will then be running 1 x 250g and 1 x 500G 850 EVO SSD's. One for the OS + games , and one for data/program files. I do not intend to run these in a RAID.

I then will wipe the new de-installed HDD and either give it to a friend or sell it.

Any issues I might not be anticipating?

 

[AddRAM]

Can`t you just hook it to the system ?

Are you out of sata ports or something ?

 

[Layback Bear]

I don't see any problems with your method of attack.
But if you could use your motherboard internal Sata ports things would go quicker.

Install your new ssd to a motherboard sata port and then use Macrium Reflect to copy over your data. Verify the copy is proper and then wipe the old drive.
This method would be much faster.
Just make sure your new ssd has plenty of room for your copy.

Your motherboard has this.

• StorageAMD SB950 controller :
  6 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), gray
  Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10

Oppps AddRAM beat me to the trigger while I was looking up your motherboard.

 

[chefduane]

3 open sata ports on my mb so no problem there. Are you all suggesting that I just install the new ssd internally, copy everything over, then wipe and leave the internal HDD installed? I sure would have plenty of drive storage then. (Why didn't I think of this?) And yes, the 500g ssd is plenty to handle the current HDD.

 

[Layback Bear]

Yes; install the ssd internally to one of your sata ports on the motherboard.
Once you are sure your copy is proper you can do what ever you want with the hard drive.

 

[chefduane]

OK, then. Plan of action set. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[strollin]

No real reason to use Macrium Reflect to do this, since your just dealing with a data disk you can simply use Windows Explorer to copy the folders and files from the source to the target drive.

 

[chefduane]

Yes, I may decide to do that. Macrium will do it in an automated way that might be a bit easier/quicker but both will achieve my needs. Thanks to all for your feedback.

 

[Layback Bear]

Keep us informed how thing go.