SSD + New HDD Upgrade Problems

*PRINT THIS AND ADD YOUR OWN COMMENTS FOR REFERENCE*

To transfer Windows to the SSD, you need to do one of the following:

1) CLONE the hard drive to the SSD with cloning software, or
2) Do a full reinstall using the Windows Install disc

A few points before attempting to CLONE:
1) The SSD requires that the SATA controller it's on (in your BIOS) be set to AHCI, not to IDE.
2) You must have enough SPACE on the SSD or else you need a THIRD drive to offload some of the data to, or DELETE enough of it.

When you end up OVERPROVISIONING the SSD using Samsung Magician you'll have a little over 75% of the original space as listed. About 190GB to 200GB.

Best free CLONING software IMO:
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

Instructions:
1. confirm SATA is AHCI, not IDE in the motherboard BIOS (if not you need further advice)
2. confirm under 180GB of data on the C-Drive (Windows partition). If so, continue..
*If NOT, then delete, or COPY to a third drive, or add another PARTITION to the HDD so you can move data to the 2nd partition until the 1st (C-Drive with Windows) falls below 180GB.
3. Use Machrium Reflect Free to CLONE from the HDD to the SSD (enable the "Verify" feature if that's an option. Mine failed the first time, but I had no erros the 2nd time).

4. IF successful, turn OFF the PC and disconnect the hard drive for now.
5. Use Samsung Magician to:
a) apply firmware update to SSD
b) apply overprovisioning to SSD
c) benchmark (make sure you hook up to your best SSD controller. Usually the one that is "6gbps"; Intel is usually best).
d) setup profile (do "reliable" for now)

6) AFTER you're satisfied the SSD clone worked, shut down the PC and attach the hard drive. If the HDD boots instead of the SSD, then boot into the BIOS and change the Boot Order so the SSD is first (or DVD is first, then SSD).

*Once you're satisfied the SSD works, and the HDD isn't the boot drive, then FORMAT the hard drive if you don't need any data on it.

Other:
Samsung Migration can be a little confusing if you don't understand what you're doing. You can also try its Clone utility but I've never used it. I suggest NOT using it and follow the above steps.

*IF you need more help then ask. You probably do but this is already long.

My Final recommendation is THIS:
a) SSD partitioned so C-Drive with Windows uses 90GB. Only Windows and non-game programs on this partition.

b) Remainder of SSD (about 100 to 110GB) will be used for games that benefit from an SSD more than others (those with frequent load points such as SKYRIM).

You can assign a 2nd Steam folder to this partition if you wish. You can even MOVE games between the main Steam HDD folder and this SSD foler (BACKUP game, Delete Local Content of game, then RESTORE game to the other folder. Saves space to only have games that really benefit as I said, AND are games you currently play. Can move back to HDD or leave as BACKUP on HDD to save SSD space).

c) Hard Drive will be used for:
- STEAM (and other games)
- C-Drive Image (Acronis True Image or similar)
- Downloads
- Media.

GOOD LUCK.