Help with setting up new SSD and old HDD.

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kaylobd

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Oct 10, 2017
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I'm in the process of building a new gaming PC almost entirely from scratch. The only components that I am keeping from my current PC are the PSU and the HDD. I amd going to install a new SSD on the new machine to use as the boot drive and to store my game files, and use my current HDD for storage of photos, music, etc.

I'm pretty sure I understand that I will need to install the SSD on the new machine first and install windows on it, then install the HDD. And I think I know how to transfer my Steam files to the SSD as well.

My confusion is what to do with the HDD next? Will it need to be formatted to completely remove Windows from it? Will I need to back up my music and photos and whatnot to a separate location and transfer them back to the HDD after it's been formatted?

And then other applications such as Spotify or iTunes will just need to be redownloaded and installed, correct?

Thanks in advance for any help that anyone can offer.
 
Solution
ragnar-gd
I don't know about the value of your data, but with the operation you do, a backup is recommended, as perhaps some unique photos are there, and there is a risk your old HDD may die while doing stuff.
Building your system before putting in the HDD is in fact a good idea.
Then, build in your HDD, connect it, and, if space permits, copy the desired data to the same location of old on the SSD - that way, you have two good copys for a start.
Then, build in the HDD, and format it.
This is how i would do it, your mileage may vary.
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ragnar-gd

ragnar-gd

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Sep 30, 2014
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You did not start yet, right?

No, you need not reformat the disk from a technical perspective, although a bit of cleanup would get you more space, and will help avoid confusion later. How big is the HDD, and how much free space is there?

Yes, you will have to install Spotify and iTunes anew. Please, before "finishing" you old PC, consult the help-pages of spotify and itunes on how to make sure you get back your old data.

Do you have a backup-device, like, i.e., an external HDD?
 
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kaylobd

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Oct 10, 2017
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Have not started yet, still need to purchase a few components. I have a 2TB drive, got about 1TB of free space left so far. I do not have an external, but I suppose I could grab one if I need it. I would like to free up as much space as possible with the build is complete.
 
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ragnar-gd

ragnar-gd

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Sep 30, 2014
850
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5,665
I don't know about the value of your data, but with the operation you do, a backup is recommended, as perhaps some unique photos are there, and there is a risk your old HDD may die while doing stuff.
Building your system before putting in the HDD is in fact a good idea.
Then, build in your HDD, connect it, and, if space permits, copy the desired data to the same location of old on the SSD - that way, you have two good copys for a start.
Then, build in the HDD, and format it.
This is how i would do it, your mileage may vary.
 
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