How do I install and set up an M.2 with an existing HDD already running windows on my PC?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
D

diegovallep

Aug 18, 2018
4
0
10
I'm a new PC builder and recently set up my budget gaming PC in April of this year and have encountered a problem. In order to save money I set up as a boot drive a 1 TB Seagate HDD, and its not a bad drive and I want to keep it as a data drive, but I want to install a Intel 760p Series M.2 2280 256GB to be my boot drive, as well as store my favorite games and apps. But I am confused on three topics in particular:
1. If i reinstall windows 10 on the M.2 will the PC allow me to do so already having installed windows on the HDD?
2. If I manage to set up my M.2 as a boot drive will the fact that windows was on the old HDD cause any issues when I format it as a data drive and transfer files to the M.2?
3. When I entered my build into PC Parts Picker, it detected an issue and said that if I installed an M.2 it would disable one of my six SATA ports. If this is true will it be an issue?

Thanks for helping out a novice here, I just want to make sure I don't mess up my system with a stupid mistake.
 
Solution
USAFRet


The SteamApps folder can be moved to the new drive. Then you tell your new Steam client where that folder is.
Any other apps and programs need to be reinstalled.
Sort by date Sort by votes
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,751
18,121
184,590
1. If you choose to install the OS on the m.2 drive, you disconnect all other drives while you do this.

2. After it is up and running ont he m.2 drive, you then DELETE what is on the old HDD.

3. Use of an m.2 post often disables one or more SATA slots. This is normal.
Just don't use one of the disables ones.

What is your specific montherboard?
That Intel NVMe drive may or may not be applicable.
 
Upvote 1 Downvote
D

diegovallep

Aug 18, 2018
4
0
10


My motherboard is a MSI z370 SLI PLUS.
The thing is though, I read on the windows website this,
"When your system is up and running,
copy your data (files, images, music . . . etc.) from the old HDD into a temporary folder in the SSD
format the old HDD and name it Data Drive
copy the files back onto the old HDD
Delete the temporary folder from the SSD"
Is this incorrect?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,751
18,121
184,590


No, not incorrect.
It just depends on where you want those files to be.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
D

diegovallep

Aug 18, 2018
4
0
10


Let's say I got the M.2 in the mail and I went set it up with my computer running with the HDD. What would be the steps I'd have to follow?
Sorry by the way if this is tedious, the installation of windows on a fresh drive really has me confused.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,751
18,121
184,590


Create your Win 10 install DVD or USB https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Power off.
Disconnect the HDD
Install the m.2 drive
Install the OS - How to do a CLEAN installation of Windows 10

What comes next depends on what you have on the old HDD, how large the SSD is, etc.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
D

diegovallep

Aug 18, 2018
4
0
10


Ok so just to wrap it up, if I just have games and apps on the old HDD, would it be better to copy them to the SSD? Or would it just be easier to format the old drive and download all of those games and apps again. (the size of the apps and games all comfortably fit in th new SSD) Thanks for your help
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,751
18,121
184,590


The SteamApps folder can be moved to the new drive. Then you tell your new Steam client where that folder is.
Any other apps and programs need to be reinstalled.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom