Question Best option for Upgrading full C: drive SSD

[slyguy28]

Hi Community,

Was looking for best option for adding (or replacing) C: Drive external SSD card with larger one. I currently have a 500GB SSD card (C and a 2 TB disk drive (H in my machine and recently noticed my SSD housing all my basic documents, work spreadsheets, etc is FULL. After some investigating on whether to clone or replace this drive with higher TB SSD, I thought I would look for advice from you all. I see mixed bag of information on cloning drives with operating systems, etc. Any suggestions on best way to increase? I would even appreciate any suggestions on WHAT specific drive to purchase. Not sure if adding additional SSD is option either?

Any help on what seems like a daunting task of replacing yet so simple.

Appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks,

SLYGUY

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D 3 GHz 8-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Scythe Fuma 3 67.62 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard: MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK ATX AM4 Motherboard
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
Storage: Crucial MX500 500 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Storage: Western Digital WD_BLACK 2 TB 3.5" 7200 RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: Gigabyte GAMING OC V2 GeForce RTX 4070 12 GB Video Card
Case: Corsair iCUE 220T RGB Airflow ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G3 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
Monitor: Acer VG270U Pbmiipx 27.0" 2560 x 1440 144 Hz Monitor
Monitor: Acer VG270U Pbmiipx 27.0" 2560 x 1440 144 Hz Monitor

 

[USAFRet]

Cloning is generally no problem. Yes, even the OS drive.
You can put in a 1 or 2 TB NVMe drive, and clone the entirety of the current C drive (MX500) tot he new.

WD SN850X is an excellent option for this. I just bought one.
Or, Samsung 990 Pro.
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/live/best-black-friday-ssd-deals-2024

Please show us a screencap of your current Disk Management window.

(Details on cloning to follow)

 

[Misgar]

recently noticed my SSD housing all my basic documents, work spreadsheets, etc is FULL.

You might be able to "free up" some space on the C: drive by running 'Windows Disk Clean-up' and click the "Clean-up system files" button. With any luck you'll get rid of 3GB to 9GB of redundant Windows Update files. This is only a temporary measure before you clone the SSD to a bigger drive. The next time Windows Update runs on the second Tuesday of each month, it'll gobble up some of the free space again.
https://www.howtogeek.com/825855/disk-cleanup-windows-10/

I use an older (free) version of Macrium Reflect to clone SSDs. Having done it before, I find it a very simple process.
https://www.macrium.com/blog/cloning-a-disk-with-macrium-reflect-v8

Before you start any cloning, backup all your documents, spreadsheets, family photographs, etc., on your C: drive to another disk drive, or USB memory stick. I've never had a disk clone fail, but backups are ESSENTIAL.

Disconnect all drives, apart from drive C: and the new SSD before cloning. When the clone finishes, disconnect the old drive C: before rebooting the PC. This ensures the hidden boot partition stays on the new (cloned) SSD.

If you have any questions, just ask. We're here to help.

 

[slyguy28]

Cloning is generally no problem. Yes, even the OS drive.
You can put in a 1 or 2 TB NVMe drive, and clone the entirety of the current C drive (MX500) tot he new.

WD SN850X is an excellent option for this. I just bought one.
Or, Samsung 990 Pro.
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/live/best-black-friday-ssd-deals-2024

Please show us a screencap of your current Disk Management window.

(Details on cloning to follow)

Appreciate the response, unfortunately I don't have a great way to make a URL out of my screenshot (really don't need an account with imgur). Would gladly provide any details you are looking for though. Let me know what you need. I might just add the WD SN850X as 4TB should last me a while. HEAT SINK? No Heat Sink? Am i better off replacing C: drive with this or adding another Drive? Also is the SSD on motherboard better option than the external I am using now?

Thanks again,

SLYGUY

 

[slyguy28]

You might be able to "free up" some space on the C: drive by running 'Windows Disk Clean-up' and click the "Clean-up system files" button. With any luck you'll get rid of 3GB to 9GB of redundant Windows Update files. This is only a temporary measure before you clone the SSD to a bigger drive. The next time Windows Update runs on the second Tuesday of each month, it'll gobble up some of the free space again.
https://www.howtogeek.com/825855/disk-cleanup-windows-10/

I use an older (free) version of Macrium Reflect to clone SSDs. Having done it before, I find it a very simple process.
https://www.macrium.com/blog/cloning-a-disk-with-macrium-reflect-v8

Before you start any cloning, backup all your documents, spreadsheets, family photographs, etc., on your C: drive to another disk drive, or USB memory stick. I've never had a disk clone fail, but backups are ESSENTIAL.

Disconnect all drives, apart from drive C: and the new SSD before cloning. When the clone finishes, disconnect the old drive C: before rebooting the PC. This ensures the hidden boot partition stays on the new (cloned) SSD.

If you have any questions, just ask. We're here to help.

Really appreciate the help. I am likely to look into an SSD listed above (i like the idea of 4TB of SSD space as this will likely outlast my needs. With the recommendation above, will like consider one of the options listed. Do you have any recommendations on SSD? looks like my motherboard will support it, but a little confused on if I need heatsink or not?
Once i have SSD in hand I guess the real issue consists of the process of making the migration properly and limiting issues with my current PC. I will place order today, then will likely have concerns or questions about best way to proceed with transfer.

Thanks Misgar