Migrating from 1TB HDD to 500GB SSD

[Herc08]

First off, I researched other threads, even this one (which is my pretty much my case). I just completed my build and it has the 1TB. I installed Windows 10 because need it for work. But getting a Samsung 500GB 750 EVO next week, and would like to use that as my boot drive with a few applications (i.e. Adobe CC). After installing, I did not put much up there. I can just copy some installations files over. I will back up my 1TB drive (which probably only used less than 100GB). I understand Samsung has a nice software to help with SSD.

One question I have is that since I am installing a new drive, will I need a new key? Or is the OEM key tied to the motherboard? I have a hunch that it is tied to mobo. After I put Windows 10 back on the SSD, I can then format the WD drive as a separate data drive, and use it strictly for small programs and documents. I don't plan on using a RAID array.

 

[USAFRet]

You're going to just reinstall the OS on this new drive?
No new license key needed.

Or are you considering migrating from the old drive to the new drive?
Again, no new license key needed.

However, you have to take current used disk space into account
How much total used space is on your current HDD?

 

[Herc08]

You're going to just reinstall the OS on this new drive?
No new license key needed.

Or are you considering migrating from the old drive to the new drive?
Again, no new license key needed.

However, you have to take current used disk space into account
How much total used space is on your current HDD?

The SSD is going to be the boot drive with a few programs needed for faster loading (a few games and Adobe software). I just installed the HDD last night and probably have about ~100GB used. I am not going to migrate everything over.

Another issue I have is, about drivers. Does it matter which drive it is on, or does it have to be on the boot drive? It is necessary becasue I need to make sure LAN drivers or installed as Windows does not detect it (learned that the hard way after installation).

Not worried about documents as I can back those up on my external drive.

 

[USAFRet]

Again, 2 choices of how to proceed:

Whole new install on the SSD. No problem. It will work. No new license key needed for just a drive change.
Install the OS, and install whatever applications you want on it.

or

Migrate that 100GB of stuff to the new SSD.
That will 'probably' work.
You can't pick and choose which applications will migrate. All or nothing.


For the clean install and drivers.
These really become part of the OS. You can't really choose where they are installed. And they are tiny. No space consideration.

 

[Herc08]

Again, 2 choices of how to proceed:

Whole new install on the SSD. No problem. It will work. No new license key needed for just a drive change.
Install the OS, and install whatever applications you want on it.

or

Migrate that 100GB of stuff to the new SSD.
That will 'probably' work.
You can't pick and choose which applications will migrate. All or nothing.


For the clean install and drivers.
These really become part of the OS. You can't really choose where they are installed. And they are tiny. No space consideration.

I will most likely do the fresh install on the SDD. Whatever I need will manually install. Then install less-intense software and documents to the HDD after a wipe. Thanks again.

 

[USAFRet]

I will most likely do the fresh install on the SDD. Whatever I need will manually install. Then install less-intense software and documents to the HDD after a wipe. Thanks again.

Good choice.
A migration usually works.
A clean install always works.