Questions about swapping out my HDD for an SSD (ASUS N550JK)

[ACKenway]

I have an ASUS N550JK laptop with a Samsung Evo 840 SSD and, as the title suggests, I want to swap out my HDD for the SSD, but am not entirely confident and would like someone to look over what I'm thinking + answer a few questions I have about the process.

So to start, I've been told that I will need to update the firmware on my SSD first. I was wondering if I can install my SSD into the slot where my HDD is currently, put my HDD into a caddy and swap out my optical drive for the HDD, and then boot my laptop using the HDD (I would do this via the BIOS right?). Would this method work, or do I need to buy a usb-to-SATA adapter?

Next, after I update the firmware (assuming my first step works), I would need to migrate the OS (Windows 10) from my HDD to SSD right? Would Samsung's "Data Migration" program work for this? Or would I need to make a recovery disc of Windows 10 on a flash drive and install it like that? Also, if I do migrate the OS from my HDD to the SSD, will the OS remain on the HDD, or will it not be necessary on there anymore?
Assuming I've succeeded in doing both these steps (fingers crossed!), are there any other things I should do, or am I all set to go?
Any responses/advice will be appreciated greatly! Thanks!!! 😀

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hey there, ACKenway.

Upgrading the firmware is not actually necessary to be done before the OS migration if you don't have any issues with the SSD, but it wouldn't hurt to do it as well, so it's up to you. And yes, the caddy and HDD slot thing should work, but if for some reason the SSD or the HDD is not detected, then you'd probably have to try with a SATA to USB adapter. Before you start with everything, make sure that you change the mode for your SATA controller to AHCI (it's usually IDE by default) from your BIOS. Then go ahead and migrate your OS to the SSD. Make the SSD the first booting device from BIOS, wipe out your HDD so that you can repartition and reformat it to be used as a secondary storage drive in the caddy and you're done. Make sure that you enable TRIM for the SSD, because this makes it work at it's optimum performance throughout its life. About the migration software - the SSD manufacturer's tool should work, but in case it doesn't, you could always try a different one. Just make sure that you backup any personal data you might have on your HDD, before you start with the whole SSD installation process. Also, here's a tutorial on how to do everything I've already mentioned: http://lifehacker.com/5837543/how-to-migrate-to-a-solid-state-drive-without-reinstalling-windows. Just one tip - don't move/remap the Windows User Folders from the SSD.

Hope that helps. Please let me know if you have any questions whatsoever.
Boogieman_WD

 

[countrystrong]

Boogieman:

Just one tip - don't move/remap the Windows User Folders from the SSD.

Sorry to intrude, but may I ask why? I am just curious as I own an ASUS N notebook with an 840 EVO (replaced) drive.

 

[countrystrong]

@ACKenway
Besides backing up your data, I'd also use the ASUS Backtracker utility to create a recovery USB stick in case you need to restore the system from scratch.
http://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1008641

Introduction of Backtracker

In the past, when you purchase a Notebook, you will get an Operation System recovery DVD.

The purpose of the recovery DVD is to reinstall the Operation System if the system is not able to restore to default since the HDD is damaged.

Although ASUS Notebook doesn’t provide the recovery DVD now, you can still make the recovery DVD by the ASUS App.

For some Notebook don’t have CD-ROM drive and the architecture of the Windows is much bigger than before.

One piece of DVD is not able to back up the whole image of the Operation System .

ASUS releases a new software Backtracker to back up the Operation System image to a USB drive.

 

[countrystrong]

By the way, you might want to restore a fresh system from Backtracker rather than migrate, if you don't mind reinstalling.

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Boogieman:

Just one tip - don't move/remap the Windows User Folders from the SSD.

Sorry to intrude, but may I ask why? I am just curious as I own an ASUS N notebook with an 840 EVO (replaced) drive.

Hey there, countrystrong.

Take a look at this article: http://www.zdnet.com/article/dont-move-your-windows-user-profiles-folder-to-another-drive. It has described everything pretty well. Although I'm not sure if the same stuff applies for Windows 10 as well.

Cheers!