I'm in the process of building my PC and I realize I might need more space than I originally thought. Currently, my operating system (OS) is on my main SSD. I'm considering buying a 2TB SSD to install in the first slot while moving my existing 1TB SSD to the second NVMe slot. I'm curious to know how challenging it will be to transfer the files around so my OS and games boot from the new 2TB drive, and then use the second slot for overflow storage. Sorry if this is a common question; I didn't search before posting. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
Honestly, I wouldn't bother moving your primary OS SSD to a secondary slot. Just keep your OS where it is and install the new 2TB SSD in another slot for extra storage. If you're using Steam, it’s super easy to change where you install your games; just drag and drop your game files and set a new library path!
If you want to move your Steam games, just create a new library folder on the 2TB SSD—Steam has a built-in feature that makes this straightforward. For your OS, it’s probably best to just do a fresh installation on the new drive instead of trying to move it.
One solid option is to clone your current drive. Boot from the clone to ensure everything works, then format your old SSD. Just make sure to back up important data before doing anything!
Sounds like it’ll be easier just to keep the original drive as is and add the 2TB for overflow storage. Thanks for all the tips everyone!
Unless your new SSD is a lot faster (like Gen 4 to Gen 5), I wouldn't move the OS. Just add the second drive and set up a new Games folder in Steam. If you do wish to move the OS, cloning is the way to go. Just remember to change the bootloader in your BIOS after cloning and ensure it all works before reformatting your old drive.
So if I get a Gen 5 NVMe, would you say that’s significantly faster?