How easy is it to install an additional HDD

Drifter

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So getting new PC today, and want to install the 1TB HDD from old PC as well. Is it as easy as installing in bay, connecting SATA and power cable and updating BIOS?
 
That simple yes. BIOS update will probably not even be necessary.

You will only need to update the BIOS if your primary boot device is set to the wrong drive.
 
Now just to identify the SATA pin. That is my main worry.

LOL Wut?

You get the power SATA cable and the Data SATA cable, the power one is the longer one.


Sata cables have a "L" looking connector.
 
It is NOT updating the BIOS, the correct terminology is to ensure the relevant SATA port is ENABLED and its mode is set appropriately by means of Launching CMOS Setup (DEL key during POST)
Nine out of ten times its not even necessary to launch CMOS setup, its often Plug-and-Play
 
It is NOT updating the BIOS, the correct terminology is to ensure the relevant SATA port is ENABLED and its mode is set appropriately by means of Launching CMOS Setup (DEL key during POST)
Nine out of ten times its not even necessary to launch CMOS setup, its often Plug-and-Play

Ok, that then. I meant updating the settings in the BIOS.
 

You will probably have to format the drive then, since it will be marked as a Primary Partition (or something similar). Likewise, if you have to install Windows on the new PC, make sure to do so before you plug the extra HDD in. Otherwise it will also get marked as a primary drive.
 
Coming with windows preloaded on a SSD, shoot. Will be better to then use the old one as an external. Cant format it really.
 
You don't need to format you just need to ensure the right drive is selected as your primary boot drive and the secondary one will be fine even if it is installed. What you will see is two partitions from the old harddrive in your new windows. One of 100mb and one with the rest of the drive.
 
Will boot it up and see, then decide on what to do. Thanks for the help guys.
 
The old HDD has WIN 10 Pro on it, and the new one Win 10 Home edition. Is there any way that I can upgrade the home edition using the Pro version on the old drive?
 
You will probably have to format the drive then, since it will be marked as a Primary Partition (or something similar). Likewise, if you have to install Windows on the new PC, make sure to do so before you plug the extra HDD in. Otherwise it will also get marked as a primary drive.

No need, he can set the priority in the BIOS if needed.
 
The old HDD has WIN 10 Pro on it, and the new one Win 10 Home edition. Is there any way that I can upgrade the home edition using the Pro version on the old drive?

Why? Just use your old drive as the Master then. Set the priority in your BIOS and let the new HDD be the secondary. It will load as if it was your old PC. You will however need to update all the drivers for your new machine.
 
Why? Just use your old drive as the Master then. Set the priority in your BIOS and let the new HDD be the secondary. It will load as if it was your old PC. You will however need to update all the drivers for your new machine.

I would not. I have had issues doing this in the past with Windows and BSOD. If the chipset changes reinstall Windows IMO.

Also booting from the SSD with improve his experience greatly.
 
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