Have SSD and want to add HDD

[Jivey]

I just built my first computer and did not realize until part way through the build that I didn't have enough SATA cables for my SSD, HDD, and optical drive. So, I hooked up the SSD and optical drive and left the HDD floating on its own for now.

I've installed the OS and its updates, drivers, antivirus software, Microsoft Office, and a video game on the SSD. Now, my question is, when I go get a third SATA cable and hook up my HDD, is it just a matter of plug in and go? In other words, will I just connect the HDD, a new drive will show up on my computer, and I can start saving other files to it?

Basically, I just want to have the typical operating system and a few programs on the SSD and the rest on the HDD sort of setup.

I started a new thread because the ones I have found regarding an SSD/HDD combo have always been adding an SSD to an HDD setup, whereas my situation is the opposite.

Thanks.

 

[voyagerfan99]

Once you plug in the drive and boot to Windows, you'll need to go into Disk Management and initialize the new drive, then format it.

 

[Jet]

As voyagerfan mentioned, it's very easy. Most cases it will just be plug and play--the hard drive will show up after you plug it in. You may need to initialize it, but that is pretty rare.

 

[voyagerfan99]

As voyagerfan mentioned, it's very easy. Most cases it will just be plug and play--the hard drive will show up after you plug it in. You may need to initialize it, but that is pretty rare.

It's not rare at all. You always need to initialize and format all new hard drives.

 

[Jivey]

Once you plug in the drive and boot to Windows, you'll need to go into Disk Management and initialize the new drive, then format it.

Well, that seems rather simple.

A follow up question: how would I transfer files from the SSD to the HDD? For example, I've just finished a game and I don't plan on playing it again anytime soon and want to get it off my SSD without totally removing it from my computer, is it just a matter of moving the file folder to the hard drive? Or should I uninstall it and re-install it on the HDD or something else?

Actually, I might move Microsoft Office over to the HDD once I get the cable.

Thanks for your responses.

 

[voyagerfan99]

Well, that seems rather simple.

A follow up question: how would I transfer files from the SSD to the HDD? For example, I've just finished a game and I don't plan on playing it again anytime soon and want to get it off my SSD without totally removing it from my computer, is it just a matter of moving the file folder to the hard drive? Or should I uninstall it and re-install it on the HDD or something else?

Actually, I might move Microsoft Office over to the HDD once I get the cable.

Thanks for your responses.

Just uninstall and reinstall.