An old internal SSD can be handled in numerous ways. The best method is to use it as an external drive. If you're unclear, don't worry. Learn how to use an SSD as external storage in this article.
Highlights
Can an SSD be used as external storage?
For internal storage in a laptop or computer, SSDs are well-known. You may not be aware, though, that SSDs can also be utilised as external storage. Using portable external storage makes it simple to store all of your files.
An external storage drive connected on the exterior of your device enables you to back up and transfer all of your contents from one computer to another. Although it is possible to purchase external storage drives, you might already have everything you need on hand to make your own. Learn how to repurpose your old SSD as an external storage drive by reading on.
Difference Between Internal SSD and External SSD
A form of hard disc used for data storage is an SSD. An SSD is more dependable and can operate significantly faster than an HDD. Internal and external SSDs are the two categories that can be separated according on usage.
Use Different Connection Cable
Internal SSDs must be fitted using a screwdriver in the case of a computer in accordance with the SSD interface, such as SATA, IDE, PCIe, M.2, U.2, etc. On the other hand, external SSDs are more practical because they can be attached to a device using a USB cable.
Data Transfer Rate
An internal SSD's data transfer rate may vary depending on the SSD's speed and interface. The average consumer SSD operates at 500 MB/s. At roughly 3,000 MB/s (writing) and 3,500 MB/s (reading), PCIe SSDs can operate significantly more quickly.
An external SSD's data transmission rate is determined by the USB port's speed and the SSD's speed. The data transfer rate will also be impacted if you are using a SATA to USB adaptor to connect this SSD. Additionally, there are numerous USB variants, including USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, thunderbolt, etc. One of the fastest external SSDs, Thunderbolt 3 SSDs may operate at speeds of up to 2800 MB/s.
Convert your old SSD into a Portable or External SSD
Many consumers would upgrade to a larger or faster internal SSD as time went on. It is a great decision, but what should be done about the prior one? Will you destroy them or sell them? In reality, if the old SSD is still functional, you can reuse it by turning it to portable external storage.
Your previous SSD might not be able to be used as external storage if it has physical damage or experiences hard drive failure. Therefore, it is preferable to test the hard disc in advance to make sure it can function properly.
What will you do with an External Storage?
How to use SSD as Portable SSD?
Before using an internal SSD as external storage, you should generally take three steps:
Phase 1 - Transfer your Data on Old SSD
Before using an internal SSD as external storage, it is preferable to transfer the original data if you don't want to lose it. When moving data, MiniTool Partition Wizard can be quite helpful. It is a capable and trustworthy disc manager. It allows for simple operating system and data migration.
Step 1 - Ensure that your computer's hard disc and the old SSD are both correctly attached.
Step 2 - Download MiniTool Partition Wizard, Install it, and then run it.
Step 3 - Click the Migrate OS to SSD/HD function when you see the MiniTool Partition Wizard's main screen.
Step 4 - To copy every partition, including the operating system and your personal data, select option A in the pop-up window. Next, click to proceed.
Step 5 - Click Next after choosing a hard drive as the location for storing all the data.
Step 6 - Set your selections for the Copy Options and Target Disc Layout. then press Next.
Step 7 - Click Finish after reading the note explaining how to boot from the destination disc. To begin the migration, return to the main interface and click the Apply button in the bottom left corner.
Once the data migration process has been completed, you can use your previous internal SSD without any issues.
Phase 2 - Place the previous SSD in an external enclosure
You need an external hard drive enclosure or USB converter to use an internal SSD as an external hard drive. To ensure that the enclosure or adapter will operate with your SSD, you must first determine the size (2.5 or 3.5 inches) and interface of the SSD before making a purchase. Here are two ways to check the information on your SSD.
Method 1: Check Computer Information
To launch Windows Search, press the S key and the Windows key simultaneously. then perform a search for System Information, then click it. To locate your disc model, go to System Information and select Components > Storage > Discs. You can find the information you need by conducting an internet search for the disc model.
Methor 2: Remove Your SSD and Check the Hard Drive Specs
As an alternative, you can use a screwdriver to remove your SSD from the computer's chassis and examine the hard drive's specifications.
A suitable enclosure or adapter for your SSD can be purchased once you are aware of the size and interface of your hard drive. Get Offer
Phase 3 - Reformat your SSD
You should reformat the partitions on your previous SSD if you want to utilise it as an SSD external hard drive. The SSD will be used to store a massive number of fresh files once the original data has been completely destroyed. You can also erase the partitions and re-partition the SSD if you don't like how the existing partitions are set up on the external hard drive with SSD technology.
You can use Windows built-in tools like Disc Management or Command Prompt in place of the partition management programme. If you are not familiar with them, they might not be simple to utilise. But do not fret. Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to format an SSD for use as external storage.
Format Via Disk Management
Step 1 - Search for Disk Management in Windows Search and open it. or Press windows Key + R to open Run window and type diskmgmt.msc and hit enter or press ok.
Step 2 - Right-click a partition on your old SSD in Disc Management and choose Format from the pop-up menu.
Step 3 - Enter a volume label (optional) and choose a file system in the pop-up box. then press OK.
For formating other partitions you can repeat same steps.
Format Via Command Prompt
Step 1 - Press Windows Key + R to open Run window. Now type CMD and Press Enter or click on OK button.
Stpe 2 - Now In Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each.
For formating other partitions you can type same commands.
If your old SSD is not damaged in any way, avoid destroying or discarding it. Instead, you can put it to new use. The instructions in this post that explain "How to Convert your old SSD into a Portable SSD" are simple to follow. You should give it a try because it is very helpful!
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