upgrading from HDD to SSD on older computer

The computer uses a Gigabyte GA-EP45-UDL3 mobo . OS is Windows 10. Very comprehensive Legacy Bios . Bios has capability of using ACHI but currently in IDE mode . The HDD is 500GB and MBR

Main drive has only 3 partitions , System, C Drive for OS and programs . D drive for all other data under users .

Would like to upgrade to a 250GB SSD . But have some questions :

a) Can use Minitool partition wizard to clone all 3 partitions to SSD because the total of the 3 partitions is less than 170GB with lots of unallocated space in the HDD.

b) Can I use GPT instead of MBR in the SSD even though the original HDD is using MBR?

c) Do I change the HDD drive to ACHI from IDE before migrating the HDD to SSD? IF so how to do this safely and not crash the system ?

d) I have 2 other 1T HDD that stores music and videos . Do these have to be changed to GPT ?

e) I will keep Legacy bios as I am not sure whether this mobo supports EFI

TKs

You can clone the disk but partition wizard isn't the best you want a proper clone tool most SSD give away their own special tool for cloning on their website or on DVD. Changing from disk mode you risk it not booting converting to gpt wouldn't really help much if the BIOS is old.

You already started this thread: Upgrade HP Envy 23-k011 to SSD - Windows 10 Forums

It is discussing exactly the same question - moving a 500GB HDD to 250GB SSD and already has 73 replies.

Please don't open another asking the exact same question.

lx07 said:

You already started this thread: Upgrade HP Envy 23-k011 to SSD - Windows 10 Forums

It is discussing exactly the same question - moving a 500GB HDD to 250GB SSD and already has 73 replies.

Please don't open another asking the exact same question.

Different computer, so asking questions pertaining to this computer. Did not want to confuse the issues

After reading up on it. I have come to the conclusion that I will keep using Legacy Bios and MBR partitioning for the SSD to avoid bot issues.

Only question now is whether I should convert my current HDD drivers from IDE to AHCI before or after upgrading to SSD .

sportflyer said:

Only question now is whether I should convert my current HDD drivers from IDE to AHCI before or after upgrading to SSD .

It really doesn't matter. AHCI mode should have been set all along, even with a HDD.

NavyLCDR said:

It really doesn't matter. AHCI mode should have been set all along, even with a HDD.

Yes, I agree. When I built this computer , I knew nothing about AHCI mode. The mobo defaulted to IDE .
You suggested in my other computer thread that I delete IDE controller from Device manager, then change IDE to AHCI in Bios . Do I have to boot into safe mode after changing the Bios to AHCI , then boot back to normal as some people suggested? Tks

sportflyer said:

Do I have to boot into safe mode after changing the Bios to AHCI , then boot back to normal as some people suggested? Tks

No. Delete the IDE controller(s) from device manager. Hold down shift key when your click shutdown. When you power on again, press whatever key gets you into BIOS setup. Set mode to ACHI and reboot normally.

I've only ever had to delete the IDE controller in device manager. However, try following all of the steps here:
Enable AHCI in Windows 8 and Windows 10 after Installation | Windows 10 Tutorials