Installed OS on wrong SSD

[Xuanne]

Hi guys.

I recently got a new computer, but brought my 2 SSDS (identical Kingston V300 480GBs) and a HDD (Seagate 2TB) to my new build. I asked the shopkeeper to help me assemble the computer as I had to go do some stuff in the meantime. When I got back, he told me which SSD was the one connected to the OS SATA port (as indicated by a sticker on the ASUS Z170-PRO motherboard).

Unfortunately, it seems he actually plugged the wrong one in and as a result, my OS (Windows 10 Home x64) was installed onto the other SSD. Is there any negative result of this?

I discovered this while doing some rearranging of my own at home, so I took the chance to correct the issue by swapping the two SATA cables, but I'm not sure how that affects the interaction between the motherboard and the SSDs, if at all. Windows is able to startup with no problems, though the two SSDs do not show up as boot devices in the BIOS (only the HDD and DVD/RW show up).

Basically, should I perform a full format and install the OS properly? Or is simply swapping the cables fine? I would rather not do a reinstall since I would have to redownload everything again, but I would do it if it would result in a faster/healthier computer.

Thanks in advance.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Were both SSDs brand new or blank? If so, just swap ports / SATA cables. Otherwise, back up your data, and re-partition / re-install.

 

[Xuanne]

Were both SSDs brand new or blank? If so, just swap ports / SATA cables. Otherwise, back up your data, and re-partition / re-install.

One of them was the OS drive on my old PC, so it was not blank. The other SSD was new, and was the one that was wrongly said to be the OS drive by the shopkeeper.

Unfortunately, I already had a few things installed before I spotted the problem, but I swapped cables anyway. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong, but I just can't shake the feeling that I messed up something, somewhere.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

One of them was the OS drive on my old PC, so it was not blank. The other SSD was new, and was the one that was wrongly said to be the OS drive by the shopkeeper.

Unfortunately, I already had a few things installed before I spotted the problem, but I swapped cables anyway. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong, but I just can't shake the feeling that I messed up something, somewhere.

Nope. That's fine. As long as your boot drive is hooked up and booting, you're good.

The "OS SATA" thingis kind of silly anyway. (Has to do with which SATA port is disabled when you're using a SATA Express device, I think. Otherwise not important. Any SATA port can be used as a boot device if the BIOS and boot selection is configured appropriately.)

 

[Xuanne]

Nope. That's fine. As long as your boot drive is hooked up and booting, you're good.

The "OS SATA" thingis kind of silly anyway. (Has to do with which SATA port is disabled when you're using a SATA Express device, I think. Otherwise not important. Any SATA port can be used as a boot device if the BIOS and boot selection is configured appropriately.)

I see. Thank you

That's a load off my chest, I kept worrying about it all week lol.