User Manual | Clone NVMe SSD to NVMe SSD with UTF-8 Encoding

Linda Updated on November 8, 2021 to Disk/Partition Clone | How-to Guides

Solid-state drives (SSDs) have improved over time, and there are now various types of SSDs available to consumers to meet their storage needs. One industry-standard software interface designed specifically for PCIe SSDs is NVMe. NVMe SSDs support up to 64,000 commands per queue. However, the protocol requires only thirteen commands to deliver efficient performance. In contrast, a regular SSD can execute only one query or command at a time.

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory express) is a protocol designed specifically for SSDs, connecting storage interfaces to the system CPU through a PCI Express (PCIe) slot. NVMe SSDs provide significant improvements over SATA SSDs and HDDs. NVMe SSDs can come in various forms, such as M.2, PCIe slots, and U.2. U.2 is a form factor that utilizes the NVMe protocol exclusively. To list the main differences between NVMe SSDs and regular SSDs, NVMe outperforms traditional SSDs in connectivity, speed, and efficiency. Read on to learn more about NVMe SSDs and the cloning process.

Yes, you can clone an NVMe SSD to another NVMe SSD. Here's a simple explanation: 1. **Backup Data**: Before proceeding, make sure to backup your important data as a safety measure. 2. **Cloning Software**: You'll need cloning software that supports NVMe drives. Popular options include Clonezilla, Acronis True Image, Macrium Reflect, or the built-in cloning utilities in some disk management tools like Disk Utility on macOS or Disk Management on Windows. 3. **Connect Drives**: Connect both NVMe SSDs to your computer. You may need an M.2 NVMe adapter or a motherboard with multiple M.2 slots. 4. **Select Source and Destination**: Launch the cloning software and choose the source drive (your current NVMe SSD) and the destination drive (the new NVMe SSD). 5. **Start Cloning**: Follow the software's instructions to initiate the cloning process. Make sure to select options that preserve partitions and boot information if applicable. 6. **Wait for Completion**: The cloning process might take some time depending on the size of your data. Be patient and do not interrupt the process. 7. **Verify Data**: After cloning is complete, verify the data on the new drive to ensure everything has transferred correctly. 8. **Swap Drives**: If the cloning was successful, you can safely replace the old NVMe SSD with the new one in your system. Remember, cloning duplicates the entire drive, including the operating system, applications, and all files. It's essential to ensure compatibility and proper hardware support before swapping the drives.

You might be wondering whether you can clone an NVMe SSD to another NVMe SSD since NVMe SSDs come in various forms. The answer is yes; you can clone from one NVMe SSD to another with different forms. One of the primary reasons users clone SSDs is to increase storage capacity. NVMe SSDs come in different sizes. In many cases, users may need more storage space to achieve optimal performance.

The tool we recommend for cloning an NVMe SSD is Disk Copy. Since Windows does not have a built-in cloning feature, you'll need to rely on third-party software to clone your SSD. Disk Copy has a clean and straightforward interface that users can easily understand after installation. The process of cloning an NVMe SSD is similar to cloning a regular HDD to an SSD. You won't need to reinstall Windows during the entire cloning process, and your data will be secure throughout.

What do you need for NVMe to NVMe cloning?

Since NVMe SSD is a new type of SSD, some extra operations are required before cloning to ensure secure boot. Here's what you need to prepare.

● Updated computer hardware (while NVMe is compatible with older systems, it's best to go with a Skylake or newer chipset)
● An M.2 PCI-E x4 slot
● UEFI firmware and a UEFI boot mode

If you've already run an operating system on an NVMe SSD, you can skip the above prerequisites and pay attention only to the following:

• NVMe M.2 slot: If your computer has only one NVMe M.2 slot, you have two SSD migration options: clone to a second drive using an M.2 to PCIe adapter, or use backup and restore for the migration. • NVMe SSD cloning software: The software should be an all-in-one tool with features for different cloning scenarios.

How to Clone an NVMe SSD to Another NVMe SSD

It's time to clone your NVMe SSD. Download the Disk Copy utility below, and follow the instructions to complete the process.

Note: Make sure you launch the disk cloning utility first to complete the disk copy or cloning process successfully.

Step 1: Download, install, and run the Disk Copy utility on your computer.
Click on the Disk Mode, select the source disk that you want to copy or clone, then click Next.

Note: If you want to clone or copy the source disk sector by sector, the target disk should be the same size or larger than the source disk.

Step 2. Select the target disk to which you want to clone/copy the old disk, then click “Next” to proceed.

Step 3: Review and edit the disk layout, selecting either "Fit to disk," "Copy as much as possible," or "Edit disk layout." It is recommended that you choose "Fit to disk."

The "Copy Source" option will copy/clone the partition layout of the source disk to the target disk.
Editing the layout allows you to manually adjust the partition sizes or layout on the target disk.

If your target disk is an SSD, remember to check the box for “Target is SSD.”

Click Proceed to start the disk clone or disk copy process immediately.

How to Move Operating System to Another Drive Without Reinstalling Windows?

This article shows how to transfer the operating system to a new hard drive with a reliable cloning software - Disk Copy tool, saving installation time and hassle.

Conclusions

The advancements in Solid State Drives (SSDs) have brought multiple benefits to users. By opting for an NVMe SSD, you can work seamlessly. The high throughput and low latency characteristics of NVMe SSDs give them an edge over standard SSDs. Furthermore, you can clone the entire content of your storage device to a new disk. Disk Copy tools provide a straightforward process and a sleek interface for a unique cloning experience. Before initiating the cloning process, you can also use the software to back up your data.