Want to clone my HD, few questions

My laptop config came with 2x M.2 SSDs and I realized that isn't enough space, so I ordered two more and plan to maintain my Raid 0 setup once I add the two additional drives.

However, in order to do this, I apparently need to clone my array. What, in you guys' expert opinions, is the recommended software to accomplish this? I see Acronis and Macrium Reflect being the two most often mentioned backup/cloning software apps on the web but which is superior? Also, would I be able to accomplish this using a free version, or would I have to pay for the full version to do what I want?

I had swapped the 1 TB 7200 HDD that came in my laptop with a 512GB SSD, and I purchased a USB3.0 enclosure for the HDD so that is what I plan to copy my cloned C drive to. My understanding, based off what I read and previous questions on these boards, is that I copy my cloned image to my external USB drive (the 1TB HDD), then I add the M.2 drives, then I boot from my cloned USB drive and format my C drive, then boot into the RAID menu and set up my array, then I restore the image from the USB back to my new C partition. Do I have all that correct?

Thanks ^^

 

My advice don't not use RAID unless your doing server or file hostsing. Everyday users your best to use two drive setup one for your O/S and the other for your data storage. That way should the main go you still have the 2nd drive keeping your data from being lost. In all purpose stand RAID for users isn't advised use your 2nd or 3rd drive as a storage drive. A SSD or the like O/S will improve boot and access time for your software and the other drives will store your data/files thus acting as buffer to data protection from drive failures.

 

So instead of blowing my initial SSD RAID array, I created a 2nd RAID array with the other two SSDs I added. So in total I have my 256GB OS array, a 2nd 256 GB array, and a standalone 512GB SSD I replaced the stock HDD with. Roughly 1 TB of space, good enough for now.

 

Well if that is your choice then no one can stop you from doing that. But for myself, I have SSD main and the rest are HDD storage drives..and one keeps a image of my SSD so should the SSD get malware or go bad I just reboot the image and I am back to working. You don't really need a RAID setup unless your doing it for Server or Security firm purpose. RAID for everyday users will not give you any benefit and also RAID drivers must match not mixing size or SSD/HDD combinations. But as anything it's your choice and this is my advice.

 

Any particular reason you use HDDs?

I like SSD because file transfer speeds are so much better, and my games load significantly faster than on my HDD. I notice a big difference, especially in load-intensive games like FF13-2. I have an external 1TB HDD that I backed up my main SSD to that I can restore from, and basically all I use my other SSDs for is storing my games, which are increasingly massive in file size. That is also why I went with RAID. Because each game utilizes anywhere from 20-40 GB, I don't want to have a bunch of separate drives with 4 games each on them. At least, this way, I have more space on each logical drive to work with. And once the prices come down on the higher capacity SSDs, I will probably scrap the raid arrays in favor of separate drives for the purpose of data protection.