Hello,

I want to separate the M.2 cache SSD from the HDD in order to be able to use the M.2 slot as a drive. I've read a few threads on how to do this, but wanted to come here and see if anyone has opinions.

I'm thinking of replacing both drives, but I did get a 2TB m.2 drive, and that will be more than enough for me to keep all programs and documents I'm working on, and maybe keep the HHD for archive/storage.. I do have an SSD on the way, but are HHD's more reliable for storage?

My main question is, if I install the RST Drivers and software from Intel, then use that to separate the drives, can I then clone my HHD to the m.2, and then pop in the m.2, and boot the computer up to UEFI settings and choose the m.2 in the boot order? (if that's even an option)

I read up how to replace both drives, and install "generic" version of Windows 10, and before you install windows, you install the RST Drivers and then the m.2 drive will show up as a location to install windows. Once you get all that done, you can then install an surface recovery image to get all the surface studio drivers and firmware back on the machine.. but i'm wondering if all of that is necessary?

I should mention that this is a Gen1 Surface Studio i7/32g