Adding a 2nd Larger (1TB) SSD to Accompany a 256 GB (M.2 SATA) ?

I'm looking for how the best way to configure or apply a 2nd SSD.

I'm replacing my laptop and the new one will come with a 256GB M.2 SATA with Win10 loaded.
My current laptop HDD contains 273GB. So even if I don't migrate everything its going to be too close for comfort.
I have a new Sandisk X400 1TB SSD and drive bay available.

Should I:

1. Install the 2nd 1TB drive installing and running future programs onto the 256GB M.2 SATA drive having it store and/or fetch data onto the 2nd?
   
2. Clone the 1st 256GB M.2 SATA onto the 1TB and run a single drive and use the 256GB M.2 SATA drive for a scratch disk for Photoshop and Sony Vegas?
3. Or???

Thanks

 

3. Or; use the 256GB M.2 for future warranty use (if needed). Don't send them the SSD you have your DATA on (ever). Don't install anything except maybe doing Windows updates as needed to see how the system works - then; remove and save/store indefinitely. 256GB is too small to mess around with when you have other/better options available.

Do a clean install on your 1TB SSD, install drivers as needed, install your programs and then move your DATA to the system once it has proven itself stable and to your satisfaction.

The 256GB SSD would be useful for use as a Scratch Disk - but the M.2 format may/would make it slower than a HDD - depending on the notebook's cooling system design and implementation. I feel it is better used stored (for possible future warranty purposes) though. If you do use it as a Scratch disk; OP it by 50% or more.

Good luck.

 

Thanks, I had a feeling running both was not necessary or optimal.
Good advice on running it in for a while before tearing into it for sure.

The laptop is a Acer Aspire 5 and getting to the 256GB M.2 requires some case disassembly.
Could I just pop the 1TB drive into the bay and run a clean install to it, boot to it and disable the 256GB M.2 in bios or disc management?

 

You're welcome.

You may be able to do something in the BIOS to disassemble the M.2, but even if it was possible; I wouldn't. Physically remove it before installing an O/S on another drive (always).