F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Question: Physically Swapping OS Drives on a PC

Question: Physically Swapping OS Drives on a PC

Question: Physically Swapping OS Drives on a PC

N
Necromere
Junior Member
5
08-11-2021, 10:53 PM
#1
Here’s the concept I’m thinking about.
Design a contemporary desktop PC using standard 2024 parts. It should be straightforward, likely fitting a $1500 budget.
Use several operating system drives that can be physically exchanged when required. For instance, connect a blank SATA drive and install Windows 11. Remove it, insert another blank SATA drive and install Ubuntu. To revert to Windows 11, simply disconnect the Ubuntu drive and reinsert the Windows 11 one.
I might have multiple drives with different configurations that I can swap as needed.
Would this work? Could there be problems with BIOS or TPM? Some sources suggest the OS installation leaves a trace on the TPM. If I change drives and install another OS, does that erase the TPM? Would the first drive then stop functioning?
N
Necromere
08-11-2021, 10:53 PM #1

Here’s the concept I’m thinking about.
Design a contemporary desktop PC using standard 2024 parts. It should be straightforward, likely fitting a $1500 budget.
Use several operating system drives that can be physically exchanged when required. For instance, connect a blank SATA drive and install Windows 11. Remove it, insert another blank SATA drive and install Ubuntu. To revert to Windows 11, simply disconnect the Ubuntu drive and reinsert the Windows 11 one.
I might have multiple drives with different configurations that I can swap as needed.
Would this work? Could there be problems with BIOS or TPM? Some sources suggest the OS installation leaves a trace on the TPM. If I change drives and install another OS, does that erase the TPM? Would the first drive then stop functioning?

M
mat_fram
Posting Freak
776
08-12-2021, 09:39 PM
#2
There are methods to start another operating system in this setup without moving the other disks. However, using Windows won't allow transferring a drive and OS from another system to boot here. Linux seems likely, while Windows probably won't work.
M
mat_fram
08-12-2021, 09:39 PM #2

There are methods to start another operating system in this setup without moving the other disks. However, using Windows won't allow transferring a drive and OS from another system to boot here. Linux seems likely, while Windows probably won't work.

M
MasterSim
Junior Member
4
08-15-2021, 01:56 AM
#3
The OS drives would each be crafted separately and employed on the identical PC. The need for a physical swap arises because I might have multiple disks with configurations tailored for various tasks.
M
MasterSim
08-15-2021, 01:56 AM #3

The OS drives would each be crafted separately and employed on the identical PC. The need for a physical swap arises because I might have multiple disks with configurations tailored for various tasks.

L
littleorange0
Junior Member
3
08-20-2021, 02:28 AM
#4
Set up each operating system, ensuring that only the connected drive is active.
You'll notice no issues.
For further analysis, examine VirtualMachines.
L
littleorange0
08-20-2021, 02:28 AM #4

Set up each operating system, ensuring that only the connected drive is active.
You'll notice no issues.
For further analysis, examine VirtualMachines.

T
Taillowbird
Member
158
08-20-2021, 02:50 AM
#5
I use VMWare, but it has some constraints, particularly with resource-heavy programs. I considered using these 2.5 SSD drives now that they're affordable, so I'd set up physically swappable machines instead of VMs. This approach would let the drives be replaced easily, similar to the cartridge method used in early home computers and gaming systems:
https://www.amazon.com/ORICO-Internal-Co...B097BX3GNS
I'm planning to give it a try. Thanks for your suggestions.
T
Taillowbird
08-20-2021, 02:50 AM #5

I use VMWare, but it has some constraints, particularly with resource-heavy programs. I considered using these 2.5 SSD drives now that they're affordable, so I'd set up physically swappable machines instead of VMs. This approach would let the drives be replaced easily, similar to the cartridge method used in early home computers and gaming systems:
https://www.amazon.com/ORICO-Internal-Co...B097BX3GNS
I'm planning to give it a try. Thanks for your suggestions.

A
audi497mks
Senior Member
601
08-21-2021, 02:42 AM
#6
Yes, the swap bay might be a good solution for this.
I just recommended VM's, maybe you weren't aware of the idea.
It really depends on what these operating systems will be doing.
A
audi497mks
08-21-2021, 02:42 AM #6

Yes, the swap bay might be a good solution for this.
I just recommended VM's, maybe you weren't aware of the idea.
It really depends on what these operating systems will be doing.

I
ItzHayds_
Member
119
08-25-2021, 04:51 AM
#7
Most new motherboards come with a minimum of 4 to 6 SATA ports, and additional ones via adapters for PCIe slots. You're wondering why you can't simply install all SSDs with operating systems and just select the one to boot from BIOS? You have five NVMe SSDs—three are operating system drives, two are Windows, and one is Linux Mint.
I
ItzHayds_
08-25-2021, 04:51 AM #7

Most new motherboards come with a minimum of 4 to 6 SATA ports, and additional ones via adapters for PCIe slots. You're wondering why you can't simply install all SSDs with operating systems and just select the one to boot from BIOS? You have five NVMe SSDs—three are operating system drives, two are Windows, and one is Linux Mint.

T
TinoBanana
Member
177
09-01-2021, 10:14 AM
#8
It seems the inquiry is about whether the advantages of a direct swap are worth the effort. If you plan to use the swap frequently, you should ensure your motherboard and case can handle it without issues. I personally don’t rely on the thumbscrew plate on my Lian Li 011 XL, and I can replace a hard drive quickly. However, if you need to dig into your PC’s internals often, switching to VMs might be a more comfortable option.
T
TinoBanana
09-01-2021, 10:14 AM #8

It seems the inquiry is about whether the advantages of a direct swap are worth the effort. If you plan to use the swap frequently, you should ensure your motherboard and case can handle it without issues. I personally don’t rely on the thumbscrew plate on my Lian Li 011 XL, and I can replace a hard drive quickly. However, if you need to dig into your PC’s internals often, switching to VMs might be a more comfortable option.

B
brightzewl
Junior Member
33
09-03-2021, 05:43 AM
#9
Other options might cause problems, so a standard Windows setup won't work with USB. If you have an older model, try these alternatives. Even with a modern build, use a PSU extension and a long SATA cable to connect properly.
B
brightzewl
09-03-2021, 05:43 AM #9

Other options might cause problems, so a standard Windows setup won't work with USB. If you have an older model, try these alternatives. Even with a modern build, use a PSU extension and a long SATA cable to connect properly.