Z Gig IV with Data Select for Windows is the primary Apricorn SSD cloning software, but it has been disconnected since November 30, 2023. For better compatibility with modern systems and SSD technologies, try the best alternative - AOMEI Cloner.
Apricorn’s primary cloning utility, EZ Gig IV with Data Select, was designed to simplify disk upgrades and data migration. It allowed users to clone the entire drive, including the operating system, applications, and personal files, to a new HDD or SSD without reinstalling Windows. Typical use cases:
The tool was especially popular when bundled with Apricorn hardware kits. However, it’s important to note that EZ Gig IV has been officially discontinued, with no downloads or support available after November 30, 2023. Even prior to this, many users report compatibility issues with Windows 10/11 and modern SSDs.
Modern systems are far more complex than those legacy tools were designed for. Today’s PCs rely on UEFI firmware and GPT partition structures instead of traditional BIOS and MBR, which require more advanced cloning support. New storage technologies, such as NVMe SSDs and high-capacity drives, also require better compatibility and optimization.
AOMEI Cloner is a modern SSD cloning software that can easily transfer everything from HDD to SSD, clone SSD to SSD, etc., all without reinstalling Windows and while ensuring the cloned drive remains bootable.
Here’s a clear comparison table summarizing the key differences between EZ Gig IV vs. AOMEI Cloner. Consider trying AOMEI Cloner, better suited for modern systems and newer storage technologies.
|
Feature |
EZ Gig IV |
AOMEI Cloner |
|
Ease of Use |
Basic interface, limited guidance |
Modern, user-friendly interface |
|
System Compatibility |
Designed for older systems |
Fully supports Windows 10/11, UEFI/GPT, NVMe SSDs |
|
Cloning Performance |
Struggle with newer hardware |
Optimized with intelligent clone & SSD alignment |
|
UEFI/GPT Support |
Limited or inconsistent |
Fully supports UEFI boot and GPT disks |
|
Boot Success Rate |
Higher risk of boot failure |
High success rate with bootable clone |
|
Software Updates |
Discontinued (no updates after 2023) |
Actively maintained with regular updates |
|
Reliability |
May cause errors or an incomplete clone |
Stable and reliable across modern environments |
Before cloning, make sure everything is ready:
After preparation, follow the steps below to clone hard drive to Apricorn SSD.
Step 1. Connect your Apricorn SSD using the included USB cable or adapter. Open AOMEI Cloner after installing and click Clone > Disk Clone to get started.
Step 2. Select your current system drive as the source drive and Apricorn SSD as the destination drive. Click Next after each selection.
Warning: The destination drive will be overwritten or deleted. Make sure to select the right disk and backup your important data (if there is any) in advance. Then, click OK to continue.
Step 3. Be sure to check SSD Alignment for high performance and click Start Clone to clone hard drive to Apricorn SSD.
After cloning, set the new SSD as the boot drive and perform a boot test to see if the cloned drive will boot successfully.
If the cloning was successful, Windows should boot normally from the new SSD. If not, check: cloned SSD won’t boot.
EZ Gig IV with Data Select for Windows is the primary Apricorn SSD cloning software, which is designed for old systems and disconnected after November 30, 2023. So you cannot download EZ Gig IV cloning software or get any support.
Meanwhile, Apricorn SSDs are primarily used to create full system backups or clones for disaster recovery, not as primary boot drives. To boot from a failing computer, you need to prepare an internal SSD and clone the Apricorn SSD again. Consider trying AOMEI Cloner, which offers better compatibility with Windows 10/11, UEFI/GPT systems, and NVMe SSDs, ensuring a smoother and more secure cloning process.