Adding new SSD

[subpixelsk]

Hey

I am planning to upgrade and add new ssd to my workstation. I have Asus Z9P8DE-WS board and would like to spend 150 euro maximum for that. So should I buy M2 SSD? seems like a huge difference in write and read speeds in comparison to regular SSDs

thanks for advice

[Juraj]

M.2 is merely a form factor, it doesn't affect speed. The internal interface is what affects the speed, be it traditional SATA or PCI Express. Both exist in M.2 form factor. For example Samsung 850/860 are SATA drives, although in both versions of interface, SATA and M.2. Samsung 960 is PCIe drive (with NVMe controller interface) and exists in both M.2 slot and PCIe expansion card.

Do you want it to be bootable ? I.e, your system (windows installed) drive ?

If yes, then I have bad news for you. It's not possible for you generation of board, although I have seen some claim they got it to work, but I do believe those were pre-NVMe PCI-e cards (i.e the first Intel PCI-e SSDs that were not using NVMe controller but were still fast due to PCI interface).
If you want it as files drive, you can get expansion PCI-e card and would still need to modify the bios I believe.

None of that is worth it. Buy regular SATA drive.

[subpixelsk]

I don´t need it to be bootable :) thanks for explanation I will buy some 500gb I guess

[Juraj]

What will you do with 500GB ? Go on auction and get 1tb for 150-160 euro. First quick pick:

https://pc.bazos.sk/inzerat/88509912/Samsung-EVO-850-1TB-a-500gb.php

[subpixelsk]

oh cool thanks :)

[INgenia]

M.2 is merely a form factor, it doesn't affect speed. The internal interface is what affects the speed, be it traditional SATA or PCI Express. Both exist in M.2 form factor. For example Samsung 850/860 are SATA drives, although in both versions of interface, SATA and M.2. Samsung 960 is PCIe drive (with NVMe controller interface) and exists in both M.2 slot and PCIe expansion card.

Do you want it to be bootable ? I.e, your system (windows installed) drive ?

If yes, then I have bad news for you. It's not possible for you generation of board, although I have seen some claim they got it to work, but I do believe those were pre-NVMe PCI-e cards (i.e the first Intel PCI-e SSDs that were not using NVMe controller but were still fast due to PCI interface).
If you want it as files drive, you can get expansion PCI-e card and would still need to modify the bios I believe.

None of that is worth it. Buy regular SATA drive.

So, reading this comment, is not worth changing my sss for this m.2?
And, yes, I wanted to use it with the S.O. My motherboard is compatible with that slot. (MSI X99S XPOWER AC)

[Juraj]

I guess you mean PCI-E (in m.2 slot) SSD like Samsung 960.

No it's not worth it if you already have one. The speed benefits are only in sequential speed of large files, i.e they do help people who do lot of photography and video and keep transfering big data sets on daily basis.
It doesn't speed up the system at all.

The only one that does is the Optane drives but they are humungously expensive and I would say not worth it at this time (maybe in 2-3 years?).

[INgenia]

Rather the 970 EVO, it was the idea........instead mi actual ssd 840 250gb. (new 266€ in./tax.)
And If I wanna change for this one, in order to get more capacity, Would be dificult to change? S.O. and apps...................................
Thanks Juraj

[Juraj]

You can swap your whole existing system to new drive, no need to reinstall. Although it's always good to do so from time to time :- ).

970 is in tough position, it's not better than competition, not even than previous model (960), just pricier.

I would choose what size you need ( ideal system drive is 512GB to 1TB), and get affordable version of it. 1TB Samsung 860 EVO is 180 euros often at e-shops. Can't really beat that..

[INgenia]

Really fantastic mate.
Please link to this price/e-shop
I have saw an app in the samsung´s website. https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/minisite/ssd/download/tools/
Have you tried it to make a clone of the main disk (S.O.)?
Thanks again¡'¡¡

[Juraj]

https://geizhals.eu/samsung-ssd-860-evo-1tb-mz-76e1t0b-a1756905.html

This is central europe oriented hardware price aggregator but you can always search a domestic version.

[INgenia]

Great info and very grateful.
Best