Hardware non-techie requests help with adding a 2nd SSD...

[FlyingNutcase]

Hi Chaps,

 

I have a measly 250GB SSD as my main drive (for Win 10 and games) and there's no more real estate for anything of substance. So I figure I'd get a 1TB SSD to at least put Steam games on, and keep IL-2 (non-Steam) and the OS on that 250 SSD. Does that sound like a reasonable plan?

 

The best option for an SSD seems to be ($NZ by the way) https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/HDDCRU32600/Crucial-P1-1TB-NVMe-PCIe-M2-2280-Gen-3-X-4-SSD-Up ; I understand that an NVMe drive isn't useful for gaming but the price and reviews are good so why not?

 

But...I don't know if another drive will fit or what motherboard connections are available/needed (eye roll & blush). Can you tell from the following photo?

 

Thank you!

[dburne]

You should look up the manual for your specific model of motherboard to see what it supports.

Also note that on some boards the Nvme slot can disable certain things, like PCIe slots.

You really need to have a read through the manual for this.

[TheOldCrow]

You should have enough space on your motherboard to plug in another ssd as most mb will have 4 or so Sata cable plugins. Usually down in the bottom right corner of the mb. 

 

Sata cables should come with the drive you purchase.

[JG1_Vonrd]

Google "add a second ssd to pc" and maybe add your motherboard to the search. There will probably be several tutorials. Just try to weed out the knuckleheads.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

On 8/21/2019 at 4:55 AM, FlyingNutcase said:

But...I don't know if another drive will fit or what motherboard connections are available/needed (eye roll & blush). Can you tell from the following photo?

 

Looks like an Asus P8P67 board (but don't quote me on that, please check the labels to be sure).

 

It has no M.2 socket, so the NVMe SSD you found is not compatible.

 

What you need is a SATA SSD. Depending on your budget, something like the Crucial BX500 or Samsung 860 EVO will do nicely. (Of course, read some reviews and check prices at other retailers before making a decision).

 

On 8/21/2019 at 4:55 AM, FlyingNutcase said:

I have a measly 250GB SSD as my main drive (for Win 10 and games) and there's no more real estate for anything of substance. So I figure I'd get a 1TB SSD to at least put Steam games on, and keep IL-2 (non-Steam) and the OS on that 250 SSD. Does that sound like a reasonable plan?

 

That is a perfectly valid option. Personally, I would install the operating system on the new drive. It's nice to start with a fresh Windows installation and eventually retire older hardware from front-line service.

Edited August 23, 2019 by Mitthrawnuruodo

[ZachariasX]

On 8/21/2019 at 1:55 PM, FlyingNutcase said:

 

But...I don't know if another drive will fit or what motherboard connections are available/needed (eye roll & blush). Can you tell from the following photo?

You can save some $$ and buy a SATA SSD drive. You will not notice any difference from a NVMe ones.

That is sound advice:

5 hours ago, Mitthrawnuruodo said:

What you need is a SATA SSD. Depending on your budget, something like the Crucial BX500 or Samsung 860 EVO will do nicely.

 

For gaming SSD, you can shop on price. Storage preformance for gaming boxes between different SSD for practical gaming purposes is near irrelavant.

[FlyingNutcase]

Thanks fellas for your input! After everything has been considered I've decided to take the strategy of deleting secondary games and re-installing as required. I'll get a new rig when I get VR in a year or two. I really appreciate your guidance, and @Mitthrawnuruodo how the f*^# could you ID the motherboard from just that photo? lol. It' is indeed the P8P67 (Pro).