[SOLVED] 2x M.2 on ITX board query

TheGolfingPablo

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Dec 11, 2013
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Hi, I was planning out a new itx build using my 2700x with an Asus Strix b450i mobo as it had 2x M.2 slots which I want.
However, I just learned that the 2nd slot at the back draws power from the GPU PCIe slot reducing it from x16 to x8.
Due to this, and my primary usage being gaming, can anyone confirm if I can use an x570 board instead without the power draw from the PCIe slot?

I’m torn now whether to stick with the convenience of m.2 or just get a normal SATA ssd. I just don’t want the hassle of the additional cabling in an already small case.

thanks.
 
Solution
For any single GPU setup and a gaming workload, even cutting down to x8 is plenty.
No single, consumer-grade GPU can utilize the full bandwidth of 3.0 x16 anyway, while gaming. Other workloads an benefit, but gaming will not.