[SOLVED] Considering upgrading my boot drive to SSD.

[Mad_Mongoose]

I have a MSI Z97 GUARD-PRO (1150 socket) mobo.

• Intel® Z97 Express Chipset

- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports (SATA1~6)

- 1 x M.2 Key M Socket supports type 2280/2260/2242 storage devices in both PCIE Gen2 x2 & SATA mode*

- M.2 port supports M.2 SATA 6Gb/s module

- M.2 port supports M.2 PCIe module up to 10Gb/s speed**

- M.2 port supports 4.2cm/ 6cm/ 8cm length module

- Supports RAID 0, RAID1, RAID 5 and RAID 10***

- Supports Intel Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start Technology and Intel Smart Connect Technology****

* The SATA5 and SATA6 ports will be unavailable when installing a module in the M.2 port.

** M.2 PCIe interface only supports UEFI option ROM, NOT support legacy option ROM.

*** M.2 PCIe interface does not support RAID 0, RAID1, RAID 5 and RAID 10.

Is it best to buy an M key NVMe, SATA SSD for th M2_1 slot or just get a 2.5 SSD?

Thanks in advance

 

[USAFRet]

SATA III SSD.

On that Z97 board, the M.2 port doesn't give any better performance than a SATA SSD.
And it a LOT of use cases, even on a board that can utilize an NVMe at its rated speed, you see basically zero difference.

What do you use this system for?
Are you considering cloning, or a clean install on the new drive?

 

[Mad_Mongoose]

Was just hoping for a bit a quicker boot time, use the machine for a bit of online gaming and editing.

 

[USAFRet]

Was just hoping for a bit a quicker boot time, use the machine for a bit of online gaming and editing.

A SATA III SSD will do just fine in that system.
Crucial MX500 or Samsung 860 EVO are recommended.

I have a similar level board, and a bunch of SATA III SSD. And 1x NVMe.


Now...clone or clean install?

 

[Mad_Mongoose]

Thanks USAFRet,

Clone install as I have moved continents and half my stuff has gone missing in the move.
Looking at the Crucial BX500 1TB or the Samsung 860.
Also, is it better to have only the operating system on the boot SSD and my games on a separate Sata HD, or can I put the whole lot on the SSD?

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks USAFRet,

Clone install as I have moved continents and half my stuff has gone missing in the move.
Looking at the Crucial BX500 1TB or the Samsung 860.
Also, is it better to have only the operating system on the boot SSD and my games on a separate Sata HD, or can I put the whole lot on the SSD?

MX500 instead of the BX500.

For a 1TB, that will hold multiple games as well as the OS and all your other stuff.
Things like movies and music can go on an HDD.


"Clone install "
Is that clone or clean? 😉

 

[geofelt]

Samsung has a very good ssd migration app that copies your current C drive to one of their ssd devices.
I have used it many times without fail.
You can download the app and manual here:

Tool & Software Download | Samsung Semiconductor Global

Download various software related to your product, including Samsung Magician, designed for use with Samsung's memory products, and find related information.

www.samsung.com

I like the 860 evo 1tb ssd for everything.
It is just simpler.

Repurpose your HDD as an external backup device.

And, if you want faster boot times, don't boot.
Use sleep to ram(no hibernate)
That puts the pc and monitor into a very low power state, essentially like a full power off.
Sleep/wake becomes a handful of seconds.

 

[Mad_Mongoose]

Thanks again,
It's Prime day tomorrow so hopefully I can pick up an Evo on special.