Question CPU vs Chipset for OS drive

[kujen]

I recently built a PC with an ASRock x870e Nova. It has 1 Gen5 M.2 slot on the CPU, 3 Gen4 on the chipset, and one Gen3/SATA.

I have two 2 TB Gen4 drives, and I installed both in the chipset slots. One has the OS. I figured I don’t have a Gen5 drive yet, and if I ever got one then I wouldn’t need to remove my GPU to install it - it’s above the GPU under a removable heatsink. Also I assumed the Gen5 slot above the GPU may get hotter.

Should I have installed my OS drive in that top slot instead? Will I be missing better performance?

 

[Endre]

I recently built a PC with an ASRock x870e Nova. It has 1 Gen5 M.2 slot on the CPU, 3 Gen4 on the chipset, and one Gen3/SATA.

I have two 2 TB Gen4 drives, and I installed both in the chipset slots. One has the OS. I figured I don’t have a Gen5 drive yet, and if I ever got one then I wouldn’t need to remove my GPU to install it - it’s above the GPU under a removable heatsink. Also I assumed the Gen5 slot above the GPU may get hotter.

Should I have installed my OS drive in that top slot instead? Will I be missing better performance?

Hello!

I'd, definitely, insert the OS drive in the M.2 slot that's connected directly to the CPU!

 

[kujen]

How big of a difference would it make? I had a lot of difficulty installing the GPU as it barely fits in my case, and I’d have to take it out to access that drive again.

 

[USAFRet]

How big of a difference would it make? I had a lot of difficulty installing the GPU as it barely fits in my case, and I’d have to take it out to access that drive again.

In a blind test, you almost certainly can't tell the difference.

But....There will always be the question in your mind.
So, CPU slot is it.
Do it once, do it right.

 

[kujen]

Ok thanks. I think I will wait until I either get a Gen5 or a new case though (and would then need to remove the GPU). It was really difficult. I’m hoping I didn’t scratch the motherboard getting it in.

Also - is it ok to leave the little plastic film on the unused NVME heatsinks?

 

[Endre]

Ok thanks. I think I will wait until I either get a Gen5 or a new case though (and would then need to remove the GPU). It was really difficult. I’m hoping I didn’t scratch the motherboard getting it in.

Also - is it ok to leave the little plastic film on the unused NVME heatsinks?

Hi!

I'd take them off.