[SOLVED] Does my motherboard support additional SSD?

[Karasu08]

Hi guys,

Sorry, total noob question but does my motherboard even support another hard drive? In fact, I can't even see where the original hard drive is installed on this thing. I can't find any additional SATA cables, and there's no brackets or anything to mount to. As you can see from the opening on the other side, the lower bottom just stores the power supply.

This is the desktop I'm talking about: https://www.newegg.com/asus-rog-str...-Notification-Responsive-US-_-N82E16883221574

Photos of internals:

https://imgur.com/MeVH9SI

View: https://imgur.com/MeVH9SI

https://imgur.com/EB42pXR

View: https://imgur.com/EB42pXR

https://imgur.com/tCqGvlK

View: https://imgur.com/tCqGvlK


Thanks guys!

 

[Lutfij]

Just above where the GPU's cooler shroud ends, you'll see an M.2 SSD in the motherboard populating the M.2 slot. You do seem to have SATA ports left unpopulated which means you can add storage drives in SATA form, but you will need SATA data cables if your PSU already has SATA power leads/connectors.

In the image I've added(from your imgur links), you can notice a couple of pegs located above the GPU, that should allow you to mount a 2.5" drive there with the aid of 2 M3 screws. When I state 2.5" drive that drive can be either an SSD or a laptop grade HDD.

 

[Jacob 51]

https://imgur.com/tCqGvlK

View: https://imgur.com/tCqGvlK


Thanks guys!

That PC doesn't have HDD attached, it has only the PCIe SSDs. There is a SATA port under the graphics card if you can see it.

BTW, how much did you spend on this RIG? (Just a friendly question)

 

[Karasu08]

That PC doesn't have HDD attached, it has only the PCIe SSDs. There is a SATA port under the graphics card if you can see it.

BTW, how much did you spend on this RIG? (Just a friendly question)

I bought this around Christmas for $1100, but there was a rebate I was unable to claim b/c Newegg is lame, so I ended up paying $1050.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Yes, I would say you could mount a 2.5 inch ssd. If you pop the other side of the case off, your case seems like mine, where 3.5 inch drives can fit beside the power supply.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-2-sata-iii-hard-drive-cable-black/6406731.p?skuId=6406731


The above cable should let you hook up a sata ssd. You could probably use an nvme drive, but you’ll need a very small screw. If you look at the empty m.2 slot, see if there’s a screw at the end of the slot.

If you opt for a sata ssd, there are usually mount points you can mount them with screws. I think I can mount one on top of my shroud above the power supply, or if under the shroud you can install 3.5 inch drives, this style of adapter should work.

https://www.newegg.com/p/1B0-015A-00063

You should find those style adapters on Amazon under 10 bucks.