Help in Purchasing SSD

[Timbuktu87]

Hello all.

I was recently looking to upgrade my Desktop PC with a 500gb storage SSD. I currently use a 120gb ssd as boot drive and a 1tb hdd as storage. I am mainly looking for M.2 because I am not really a fan of the large 2.5 inch standalone ones.

my specs are:
i5-6600k
evga 750 g2 gold psu
g.skill aegis 16gb (2x8) ddr4 2800mhz ram
ASRock Z170A-X1 Motherboard

So my question is, does my motherboard have the m.2 slot on it?

 

[USAFRet]

No m.2.

http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z170A-X13.1/?cat=Specifications
Storage - 6 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors, support RAID (RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 14 and Intel® Smart Response Technology), NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug


You could get a PCIe slot SSD, and use that, sucking up a PCIe slot.
Slots - 2 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slots (PCIE2: x16 mode; PCIE4: x4 mode)*
- 3 x PCI Express 3.0 x1 Slots (Flexible PCIe)
- Supports AMD Quad CrossFireX™ and CrossFireX™

*Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks

 

[Timbuktu87]

No m.2.

http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z170A-X13.1/?cat=Specifications
Storage - 6 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors, support RAID (RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 14 and Intel® Smart Response Technology), NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug


You could get a PCIe slot SSD, and use that, sucking up a PCIe slot.
Slots - 2 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slots (PCIE2: x16 mode; PCIE4: x4 mode)*
- 3 x PCI Express 3.0 x1 Slots (Flexible PCIe)
- Supports AMD Quad CrossFireX™ and CrossFireX™

*Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks

Well that's unfortunate.

What are my choices now? The PCIe slot will just take up even more room and I don't like that idea. Also there are no pcie ssds anyway on amazon.

 

[USAFRet]

Well that's unfortunate.

What are my choices now? The PCIe slot will just take up even more room and I don't like that idea. Also there are no pcie ssds anyway on amazon.

PCIe slot SSD. 400GB, $362
https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-CSSD-N400GBNX500-Neutron-NX500-Heatsink/dp/B073CFBPVD

PCIe slot adapter for a m.2 NVMe drive - $15 (No idea how well it works.)
https://www.amazon.com/Rivo-PCI-Riser-Express-Adapter/dp/B0773ZR6L8

Or, a regular 2.5" SSD.

 

[Timbuktu87]

Well that's unfortunate.

What are my choices now? The PCIe slot will just take up even more room and I don't like that idea. Also there are no pcie ssds anyway on amazon.

PCIe slot SSD. 400GB, $362
https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-CSSD-N400GBNX500-Neutron-NX500-Heatsink/dp/B073CFBPVD

PCIe slot adapter for a m.2 NVMe drive - $15 (No idea how well it works.)
https://www.amazon.com/Rivo-PCI-Riser-Express-Adapter/dp/B0773ZR6L8

Or, a regular 2.5" SSD.

Thank you for the links, however I was wondering if you can find that on amazon.ca?

Also I am using a Corsair Obsidian Series 450D Mid Tower Case, just in case the mount bracket size is different.

 

[USAFRet]

Thank you for the links, however I was wondering if you can find that on amazon.ca?

Also I am using a Corsair Obsidian Series 450D Mid Tower Case, just in case the mount bracket size is different.

You can search just as good as I can..
https://www.amazon.ca/Corsair-CSSD-N400GBNX500-Memory-Neutron-Black/dp/B073CFBPVD

What do you use this system for?
Personally, I'd go with a 2.5" drive for less than 1/2 the price.
https://www.amazon.ca/Crucial-MX500-500GB-NAND-Internal/dp/B0784SLQM6

 

[Timbuktu87]

Thank you for the links, however I was wondering if you can find that on amazon.ca?

Also I am using a Corsair Obsidian Series 450D Mid Tower Case, just in case the mount bracket size is different.

You can search just as good as I can..
https://www.amazon.ca/Corsair-CSSD-N400GBNX500-Memory-Neutron-Black/dp/B073CFBPVD

What do you use this system for?
Personally, I'd go with a 2.5" drive for less than 1/2 the price.
https://www.amazon.ca/Crucial-MX500-500GB-NAND-Internal/dp/B0784SLQM6

I use it for entertainment and gaming.

According to my mobo specifications, there are 2 ssd brackets in the back, for which I have already 1 spot used. However, I don't want to open up the back as it was a big pain for me when I was wire managing and it took me several hours to get the back tower door case properly closed fitted with all the wires, so I was hoping I can install the new ssd where my hdd is, in the front.

 

[USAFRet]

I use it for entertainment and gaming.

According to my mobo specifications, there are 2 ssd brackets in the back, for which I have already 1 spot used. However, I don't want to open up the back as it was a big pain for me when I was wire managing and it took me several hours to get the back tower door case properly closed fitted with all the wires, so I was hoping I can install the new ssd where my hdd is, in the front.

In that use, an NVMe drive won't give you any real benefit for the 3x money.

An SSD in an HDD mount space? No problem.
2.5" - 3.5" adapter plate
$6CDN
https://www.amazon.ca/Inch-Drive-Adapter-Bracket-Screws/dp/B00DGL2X7I

There are many others.
$2
https://www.amazon.ca/Mounting-Adapter-Bracket-Drive-Holder/dp/B00OCBB56Q

$16:
https://www.amazon.ca/ORICO-Adapter-Converter-Mounting-12-5mm/dp/B01N5LDDBF

 

[Timbuktu87]

I use it for entertainment and gaming.

According to my mobo specifications, there are 2 ssd brackets in the back, for which I have already 1 spot used. However, I don't want to open up the back as it was a big pain for me when I was wire managing and it took me several hours to get the back tower door case properly closed fitted with all the wires, so I was hoping I can install the new ssd where my hdd is, in the front.

In that use, an NVMe drive won't give you any real benefit for the 3x money.

An SSD in an HDD mount space? No problem.
2.5" - 3.5" adapter plate
$6CDN
https://www.amazon.ca/Inch-Drive-Adapter-Bracket-Screws/dp/B00DGL2X7I

There are many others.
$2
https://www.amazon.ca/Mounting-Adapter-Bracket-Drive-Holder/dp/B00OCBB56Q

$16:
https://www.amazon.ca/ORICO-Adapter-Converter-Mounting-12-5mm/dp/B01N5LDDBF

Which one should I get for my specific Tower Case (Corsair Obsidian Series 450D Mid Tower Case) ? I currently have a HDD in the front though.

What SSD would you recommend be buying along with the mounting bracket? I was looking for 500gb from amazon.ca.

And do I need to buy SATA cable or any adapter of some sort too?

Thanks!

 

[USAFRet]

Which one should I get for my specific Tower Case (Corsair Obsidian Series 450D Mid Tower Case) ? I currently have a HDD in the front though.

What SSD would you recommend be buying along with the mounting bracket? I was looking for 500gb from amazon.ca.

And do I need to buy SATA cable or any adapter of some sort too?

Thanks!

If you have an empty 3.5" drive mount, any of those will work.
That $16 Orinco looks nice, if that matters.

Which drive? The Crucial MX500, 500GB I linked earlier.

Cable? It probably does not come with one, so you'll need a SATA data cable, in whatever color fits your color theme.
If you're changing one of the other drives, then the existing cable will work.
If you're adding this drive as a 3rd one, you'll need to buy a cable.

Look and see if you'll need a right angle on one end. Some motherboard/case combinations need one. Buy accordingly.

 

[Timbuktu87]

Which one should I get for my specific Tower Case (Corsair Obsidian Series 450D Mid Tower Case) ? I currently have a HDD in the front though.

What SSD would you recommend be buying along with the mounting bracket? I was looking for 500gb from amazon.ca.

And do I need to buy SATA cable or any adapter of some sort too?

Thanks!

If you have an empty 3.5" drive mount, any of those will work.
That $16 Orinco looks nice, if that matters.

Which drive? The Crucial MX500, 500GB I linked earlier.

Cable? It probably does not come with one, so you'll need a SATA data cable, in whatever color fits your color theme.
If you're changing one of the other drives, then the existing cable will work.
If you're adding this drive as a 3rd one, you'll need to buy a cable.

Look and see if you'll need a right angle on one end. Some motherboard/case combinations need one. Buy accordingly.

the tower case has built in mount according to specifications, just no screws. I'm not quite sure what to buy first, the ssd or the cables, as I don't know which right angle is what. And yes, it's the 3rd one I am wanting to install. Something tells me that I will have to open the back since the sata cables are running through the back which in the end will suck for me big time. Not particularly sure which sata cable I have to buy.

Do I have to buy the cable even if I were going to install it in the back of the mobo? Or is the cables just for if I am installing in the front side?

 

[USAFRet]

the tower case has built in mount according to specifications, just no screws. I'm not quite sure what to buy first, the ssd or the cables, as I don't know which right angle is what. And yes, it's the 3rd one I am wanting to install. Something tells me that I will have to open the back since the sata cables are running through the back which in the end will suck for me big time. Not particularly sure which sata cable I have to buy.

Do I have to buy the cable even if I were going to install it in the back of the mobo? Or is the cables just for if I am installing in the front side?

You'll need a cable no matter where it goes.
Screws? It might come with them. Probably does.

 

[Timbuktu87]

the tower case has built in mount according to specifications, just no screws. I'm not quite sure what to buy first, the ssd or the cables, as I don't know which right angle is what. And yes, it's the 3rd one I am wanting to install. Something tells me that I will have to open the back since the sata cables are running through the back which in the end will suck for me big time. Not particularly sure which sata cable I have to buy.

Do I have to buy the cable even if I were going to install it in the back of the mobo? Or is the cables just for if I am installing in the front side?

You'll need a cable no matter where it goes.
Screws? It might come with them. Probably does.

Okay sounds good.

I am not actually confident in doing this upgrade as I am a beginner and not sure if I will get it right or not. That was why an m.2 would have saved me from that hassle of all this. And the NVme, though it seems so much more simpler to install and easier, it costs much more sadly.

 

[USAFRet]

Okay sounds good.

I am not actually confident in doing this upgrade as I am a beginner and not sure if I will get it right or not. That was why an m.2 would have saved me from that hassle of all this. And the NVme, though it seems so much more simpler to install and easier, it costs much more sadly.

It's actually easier than you may think. And good starting point in 'upgrades'.
For the cables, I'd even suggest you buy 2.
One with straight ends at both ends, and one with a right angle at one end.
You'll end up with the right one, and a spare one.

After install and power up, the drive may not automagically appear in 'This PC'.
If not, then you'll have to delve into Disk Management.
Initialize, New Simple Volume, Format, and give it a drive letter.

 

[Timbuktu87]

Awesome, just one last request.

If you can please link here all that I need to buy including the SSD you recommended me, it would help me a lot when I checkout from amazon.ca

 

[USAFRet]

Awesome, just one last request.

If you can please link here all that I need to buy including the SSD you recommended me, it would help me a lot when I checkout from amazon.ca

This cable combo: CDN$ 3.54
https://www.amazon.ca/SATA3-Drive-Straight-Cable-Right/dp/B01HNZPOWI

This drive: CDN$ 167.99
https://www.amazon.ca/Crucial-MX500-500GB-NAND-Internal/dp/B0784SLQM6

This adapter plate: CDN$ 15.99
https://www.amazon.ca/ORICO-Adapter-Converter-Mounting-12-5mm/dp/B01N5LDDBF

 

[Timbuktu87]

Awesome, just one last request.

If you can please link here all that I need to buy including the SSD you recommended me, it would help me a lot when I checkout from amazon.ca

This cable combo: CDN$ 3.54
https://www.amazon.ca/SATA3-Drive-Straight-Cable-Right/dp/B01HNZPOWI

This drive: CDN$ 167.99
https://www.amazon.ca/Crucial-MX500-500GB-NAND-Internal/dp/B0784SLQM6

This adapter plate: CDN$ 15.99
https://www.amazon.ca/ORICO-Adapter-Converter-Mounting-12-5mm/dp/B01N5LDDBF

I think my tower case has a built in tray for the ssd. Since my hdd is using a built in tray.

 

[USAFRet]

Awesome, just one last request.

If you can please link here all that I need to buy including the SSD you recommended me, it would help me a lot when I checkout from amazon.ca

Awesome, just one last request.

If you can please link here all that I need to buy including the SSD you recommended me, it would help me a lot when I checkout from amazon.ca

This cable combo: CDN$ 3.54
https://www.amazon.ca/SATA3-Drive-Straight-Cable-Right/dp/B01HNZPOWI

This drive: CDN$ 167.99
https://www.amazon.ca/Crucial-MX500-500GB-NAND-Internal/dp/B0784SLQM6

This adapter plate: CDN$ 15.99
https://www.amazon.ca/ORICO-Adapter-Converter-Mounting-12-5mm/dp/B01N5LDDBF

I think my tower case has a built in tray for the ssd. Since my hdd is using a built in tray.

Right. A tray for a 3.5" drive.
The SSD is 2.5". You need an adapter to size it correctly.

 

[Timbuktu87]

Awesome, just one last request.

If you can please link here all that I need to buy including the SSD you recommended me, it would help me a lot when I checkout from amazon.ca

Awesome, just one last request.

If you can please link here all that I need to buy including the SSD you recommended me, it would help me a lot when I checkout from amazon.ca

This cable combo: CDN$ 3.54
https://www.amazon.ca/SATA3-Drive-Straight-Cable-Right/dp/B01HNZPOWI

This drive: CDN$ 167.99
https://www.amazon.ca/Crucial-MX500-500GB-NAND-Internal/dp/B0784SLQM6

This adapter plate: CDN$ 15.99
https://www.amazon.ca/ORICO-Adapter-Converter-Mounting-12-5mm/dp/B01N5LDDBF

I think my tower case has a built in tray for the ssd. Since my hdd is using a built in tray.

Right. A tray for a 3.5" drive.
The SSD is 2.5". You need an adapter to size it correctly.

Okay. This might be a newbie question, but will I be able to tell where these cables will connect to on the mobo? Since there are practically so many cables. I assume there is a PSU cable too that I have to connect to it as well.

And

Why do people no recommend this? All I see on the internet is positive reviews.

https://www.amazon.ca/Corsair-CSSD-N400GBNX500-Memory-Neutron-Black/dp/B073CFBPVD

 

[USAFRet]

Okay. This might be a newbie question, but will I be able to tell where these cables will connect to on the mobo? Since there are practically so many cables. I assume there is a PSU cable too that I have to connect to it as well.

And

Why do people no recommend this? All I see on the internet is positive reviews.

https://www.amazon.ca/Corsair-CSSD-N400GBNX500-Memory-Neutron-Black/dp/B073CFBPVD

The SATA drive gets 2 cables. 1 from the PSU for power, and 1 from the motherboard for data.
Your motherboard user manual will show you exactly where it connects.
But basically, right next to where the cable from the current HDD and SSD are.

And they only connect to the drive one way. Don't force it too hard.

That Corsair drive recommended?
For specific purposes, it's pretty fast.
Expensive, though. And you have to be REALLY careful about user reviews. Take them with a large grain of salt.
Independent hardware reviews only.

 

[Timbuktu87]

Okay. This might be a newbie question, but will I be able to tell where these cables will connect to on the mobo? Since there are practically so many cables. I assume there is a PSU cable too that I have to connect to it as well.

And

Why do people no recommend this? All I see on the internet is positive reviews.

https://www.amazon.ca/Corsair-CSSD-N400GBNX500-Memory-Neutron-Black/dp/B073CFBPVD

The SATA drive gets 2 cables. 1 from the PSU for power, and 1 from the motherboard for data.
Your motherboard user manual will show you exactly where it connects.
But basically, right next to where the cable from the current HDD and SSD are.

And they only connect to the drive one way. Don't force it too hard.

That Corsair drive recommended?
For specific purposes, it's pretty fast.
Expensive, though. And you have to be REALLY careful about user reviews. Take them with a large grain of salt.
Independent hardware reviews only.

Okay. Thank you very much for all your help. I plan on purchasing an SSD very soon. Although I am still not fully confident when it comes to installation of hard drives and such, I will read the manuals and hopefully get it to work. My biggest fear has always been buying the wrong stuff that is not compatible with my MOBO and Case.

 

[USAFRet]

Okay. Thank you very much for all your help. I plan on purchasing an SSD very soon. Although I am still not fully confident when it comes to installation of hard drives and such, I will read the manuals and hopefully get it to work. My biggest fear has always been buying the wrong stuff that is not compatible with my MOBO and Case.

It should all work.
That SSD adapter plate just simulates the exact size and screw spacing of a regular 3.5" drive.
Personally, I'd go with one of the cheaper ones, but that Orinco looks good.

 

[Timbuktu87]

Okay. Thank you very much for all your help. I plan on purchasing an SSD very soon. Although I am still not fully confident when it comes to installation of hard drives and such, I will read the manuals and hopefully get it to work. My biggest fear has always been buying the wrong stuff that is not compatible with my MOBO and Case.

It should all work.
That SSD adapter plate just simulates the exact size and screw spacing of a regular 3.5" drive.
Personally, I'd go with one of the cheaper ones, but that Orinco looks good.

Sounds good! Will order it soon.

 

[Timbuktu87]

Awesome, just one last request.

If you can please link here all that I need to buy including the SSD you recommended me, it would help me a lot when I checkout from amazon.ca

This cable combo: CDN$ 3.54
https://www.amazon.ca/SATA3-Drive-Straight-Cable-Right/dp/B01HNZPOWI

This drive: CDN$ 167.99
https://www.amazon.ca/Crucial-MX500-500GB-NAND-Internal/dp/B0784SLQM6

This adapter plate: CDN$ 15.99
https://www.amazon.ca/ORICO-Adapter-Converter-Mounting-12-5mm/dp/B01N5LDDBF

so these are the only cables I need? What about the PSU cable?

 

[USAFRet]

so these are the only cables I need? What about the PSU cable?

Already attached to the PSU.
The SATA power cable that currently runs your other drive(s) should have a couple more outlets on it. Use one of those.

Unless you have a modular PSU, and whoever built it kept some for himself.