[SOLVED] Installing a second M.2 SSD - unsure of how to proceed

[bumsrus]

Hi guys, M.2 is a new format for me. I built my PC a few months ago.
I have installed a Samsung 970 evo 1Tb M.2. I have now run out of space and have purchased a 1tb WD Black SN750. What's the best way to run dual M.2 ssd's?

My motherboard is a MSI B450 TOMAHAWK and as far as I'm a aware it only comes with one dedicated M. 2 slot. Thanks

 

[4745454b]

It's not one dedicated slot, it's one slot period. You should return the new M.2 drive and just get a normal SATA SSD.

They do make PCIe cards that plug into a 4x slot and will give you one or two m.2 slots. But you need to double check the key and they aren't exactly cheap. Getting a normal SATA card is honestly the easiest thing to do.

https://www.newegg.com/silverstone-model-sst-ecm24-1-x-m-2-port-into-one-pcie-x4/p/N82E16815256031

 

[USAFRet]

Your motherboard has a single M.2 port.

Sure, you could get a PCIe adapter and use that for the WD Black as a secondary drive.
For added expense and no real performance gain.

As above, return this drive and get a 2.5" SATA SSD.
Samsung 860 EVO or Crucial MX500, for instance.

 

[bumsrus]

Thanks guys , unfortunately I can’t return it. So I will try a PCIe adapter.

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks guys , unfortunately I can’t return it. So I will try a PCIe adapter.

I have this adapter for a similar drive (Intel 660p)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GFDVXVJ

 

[4745454b]

I looked at your board again and I don't think you have a 4x. Try looking for a PCIe 1x to M.2. Depending on the version of PCIe it uses it might not provide enough bandwidth for a fast M.2 drive. But any modern fast SSD/M.2 should be fast enough for game use.

Edit: USAF, I noticed in the one I linked and the one you did that they both say they only support M keyed drives. Anyone know if the new drive he bought it M keyed? The OP will need to figure that out before buying.

 

[bumsrus]

Do you guys think this will do the job ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/glotrends-...apter&qid=1580674890&sprefix=,aps,265&sr=8-13

 

[USAFRet]

Do you guys think this will do the job ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/glotrends-PCIe-Adapter-2230-2280-PA05/dp/B079546NPR/ref=sr_1_13?crid=2NCWVBUIK83Z&keywords=m.2+to+pcie+adapter&qid=1580674890&sprefix=,aps,265&sr=8-13

Probably.

 

[popatim]

You're only other PCIE slot for this is wired as PCie2 x4. This drive will only work at half speed, which is still faster then a Sata SSD though.

 

[Maxxify]

Do you guys think this will do the job ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/glotrends-PCIe-Adapter-2230-2280-PA05/dp/B079546NPR/ref=sr_1_13?crid=2NCWVBUIK83Z&keywords=m.2+to+pcie+adapter&qid=1580674890&sprefix=,aps,265&sr=8-13

Your second PCIe slot is over the chipset and thus limited to x4 PCIe 2.0 speeds, be aware. (oops, didn't see that posted above, but I'll add that this isn't a huge deal outside of sequential performance and if you have no discrete GPU you can use CPU lanes)