PCI-E SSD compatibility (GA-Z77X-UD3H (Rev. 1.0))

[yarus9292]

To put it mildly, I have quite an old motherboard based on Z77 chipset and i want to install one SATA SSD and one PCI-E SSD, to improve the overall perfomance. So the question is: which PCI-E SSD is compatible with this particular motherboard? As far as i know NVMe are definitely incompatible with this chipset and Ivy Bridge processors. So the only option is PCI-E 2.0 x4 or x8 ssd, i guess. But i don't know which model of ssd to buy (target capacity 480-512 Gb) and how MB will react on ssd if i will plug it in x8 slot and x4? I am afraid of that x16 port will work incorrect if i will install something in x8 port and it will lower the speed two times to operate in x8 mode too.
So what is your thoughts?

My full configuration:

Spoiler

Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H (Rev. 1.0) + latest BIOS update
Plextor PX -256M7VC
Asus STRIX-R9285-DC2OC-2GD5
Seasonic Prime Gold 650W 80+ Gold (SSR-650GD)
Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge
Zalman CNPS7700-AlCu
Case Aerocool Strike-X Advance Black Editition (5 fans)

 

[USAFRet]

You can't boot from the NVMe drive on that motherboard.
And in day to day use, you probably wouldn't see much benefit over a regular SATA III SSD.

I'd just get 1 or 2 regular 2.5" SSD's.

 

[yarus9292]

You can't boot from the NVMe drive on that motherboard.
And in day to day use, you probably wouldn't see much benefit over a regular SATA III SSD.

I'd just get 1 or 2 regular 2.5" SSD's.

Well... That is what i was afraid of. But it's not bad i guess. Thanks a lot!
And if not very difficult, which SATA III SSD can you recommend in terms of speed and reliability?

 

[USAFRet]

You can't boot from the NVMe drive on that motherboard.
And in day to day use, you probably wouldn't see much benefit over a regular SATA III SSD.

I'd just get 1 or 2 regular 2.5" SSD's.

Well... That is what i was afraid of. But it's not bad i guess. Thanks a lot!
And if not very difficult, which SATA III SSD can you recommend in terms of speed and reliability?

Samsung 850 EVO or Crucial MX300. In whatever size(s) your budget dictates.
No smaller than 250GB.

 

[yarus9292]

Thanks again! I think this thread is pretty much solved.
Have a nice day!