[SOLVED] PCIe M.2 Adapter

[DDroid]

Hello all,

I would like to install a M.2 or NVMe SSD using a PCIe adapter on my Asus M5 A97 R2.0 Motherboard, since I am out of SATA ports.

I have a free PCIe slot, so I am sure I can do this, however, I was wondering if the adapter I purchase really matters. I am looking at a PCIe x4 M.2 adapter. I am not sure what x4 really means.

Also, Will the adapter reduce the SSD speed? I have read multiple opinions, some users say it does and some other that it does not. Or perhaps it has got to do with the SSD model? I am also contemplating booting the system with this SSD.

Thank you for your kind comments!

 

[USAFRet]

I have this particular adapter on a Z97 board. Intel 660p drive in it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GFDVXVJ

Works just fine as a secondary drive.

Booting from one may or may not be possible on your motherboard.
Support for this was very spotty in the Z97 era.

What other storage devices do you have?
The difference between NVMe and SATA III SSDs is not as great as people assume. Especially on older systems.

 

[DDroid]

What other storage devices do you have?
The difference between NVMe and SATA III SSDs is not as great as people assume. Especially on older systems.

I have 2 Seagate Barracuda 3.5 HD's and a Samsung 870 QVO SATA SSD, which is the one I am using to boot Windows .
The reality is, I do have an extra SATA slot on the MoBo, but only three drive bays, that is why I was thinking about using the PCIe adapter. ( I saw a video where someone used double sided tape to add an extra SATA SSD to his PC but I honestly did not find it practical nor convenient )

 

[USAFRet]

Looking at the user manual, that board came out in 2012, and has no M.2 port (hence the adapter).
https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/SocketAM3+/M5A97_R2.0/E7438_M5A97_R20_Manual_web_hi-res.pdf

Looking in the BIOS updates, I see nothing related to an NVMe drive.
So it is unlikely that board can boot from an NVMe in a PCIe slot and adapter.

Finally, you'll see little if any difference vs your current Samsung boot drive, even if it were possible.


Put it in as a secondary drive, but don't expect to be able to boot from it.

 

[DDroid]

Looking at the user manual, that board came out in 2012, and has no M.2 port (hence the adapter).
https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/SocketAM3+/M5A97_R2.0/E7438_M5A97_R20_Manual_web_hi-res.pdf

Looking in the BIOS updates, I see nothing related to an NVMe drive.
So it is unlikely that board can boot from an NVMe in a PCIe slot and adapter.

Finally, you'll see little if any difference vs your current Samsung boot drive, even if it were possible.


Put it in as a secondary drive, but don't expect to be able to boot from it.

Thank you!