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New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

Oldjim
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New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

The basic is that it will be a Kaby Lake CPU and I want to be able to replace the SSD at a future date without removing the cooler

However the motherboards I have looked at using the B250 chipset appear to have the SSD very close to the CPU - this is an example

20161213134933_src_cr.jpg

Actually just realised - the cooler mounting holes are clear of the M2 mounting so perhaps I am seeing problems where there aren't any

 

 

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30FTTC06
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Re: New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

PCIe to M.2 converter @Oldjim if you have a spare slot that is.

Example

30FTTC06
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Re: New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

Check if you can boot from M.2 as well with that board, you may need a bios update etc...

Oldjim
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Re: New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

already checked and you can

ReedRichards
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Re: New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

I built a computer a few years ago now with an SSD mounted directly on the motherboard via an M2 socket.  Although by modern standards its capacity is quite small (64GB) the computer runs very well and the storage capacity is fine for its use.  If I wanted more storage I would more likely add another hard drive than replace the existing one so I'm curious as to why you think you might want to do that, @Oldjim?

 

Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

For those that have been paying attention you will recall that I built 4 identical machines using M2 disks as boot disks, and at boot up they leave everything else I have in the dust. For additional storage they use the NAS server with the M2 reserved for the OS and it's ongoing updates. But to be fair they won't ever be used in the same manner as you would your PC at home but as @ReedRichards says, if you do need more space in the future wouldn't it make sense to use an 2.5" SSD?

Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

I do the same. Small SSD (M2, mSATA, or SATA3) for the boot, swap and root partitions. Traditional spinning HDDs for the /home partition.

The only machine that's not the case on is my laptop, but the laptop isn't used as a "main" machine, and so doesn't need a lot of storage.

In answer to @Oldjim, there's plenty of space. They wouldn't have designed it that way if there wasn't. The only way you might have a problem is if you have a massive after market cooler that hangs over the screw that's used to hold the SSD down which would involve removing fans, or even the cooler to get a screwdriver onto the screw. If you're using the cooler that came with the CPU, that won't be a problem.
Oldjim
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Re: New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

@ReedRichards

In case of SSD drive failure - guess who is paranoid Roll_eyes

Note that there will also be a 1TB SATA drive for data with the 256GB SSD for the operating system and all programs

Because of the case layout it will probably be a 2.5 Inch drive

30FTTC06
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Re: New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

Calm your paranoia with one of these...!

@Oldjim I'm using a PC with only one of these and a Laptop with only one of these, am I concerned ?

No....

Speeds for both are here should you wish to look at read write in real-world terms, top test being the M.2 Drive

Did you buy the drive already jim ?

 

Oldjim
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Re: New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

not yet - the first thing is to buy the case - this one https://www.scan.co.uk/products/nzxt-source-340-compact-white-mid-tower-case-with-side-window-and-2x... probably then I need to look at how I can best mount the SATA drive

There is no real panic so I will take my time with selecting the peripherals before getting the motherboard and CPU

With respect to those I will be getting an mATX B250 based board with either a Kaby Lake Pentium or i3 cpu using the on board graphics as the usage won't require anything more powerful

30FTTC06
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Re: New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

They reckon the G4560 is worth a look.

Thoughts

 

Oldjim
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Re: New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

it may be when it arrives - however the i3 7100 3.9GHz at £99 compared to the G4560 3.5GHz at £60 which is a big percentage saving but a rather lower number if you consider the whole build cost for about a 12% performance improvement

https://www.scan.co.uk/shop/computer-hardware/cpu-intel/2403/2406

this is the review from above http://www.gamersnexus.net/hwreviews/2902-intel-pentium-g4560-review-vs-i3

30FTTC06
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Re: New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

I guess it depends on the budget, umm, did you go off the the M.2 idea then ?

I see scan are pushing the evo 850 250GB + Seagate Baracuda 2TB for £136 odd. Thats a little cheaper than Amazon today by about a tenner!

Plenty room at the rear bottom of that case for hiding 3.5/2.5 HDD etc. see 7:21                        

 

Oldjim
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Re: New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

Still going for the M2

As regards the space in the lower PSU compartment - not to sure about the cooling given that there won't be much airflow which is why I am going to investigate adding a 1GB  2.5" SATA where they say you can mount an SSD as with a microATX board there will be stacks of room with a good airflow

Oldjim
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Re: New Computer Build with M2 PCIe SSD

An update re the Pentium G4560 and comparing with the G4600 there is a hidden nasty

The G4560 has the 610 graphics which only has 12 execution units whereas the G4600 has the 630 graphics which has 24 execution units which makes a big difference https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21jJ8soIZO0

The G4600 is £80 and the i3 7100 which also uses it is £100 and has a faster CPU (3.9 versus 3.6) but I doubt that it would be noticeable