M.2+SSD+HD configuration on Asus Z170 Deluxe

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Zurbry

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Jan 14, 2016
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Hello, I have to decide how to configure my storage on an Asus Z170 Deluxe (with a i7-6700k), and i'm a bit confused...

My idea is:
- the OS (windows 10 or 8.1) on a M.2
- most used programs (like photoshop or Inventor) and most used game on a SSD (Sata 6)
- A storage unite of about 2TB (Sata 6)


- Is this a good configuration?
- For what I found online if I will use a M.2 SSD, I will lose 2 of my 6 sata connections. is it right? It will happen only if i will use the M.2 PCIe card or also if I will put the M.2 in the apposite slot on the mobo?
- Using the M.2 on the PCIe card instead that in the mobo, will speed up the SSD reading/writing?
- The M.2 will slow down my GPU, using lanes, also if I will put it in the M.2 x4 support on the mobo?

 
Solution
Leaps-from-Shadows
1. No, that is not a good config. M.2 SSD (assuming 950 Pro) will out-perform any SATA SSD. You want the OS and your most-used games/programs on the M.2 SSD. If you're using an M.2 SSD in SATA mode, then it doesn't matter.

2. Losing the SATA connections will only happen if you use the M.2 port. If you put the M.2 drive on a PCIe adapter card, you will not lose SATA connections. However, if you use less than four SATA drives, it doesn't matter.

3. The performance should be the same whether using the M.2 port or a PCIe adapter card. Z170 chipset is designed to give the best M.2 performance, equal to or better than a PCIe adapter card.

4. No, you will not lose GPU performance when using the M.2 port.
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ak47jar3d

ak47jar3d

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Mar 3, 2014
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- Is this a good configuration?

That configuration is ok. You don't need m.2 and ssd as both drives has similar purposes.

- For what I found online if I will use a M.2 SSD, I will lose 2 of my 6 sata connections. is it right? It will happen only if i will use the M.2 PCIe card or also if I will put the M.2 in the apposite slot on the mobo?

If you use m.2 slot, 2 sata slots are disabled. If you use pcie slot, it won't happen.

- Using the M.2 on the PCIe card instead that in the mobo, will speed up the SSD reading/writing?

It depends on which m.2 are you using. M.2 ssds tend to have a higher max performance.

- The M.2 will slow down my GPU, using lanes, also if I will put it in the M.2 x4 support on the mobo?

M.2 won't affect your gpu. You have 20 lanes to work with on that board.
 
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Leaps-from-Shadows

Leaps-from-Shadows

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Jan 10, 2011
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1. No, that is not a good config. M.2 SSD (assuming 950 Pro) will out-perform any SATA SSD. You want the OS and your most-used games/programs on the M.2 SSD. If you're using an M.2 SSD in SATA mode, then it doesn't matter.

2. Losing the SATA connections will only happen if you use the M.2 port. If you put the M.2 drive on a PCIe adapter card, you will not lose SATA connections. However, if you use less than four SATA drives, it doesn't matter.

3. The performance should be the same whether using the M.2 port or a PCIe adapter card. Z170 chipset is designed to give the best M.2 performance, equal to or better than a PCIe adapter card.

4. No, you will not lose GPU performance when using the M.2 port.
 
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Solution
Z

Zurbry

Reputable
Jan 14, 2016
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4,510
Thanks both for the answers.
I decided to go with a 950 Pro as a main drive, and I will wait for a good deal on one of two SSD to use as storage (I bought a design R5 so I can put two of them in the back and have a really clean build).

Still undecided if the 950 Pro 512 GB or 256 GB.
Looking at the speed comparison, the 512 GB have a really better speed but the price is really high a.t.m. (320$ vs. 180$).

It's sad to see that there are not other producer in this range of speed.
 
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