Help Me Understand Different SSD Storage Devices

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voxdan

voxdan

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Mar 14, 2010
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Prepping for my first build in nearly 20 years and trying to understand the storage options available to me, including how they connect to my board.

I am interested in multiple SSDs, though I am still deciding how many and at what capacities. I see things like typical 2.5" SSDs that connect via a SATA cable, something like the Samsung 850 EVO which seems to connect via something called an M.2, and the Samsung 950 Pro which says it uses a NVMe connecting through a U.2 connector (or something like that). I've also read that the 950 Pro "frees up a PCIe slot."

Questions:

1. So, do different SSDs connect in three different ways? SATA cable, an M.2 connector, and a U.2 connector?

2. Which of these would take up PCIe lanes on my motherboard?

I am considering a 6700k build and it looks like there are a limited number of lanes available. I don't foresee it being a problem, but would like to better understand how these storage devices work and what they require.

Thanks for your time and wisdom!

 
Solution
why_wolf
m.2 represents the newest type of storage or more specifically how it connects to your board. It does use PCIe lanes but gains faster speeds thanks to this. You'll have to check the board as a specific type of connector is required and there are different sizes as well so double check before you buy. They are universally physically smaller than the traditional 2.5" drives.

Regular old SSD use the SATA connection, though they are still much faster than a traditional HDD.

For simplicities sake I'd actually recommend just sticking with SATA drives since you've haven't done a build in a long time. Unless your heart is really set on make a bleeding edge build.
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why_wolf

why_wolf

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Aug 28, 2015
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m.2 represents the newest type of storage or more specifically how it connects to your board. It does use PCIe lanes but gains faster speeds thanks to this. You'll have to check the board as a specific type of connector is required and there are different sizes as well so double check before you buy. They are universally physically smaller than the traditional 2.5" drives.

Regular old SSD use the SATA connection, though they are still much faster than a traditional HDD.

For simplicities sake I'd actually recommend just sticking with SATA drives since you've haven't done a build in a long time. Unless your heart is really set on make a bleeding edge build.
 
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voxdan

voxdan

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Thanks for the reply! I'm not set on going bleeding edge by any stretch. [I had written a bunch of stuff here, but deleted it after realizing it may not have made a ton of sense.] I'm starting to think that just going with the good old SATA SSD drives might keep things simple while keeping things relatively fast. :)

Bottom line: If I understand you correctly, the blazing fast 950 is great and all, but not entirely necessary and I still should see some excellent results with either the 850 EVO or the regular old SATA drives, correct?

Thanks!
 
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why_wolf

why_wolf

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Aug 28, 2015
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yep SATA SSD are way faster than traditional SATA HDD. The Samsung EVO line is generally considered to be a good price/performance point.
 
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