Do I need a m.2 SSD?

JerrWolf

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I want to get out of the way yes I do game, but that isn't my main focus.

I also want a faster boot up, mine right now is on average 8-9 seconds. So if faster is possible that'd be nice.

But the main focus is the programs I will be using on the drive.

Autodesk Maya & 3DSMax
Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator
Pixologic Z-Brush
Unreal Engine
Unity
Visual Studio

I'd like these programs to also load super fast and not have any loading down time.

I currently have a 120gb Samsung 850 EVO, this holds my OS and those programs. And I am out of space.
I then have 2 Corsair 250gb ssd's raided together(for organization reasons) for all my games.

I was looking at the Samsung m.2 950 PRO or 960 EVO(not pro) both around the 250GB mark)
My price range is around $130-200 give or take $20.

Any help picking out a SSD that is more suited for me needs would be nice. I'd like if the option was Samsung or Corsair because I have trust issues and those two brands hadn't let me down before.
 
Solution
I mean upgrade in terms of total amount rather than architecture. DDR3 is fine. And when I said CPU too, I did mean with motherboard, but not everyone is in a position to do that without saving I know.

But with the money you'll save by not getting a PCIE NVME you are already half way there! lol
RAM is infinitely faster than any M2 SSD so I'd advise investing the extra money in that if bloated software is the problem, as NVME do speed up boot times, system responsiveness and most relevantly large sequential file transfers, especially when compared to a mechanical drive, but not enough for it to be a good enough reason to opt for it over a conventional 2.5" SATA SSD.

I would recommend getting at least 250gb drives as 120gb versions are handicapped and slow compared to larger versions of the same model, especially when full, and the MX3000 or the Samsung 850 Evo are two great choices I'd recommend if you are looking for any in particular. Samsung have the best memory controllers in the field (and trademarked at that) if you want to spend the extra for increased performance and latency.

I dont think you'll find your boot times are noticeably faster than the ones you get with your SSD now, as they are capable of booting in the blink of an eye, and it's other components that are holding you back I suspect.
 

JerrWolf

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So you think getting the same model I have now but 250/500gb is a wiser choice?
 
Yes sir! Samsung Evo 250gb+ are more than enough for any persons needs (not to mention the throttling that NVME's experience as they get hot easily, especially in lower end systems).

Either that or save your money and invest it in new RAM and even an upgraded CPU.
 

JerrWolf

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I'd love to upgrade my ram but my Mobo doesn't take DDR4 iirc. :/ and it doesn't take 6th gen CPU either.
 
I mean upgrade in terms of total amount rather than architecture. DDR3 is fine. And when I said CPU too, I did mean with motherboard, but not everyone is in a position to do that without saving I know.

But with the money you'll save by not getting a PCIE NVME you are already half way there! lol
 
Solution

JerrWolf

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Ah haha, all right thanks for the help!