Can SATA3 SSD drive be plugged into SATA express port?

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BlueBuild

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Jan 18, 2017
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I have a Samsung SSD 850PRO drive for a new build pc. Thinking SATA express is faster we plugged this drive into the SATA express port on a Gigabyte Z170X-UD3 motherboard. The bios sees this drive ok. We realized afterwards we should have used a SATA 3 port.

I am about to install windows (the SSD is the only drive on the machine). Can I use the express slot without causing problems? Or should I move the drive to a SATA 3 connection (not overly easily accessible).

If it is ok to load windows as is, can I later move the connector to SATA 3 when I can get back into the PC and rework some things?

Thanks for helping a newbie!!
 
Solution
Barty1884
SATA Express is just 2x SATA 3 ports + one unique connector.

SATA express can be used to populate 1x SATA express OR 2x SATA drives

You can move the drive to another SATA 3 port if you wanted to, but it's no problem if you don't.

If you do more it, just ensure the drive you want to use as your boot drive (850 Pro) is set boot priority #1 in the BIOS*.

*If you don't have an OS installed on a secondary drive, this won't matter mcuh - but it's a pretty smart move to have your boot drive set to boot priority #1
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Barty1884

Barty1884

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Apr 16, 2015
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SATA Express is just 2x SATA 3 ports + one unique connector.

SATA express can be used to populate 1x SATA express OR 2x SATA drives

You can move the drive to another SATA 3 port if you wanted to, but it's no problem if you don't.

If you do more it, just ensure the drive you want to use as your boot drive (850 Pro) is set boot priority #1 in the BIOS*.

*If you don't have an OS installed on a secondary drive, this won't matter mcuh - but it's a pretty smart move to have your boot drive set to boot priority #1
 
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Solution
B

BlueBuild

Commendable
Jan 18, 2017
4
0
1,510
Thank you both! I feel better about leaving it as is now.

Dgingeri, I was looking at the manual and thought there was actually another SATA3 port on the motherboard. Where I was looking based on the manual is covered by the graphics card. Now i realize it is numbering for the SATA ports. So I actually have my SSD plugged into a SATA 3 drive 0 port (which could be used as part of a SATAe port). I think this is the right way to go.
 
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