Asus Z97-AR PCI-E M.2 adapter

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computeguy129

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Aug 10, 2017
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Hello. I'm thinking of upgrading my system with an M.2 SSD http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/memory-storage/solid-state-drives/ssd-960-evo-m-2-250gb-mz-v6e250bw/

My motherboard (ASUS Z97-AR) has an M.2 slot but it uses PCI express 2.0 and has only 2 lanes, so that's not an option for me because I want full speeds.

Is it possible to use an PCI-E 3.0 M.2 adapter to get the full speed? I've been looking at this adapter:
https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboard-Accessory/HYPER_M2_X4_MINI_CARD/

I've done some research and what I found out was that this adapter will bump my graphics card from 16 lanes to 8, but that's not an issue because it has close to no effect.

TL;DR All I want to know is that are the components I linked compatible together and with the ASUS Z97-AR motherboard and will I get the full speed of the SSD (3,200MBs / 1,500MBs, read/write)
 
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blazeaglory

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Aug 2, 2017
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No for full speed... Either way that board will only support x2 m.2 through pcie. I just spent many hours returning many m.2 cards that didn't work. Also you don't need the adapter. Just plug it into the m.2 slot

Finally i went with an OEM Samsung 951 NVME 256gb. It's running half speed but it's still super fast. I use it for system files and a few games. It is already full. My computer now boots up and restarts literally with the snap of the fingers. Windows programs load in the blink of an eye! I almost feel sorry for hdd because m.2 use so much less material that i think they will replace hdd shortly. But I'll always have a spare RAID 0 hdd setup for old times sake/ backup haha

So look at it like this... get the Samsung 951(or the 960 which is a great m.2 for that price) . you can find them for less than $100 on eBay almost new. And in the future when if you choose to upgrade your mobo, you'll have an nvme m.2 that can run at full speed.

Good luck!
 
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computeguy129

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Aug 10, 2017
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Hmm? I thought the adapter would allow it to run with x4 lanes. Z97-AR has two PCIe 3.0/2.0 lanes (x16 or dual x8)
That would mean the adapter/M.2 would have x8 lanes, right? (The adapter can only have x4) I should be getting full speeds with ease.

Here's the board specifications link https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z97AR/specifications/

2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8)
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x2 mode)
2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 *1
2 x PCI
 
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blazeaglory

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Aug 2, 2017
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I dont think it works like that. Any m.2 drive whether an adapter or a stick is limited to how many on board pcie lanes the mobo has. Your mobo, like mine, has only 2x pcie 2.0 lanes. So now I am also in the process of finding a mobo with 4x PCie 3.0 (Ive settled for the ASUS z97 pro) EDIT: ASUS Z97 PRO wouldn't have worked. I went with a ASRock Z97 extreme9 with a PLX chip (was considering an ASUS Z97 WS but sellers wanted too much $$$)... I found the ASRock for $130 (so much bang for the buck)..Anyways, Glad I could help!

I could be wrong tho but I think that is how it works.
 
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