Installing nvme ssd via PCIe adapter, will it work?

[Cifer]

Hi,

I want to replace my 1TB storage drive (HDD) with a 1TB nvme SSD (970 EVO : gen 3.0 x4).

My problem is that my motherboard comes with a single M.2 slot, which is already occupied by another nvme SSD (boot drive).
That means I have to use a PCIe adapter, but will my motherboard-CPU combo allow the 970 EVO to run at max speed?

Configuration :
CPU : AMD R5 1600AF
Motherboard : B450 Tomahawk Max







It appears that I have to use the PCIE_E4 slot (gen 2.0 x16).
Will the lower transfer speeds of gen 2.0 (vs. gen 3.0) impact the performance of the 970 EVO ?

[Kilrah]

Well the max achievable speed will be half of what it could be, but it likely won't be noticeable.

[Cifer]

48 minutes ago, Kilrah said:

Well the max achievable speed will be half of what it could be, but it likely won't be noticeable.

Thank you !

[IPD]

Most people won't even notice the difference between NVME and SATA SSD's on non-boot drives, so you'll be fine.  Although that does beg the question on why you would go for an NVME, with the constraints you are working under.  But then again, at 1TB size, the cost difference isn't a factor--and the NVME will probably have much more future-compatibility.

[Cifer]

8 hours ago, IPD said:

Most people won't even notice the difference between NVME and SATA SSD's on non-boot drives, so you'll be fine.

My hope was that a x16 PCIe adapter could leverage all 16 of the 2.0 lanes, but apparently it will use only 4 of those lanes, making the 2.0 PCIe slot the bottleneck.

8 hours ago, IPD said:

Although that does beg the question on why you would go for an NVME, with the constraints you are working under.

SATA M.2 SSD = outdated, terrible value today
SATA 2.5in SSD = terrible value (not cheaper than M.2 nvme SSD, significantly slower, less durable + requires data and power cables)
 

8 hours ago, IPD said:

But then again, at 1TB size, the cost difference isn't a factor--and the NVME will probably have much more future-compatibility.

Yeah, the nvme SSD is much better value to me

Thank you !