Z97 + M.2

[57 12]

Hello LLT forum,

 

I'm planning a Z97 ITX build, with the ASUS Z97I-PLUS mobo.

 

Would like to use a ~250GB M.2 as the boot drive, a ~500GB 2.5" SSD for games and such, and a 2TB HDD for storage.

 

My intention is to get the best possible M.2 for this board, with maximum performance and reliability.

ASUS Z97I-PLUS specs and manual say: 

Quote

1 x M.2 Socket 3, , with M Key, type 2260/2280 storage devices support (both SATA & PCIE mode)

... shares bandwidth with PCI Express x2 slot to speed up data transfer up to 10Gb/s.

I originally considered the  Samsung 950 PRO NVMe 256GB, until I realized it requires PCIe 3.0 x4, and would be wasted on a Z97 setup.

 

So, which is the best M.2-2280, which wouldn't be restricted by PCIe x2?

Samsung 850 EVO, SM951, other brand?

 

The rest of the build plan, if anyone is interested:

Spoiler

cpu → Intel Core i7-4790K

cooler → Noctua NH-U9S

memory → Kingston HyperX Fury 16GB (2x8) DDR3-1866

storage → Samsung 850 PRO 512GB & WD Black 2TB

gpu → probably a GTX 970

case → Corsair 250D

psu → EVGA SuperNOVA P2 750W 80+ Platinum

fans → Cooler Master R4-MFJR-07FK-R1 (200mm) & 2x Noctua NF-A8 PWM (80mm)

os → Win 7 Ultimate x64 & maybe Linux Mint

 

Thanks for your time and recommendations!

[tomoki]

Samsung 950 PRO. 

I don't think you'd be able to get the full speed capabilities with a Z97 mobo due to the controller differences but 950 PRO definitely. 

 

EDIT: kept reading and read what you wrote. Hmm between the 850 EVO and SM951, the SM951. 

[DocSwag]

The best one that wouldn't be restricted is the plextor m6e

However, it is barely faster than a SATA Drive and costs twice as much. It really isn't worth it.

To be honest, in real world tests (boot up times, file launch times, game launch times) there is a barely noticeable difference between the 950 pro and a sata drive like the 850 evo. The differences only really show up in synthetics and some more extreme server scenarios. If I were you I would just get a 1 tb ssd instead of a 500gb with the money you save. THAT will make a much more meaningful difference.

[57 12]

18 minutes ago, tomoki said:

Hmm between the 850 EVO and SM951, the SM951. 

Wouldn't the potential of the SM951 also be limited, like the 950 PRO?

 

14 minutes ago, DocSwag said:

The best one that wouldn't be restricted is the plextor m6e

However, it is barely faster than a SATA Drive and costs twice as much. It really isn't worth it.

To be honest, in real world tests (boot up times, file launch times, game launch times) there is a barely noticeable difference between the 950 pro and a sata drive like the 850 evo. The differences only really show up in synthetics and some more extreme server scenarios. If I were you I would just get a 1 tb ssd instead of a 500gb with the money you save. THAT will make a much more meaningful difference.

Yeah, the Plextor looks pretty good, but as you say, it's too expensive.

A 1TB SSD would be nice, but also seems overly expensive, and more than I currently need. Doesn't feel right spending videocard money on a single drive.

Also, I like the idea of 250+500, and figured I may as well fill that M.2 slot, since it's there. Less cables, and leaves more HD trays available for future expansion.

 

The 250GB 850 EVO 2.5" and M.2 versions are pretty similar in price. There doesn't seem to be any competition for Samsung at the moment?

 

I guess 850 EVO is the only choice right now, for Z97 boards with M.2? If it uses PCIe x2, does it also take SATA bandwidth, or is that completely separate? Sorry, I'm an M.2 noob!

 

Thanks guys ?

[DocSwag]

23 minutes ago, 57 12 said:

Wouldn't the potential of the SM951 also be limited, like the 950 PRO?

 

Yeah, the Plextor looks pretty good, but as you say, it's too expensive.

A 1TB SSD would be nice, but also seems overly expensive, and more than I currently need. Doesn't feel right spending videocard money on a single drive.

Also, I like the idea of 250+500, and figured I may as well fill that M.2 slot, since it's there. Less cables, and leaves more HD trays available for future expansion.

 

The 250GB 850 EVO 2.5" and M.2 versions are pretty similar in price. There doesn't seem to be any competition for Samsung at the moment?

 

I guess 850 EVO is the only choice right now, for Z97 boards with M.2? If it uses PCIe x2, does it also take SATA bandwidth, or is that completely separate? Sorry, I'm an M.2 noob!

 

Thanks guys ?

the 850 evo m.2 version is the same speed as the one that is sata. It doesn't have any performance benefits-it only means less cables to deal with.

There are a lot of m.2 ssds out there right now. The 850 evo might be the best one.

I am not actually sure if it takes sata bandwidth.

It definitely does not use pcie. Instead, when you plug it in the 850 evo uses a sata connection built into the m.2. I am pretty sure your mobo has a sata connection in the m.2 slot.

That sounds like a solid plan.

EDIT: Unfortunately I don't think your motherboard supports the sata connection on the m.2 and only supports pcie drives :(. That means your limited to drives like the m6e and 950 pro :(. I guess your better off just getting another 250gb 2.5" ssd.

[57 12]

1 hour ago, DocSwag said:

EDIT: Unfortunately I don't think your motherboard supports the sata connection on the m.2 and only supports pcie drives :(. That means your limited to drives like the m6e and 950 pro :(. I guess your better off just getting another 250gb 2.5" ssd.

Are you sure? The manual says "both SATA & PCIE mode"

 

edit: I guess Crucial MX200 and Sandisk Z400s are other M.2 options, with the Sandisk being cheaper, and the Crucial priced the same as the 850 EVO. (Assuming this mobo is compatible with SATA mode in M.2 slot)

Edited February 19, 2016 by 57 12