If I get a 9950X3D processor paired with an X870E motherboard, how many PCIe 4.0 x4 SSDs can I install without affecting the GPU's performance, keeping it at x16? I've seen some motherboards that allow multiple x4 SSDs while the GPU still runs at x16, but I'm wondering if the lanes are also used by the chipset automatically. Can anyone clarify?
6 Answers
It varies based on how the motherboard manages lane sharing. For instance, the MSI X870E Edge TI WIFI can support 4 M.2s at full speed with the GPU still running at x16, but you'll need to disable USB 4 since one M.2 shares lanes with it.
You're right that "X870E" alone doesn't specify much since it's a chipset with multiple motherboards from different brands. The exact specs will determine lane sharing, which can affect how many SSDs you can run alongside the GPU at x16.
The number you can install really depends on your specific motherboard model. Some boards allow for more M.2 SSDs without impacting GPU performance. If that's your main concern, I can suggest a few options that excel in this area!
There's a really helpful YouTube channel that breaks down lane usage on motherboards, definitely worth checking out for more detailed explanations: https://youtube.com/@ronin-wilde?si=xRkVSQ9D8V-CQWRo.
Definitely depends on the motherboard. Take the MSI Tomahawk X870E, for example; it has lane sharing with a high-speed USB-C port. Plus, MSI is launching their new X870E MAX models that won't have lane sharing, which means you can use all M.2 slots to their fullest potential.
In an ideal setup with a motherboard designed for maximizing PCIe 4 x4 ports—essentially dropping unnecessary features—it's theoretically possible to attach up to six SSDs: one to the CPU, two to the first chipset, and three to the second, assuming you're OK with dropping to X670/X670E where the USB4 controller isn't mandatory.
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