I'm trying to set up a dual boot system with Linux Mint and Windows 11 on separate drives. I need Windows for some music production software like FL Studio and Serum, while I'll be using Linux for gaming and other tasks. My setup is a prebuilt PC, and I'm a bit worried about how to go about this. The second M.2 slot on my motherboard is partially blocked by the GPU, and I'm hesitant to remove the GPU just to install an SSD. There's a PCIe x4 slot available, but I'm not sure if that's the best route. I've been considering an external SSD, but I've heard mixed reviews on their speed. Alternatively, I could stick to one drive and use a VM for Windows, but my system only has 16GB of RAM, so I fear it might lag. What would you recommend? Should I go for the M.2 slot, use the PCIe x4, or opt for an external SSD? Am I risking damage to my system if I take out the GPU? Or is running a VM with one Linux drive a feasible option?
3 Answers
If you're set on adding a new SSD, make sure your computer is fully powered down! It's safer to remove the GPU first, but watch for locking tabs as they can break easily. Check out a few YouTube tutorials to see how it’s done—it really helps!
When choosing an M.2 SSD, remember they come in different lengths! Just make sure to get the right one for your motherboard. That way, you won't run into any compatibility issues.
You can actually dual boot from the same drive if it's big enough, like my 1TB SSD. I did it with Ubuntu and Linux Mint, and the installer is pretty user-friendly. But, if you're nervous about Windows getting glitchy from a dual boot on a single drive, two separate drives could be safer.
I've got a 1TB SSD, but I've heard Windows can be tricky with dual boots. I’d prefer to stick to two drives for peace of mind.
Thanks for the tip! I have an Omen prebuilt, and there’s a metal brace supporting the GPU, which makes me nervous about uninstalling it. Could I accidentally damage the GPU when reinstalling?