I'm looking to upgrade my PC's storage as I'm running out of space for gaming. Currently, I have a 1TB SSD and a 2TB external HDD, but I prefer internal drives. I have an ASRock X490 Phantom Gaming 4 motherboard and I think it has 2 M.2 slots, but I'm not sure if I can add another SSD. I need advice on how to check if I have an open slot, the type of SSD I should buy, and any tips for installation. Thanks!
2 Answers
From what I found, your motherboard has only one M.2 slot for drives; the other one is reserved for a Wi-Fi card. But no worries! You can use one of the six SATA slots available on your board to add a SATA SSD. If you're going for speed and budget allows, 2.5" SATA SSDs are a great option! Just make sure the SSD is compatible with your motherboard's SATA connectors.
You definitely seem to have room for additional storage! Just to clarify, you'll want to stick with the SATA SSDs instead of M.2 since you only have one slot for that. Look for a reputable brand and consider at least a 1TB SSD to start. Installation is usually straightforward—just check the manual for specific instructions.
Exactly! Plus, SATA SSDs are still quite fast for gaming, so they should help with your storage issues without breaking the bank.