Hey everyone! I'm currently working on my PC build which consists of an Intel Core i7-6700, a Lian Li GALAHAD AIO 240 RGB cooler, 16 GB of DDR4-2133 RAM, and a GTX 1070 graphics card—all housed in an NZXT H6 Flow ATX mid-tower case. However, I've run into a bit of a snag: I just bought a Crucial P310 SSD for additional storage but I realized my motherboard only has SATA ports. It's a Lenovo prebuilt board, and all the PCIe slots are occupied by my GPU, leaving no room for an M.2 SSD.
I'm hoping to find an AM4 motherboard that is compatible with my current CPU and has slots for my new SSD. I've been browsing PCPartPicker but I've had trouble finding available options in Europe, especially for ATX motherboards. If I can't find a suitable AM4 board, I'm considering upgrading both my motherboard and CPU to something like a Ryzen 5 5600, which I've seen recommended. I'd prefer to stick with DDR4 since RAM prices for AM5 are quite high. So, I'd love your insights: which motherboards would work well in this upgrade scenario? Thanks!
4 Answers
If you're really set on sticking with a motherboard that allows M.2, check out the PCIe to M.2 adapter option, but that only works if you have free PCIe lanes. It also seems like you might have a mini-ITX board, which can limit your choices for upgrading.
For AM4, you'll need a new CPU since your Intel one isn't compatible. It seems like you're already leaning towards a Ryzen CPU, which is a solid choice if you decide to switch. Just remember, going with AM4 means you'll have to choose a compatible motherboard, too. Take a look at options that support M.2 SSDs because they’ll make your life easier for future upgrades!
Thanks for the tip! I've been exploring a few local options but it's good to hear I'm on the right track.
You're correct that no AM4 motherboard will work with your Intel CPU. If your main goal is to add the SSD, consider an LGA1700 motherboard that still supports DDR4. However, if you’re aiming for an upgrade in performance, going for Ryzen could be worth the switch. Plus, Ryzen boards generally offer more modern features.
That makes sense! I’ve been thinking about a Ryzen upgrade since I could benefit from both the CPU improvement and the SSD compatibility.
Yeah, finding a good deal on a motherboard and Ryzen 5 5600 can be tough, especially in Europe. Make sure to check local retailers and online marketplaces; sometimes they have deals that aren’t listed on PCPartPicker.