Hey everyone! So I've got this old PC that's about 10 years old, but surprisingly, it still runs great with a GTX 1080. However, I'm running out of space on my main SSD, which is only 256GB and has Windows installed on it. I need to install a new SSD (ideally 1TB or larger) alongside my existing one without replacing it, but I'm totally lost on what to get and how to install it yourself. My motherboard is an ASUS MAXIMUS VIII RANGER. Are there any tools or tips to help me figure out what SSD will work best for my setup? Any advice on how to install it would be super appreciated! Thanks!
2 Answers
You're right about the read and write speeds of your current HDD being slow! Consider getting a SATA SSD for quick load times. If you're thinking about M.2 SSDs, keep in mind you can get an expansion card for added slots, but check if your BIOS supports that. You could also look for high-capacity SATA SSDs that fit in the 2.5-inch bay since it sounds like you already have an M.2 drive in use.
Yeah, just make sure to check your motherboard specifications before buying.
To get started, you need to check what type of SSD your motherboard supports. Your current SSD is an M.2 SSD. The ASUS MAXIMUS VIII RANGER has space for only one M.2 drive, but you can use a 2.5-inch SATA SSD as an alternative if you need more storage. Since your boot drive is already an SSD, upgrading to a larger SATA SSD could be a great choice! Make sure to look for a model that specifies compatibility with SATA connections, and that should work fine.
Thanks for the info! Is it hard to install a SATA SSD, or would a beginner like me be able to manage it?
It's pretty straightforward! Just make sure you have the right cables. Installing a SATA SSD involves connecting it to the motherboard and power supply. It's like plugging in a hard drive!
Good to know! I’ll check into the expansion options. Thanks!