Upgrading SSD on a Gen 3 Motherboard - Is It Worth It?
Asked by
TechieTraveler42
I'm looking to upgrade my current SSD setup because I feel like my storage options are really outdated. My build includes an i7 9th gen processor, a Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi motherboard, and I'm currently using a Samsung 970 Evo Pro 1TB SSD. As I'm doing a lot of web development, I frequently run out of space.
I want to add a 2TB SSD and I've found the Samsung 990 Evo Plus for about $140, while the 990 Pro is slightly more at $180. I know my motherboard limits me to Gen 3 speeds, but I'm wondering if getting a higher-end SSD like the Pro would give me any noteworthy benefits, like better caching or lower heat output, or if the Evo Plus would suffice given my setup. Also, if I decide to upgrade my motherboard down the line, would the new SSD still hold up well as a backup? Any additional thoughts on the SSD options or other considerations before I make this purchase?
Answers
Honestly, both the 990 Pro and Evo Plus aren’t the best deals right now. If you’re in the US, the SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB is a better option and comes at a lower price while giving you similar performance. But if you really want a Samsung SSD, go with the Evo Plus because the difference with the Pro won’t be noticeable on your rig, even if you had PCIe 4 support.
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CuriousDev123: Thanks for the tip! I just checked the Hynix P41, and it's currently $120 - that's a solid saving. I’ll definitely consider it.
DeveloperDreamer99: Quick question: If I mix brands like Samsung and Hynix for SSDs, will I have driver issues? Or is it fairly straightforward to set up?