What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A spare motherboard M.2 port may let you add an SSD alongside your existing drive rather than replace it. The key is compatibility: M.2 describes the drive’s physical form, not its protocol, and your motherboard slot must support the drive’s interface and length. The exact “half the price” saving cannot be confirmed without the motherboard, capacity, products, retailer and comparison date.
Can an unused motherboard M.2 port add a second SSD?
Often, yes. If your motherboard has an unused M.2 socket that supports the SSD you choose, you can install a second drive and keep the existing one. You can then use the new drive for files, games or applications, subject to your operating system and preferred setup.
M.2 is a physical form factor. An M.2 SSD can use PCIe/NVMe or SATA, and a motherboard socket may support one protocol or both. A drive that fits physically is not necessarily compatible electrically. MSI’s M.2 installation guide distinguishes M.2 and 2.5-inch SATA drive connections; SanDisk also advises checking the host’s specifications and lists common M.2 lengths such as 2230, 2242 and 2280.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchCheck these details before buying
- Interface: Confirm whether the socket supports PCIe/NVMe, SATA, or both. Match the drive to the motherboard’s documented support.
- Length: Check the supported module sizes, such as 2280, in the motherboard manual. The socket and mounting points must accommodate the drive.
- Slot availability and sharing: Verify that the socket is unused and review any lane-sharing rules. Some boards disable or share SATA ports or other connections when an M.2 socket is occupied. Kingston’s compatibility guidance and SanDisk’s host-specification advice highlight the need to check the exact system.
- Heatsink and clearance: See whether the board has an M.2 heatsink, whether the SSD needs one, and whether the drive will fit beneath nearby components.
- Capacity and intended use: Decide whether you want more storage alongside your boot drive or want to replace the boot drive. Compare current prices for drives of the same capacity and a relevant performance class.
Because the motherboard model is not specified here, its slot count, supported interfaces, lane sharing and disabled ports cannot be established. Use the manual for your exact board rather than relying on the connector’s appearance alone.
#1 Best Overall
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll get power efficiency built for the final boss
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S FLASH MEMORY BRAND: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0 powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- IT’S A POWER MOVE: Save the power for your performance; Get power efficiency all while experiencing up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO; It makes every move more effective with less consumption
How to install a compatible M.2 SSD
- Confirm support: Find the motherboard manual’s storage or M.2 section. Check protocol, module length, available socket, lane sharing and heatsink requirements.
- Shut down and prepare the PC: Turn off the computer, disconnect power and follow the manufacturer’s safety guidance before opening the case.
- Locate the socket: Remove the M.2 heatsink or retaining screw if your board has them. Keep the screw and any thermal-pad cover for reassembly.
- Insert the module: Slide the SSD into the socket at an angle, then lower it to the mounting point and secure it with the retaining screw. Reinstall the heatsink if applicable. MSI’s installation steps show this general process.
- Check detection: Reconnect the PC and check the system’s firmware or operating system to confirm the drive appears. A newly installed drive may need to be initialized and formatted in the operating system before it can store files; take care not to format a drive containing data you want to keep.
What if there is no usable M.2 socket?
Use a 2.5-inch SATA SSD
A 2.5-inch SATA SSD can add storage if you have a compatible SATA data connection on the motherboard and a SATA power lead from the power supply. It needs both connections. MSI’s guide describes separate installation paths for M.2 and 2.5-inch SATA drives.
Consider a PCIe-to-M.2 adapter only after checking support
A PCIe adapter may provide a way to install an NVMe drive when no suitable M.2 socket is available, but it is not a guaranteed workaround. The motherboard and system must support booting from or using an NVMe drive through that PCIe slot, and the adapter, slot and available lanes can affect compatibility or performance. Intel says PCIe NVMe support requires specific motherboard or system-vendor support and recommends checking with the vendor; see its installation guidance.
Rank #2
- Ideal for high speed, low power storage
- Gen 4x4 NVMe PCle performance
- Up to 6,000MB/s read, 4,000MB/s write
- Includes Acronis cloning software
- 5-year limited warranty
Does the spare port really cut the upgrade cost in half?
Not by itself. An unused compatible socket can avoid replacing a working drive, but the amount saved depends on the capacity and models being compared. A like-for-like comparison should use current prices for the same capacity and a relevant performance class, and account for whether the alternative is a replacement drive or an additional drive.
Samsung’s 2024 launch announcement for the 990 EVO listed manufacturer MSRPs of $124.99 for 1TB and $209.99 for 2TB, with sequential read/write speeds of up to 5,000/4,200 MB/s and support for PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2. Those are dated launch figures and manufacturer specifications, not current prices or a comparison proving a 50% saving. The announcement does not establish today’s price for your chosen capacity or a comparable replacement purchase.
Rank #3
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
Retail search results can help you find candidate drives, but a listing is not proof of current stock, price or motherboard compatibility. For example, the Amazon category result included SSD examples but did not substantiate live price or availability. Confirm the exact board support and current listing details before buying.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SPEED UP PROJECTS. Launch creator applications fast with uncompromising PCIe 4.0 read speeds up to 7,100MB/s,[2] (1TB and 2TB[1] models) and write speeds up to 6,700MB/s[2] (1TB[1]-4TB[1] models).
- CREATE AND STORE MORE. Make more room for your 4K videos and high-resolution images with capacities from 500GB[1] up to 4TB[1] on M.2 2280 built with our trusted 8th generation SANDISK BiCS QLC 3D CBA NAND.
- IT GOES WHERE YOU GO. With an all-new power efficient design, your drive delivers high performance with low power, giving you more time to be productive while on the go.
- UNCOMPROMISED RELIABILITY. With up to 1,200 TBW[3] (4TB[1] model) endurance rating, your drive is designed for creators.
- KEEP YOUR DRIVE UPDATED. Monitor your SSD’s performance and check for updates with the downloadable SANDISK Dashboard application.[5]
Rank #4
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
