SSDs, Standard vs M.2 configuration

[Easto]

In anticipation of a new build I'm trying to gain some knowledge regarding SSDs. I"m way behind on this learning curve.

I prefer to have 1 - 256gb SSD to hold all my programs i.e. Crive. Then a 2nd 500gb SSD for Data i.e. photos, .wav files etc. I will also have an internal HDD for backup. I'm mostly concerned about the hardware inside the box. I have external backups that I make regularly so that does not come into play with this question.

Is it better to run the OS off an M.2 drive or standard configuration SSD? What are the Pros and Cons? I can always research online reviews and specs, but I was just wondering if there is a particular advantage running an M.2 drive for the OS?

[Mark]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-kACJLKNOI

[Philip]

Good video.. just long

Bottom line, M.2 PCIe is much faster, but only IF BOTH the drive and the MoBo connector are PCIe/NVMe, not SATA. SATA-based M.2 drives will not be faster. Many desktop motherboards have a SATA-based M.2 connector, so the performance would be similar to SATA drives. Boot times are about the same with SATA vs. PCIe/NVMe..

Also, your motherboard BIOS has to support booting from NVMe/PCIe drives, so keep that in mind if you want to use one as a boot/OS drive.

[Easto]

Hey guys, thanks for the info. Everything makes a lot more sense now. I'm just going to have to do some mobo research to ensure everything will play nice together.

I'm hoping to put a new build together after the first of the year (Feb or Mar).