What should I get to upgrade my Powerspec G509 storage?

Alex52Microcenter

I am looking to upgrade the storage on my Powerspec G509 computer, but I don't know what to look for, I just know I want to use one of the m.2 expansion slots on the motherboard. Wasn't that right below the gpu? Do I have to remove my gpu to put it in? What should the m.2 speed be (for ai and heavy gaming) and measurements? What is the difference between NVMe, PCIe, and m.2?

Thanks for the help!

PowerSpec_MikeW

@Alex52Microcenter

The Samsung 980 is Gen4 and its a good price right now. There are a lot of other options of course we can go over in store. The drive is the correct size.

Board supports:

M.2_1 - 2242/2260/2280/22110

M.2_2 2242/2260/2280

That drive and most drives are 2280. 22mm wide, 80mm long. So my default M.2_1 is at 2280. 2280 is by far the most common, but if you bought a 22110 you'd just move the standoff. The length is printed on the PCB.

PowerSpec_MikeW

@Alex52Microcenter

You're looking for an NVMe drive. M.2 is the interface or the physical connector. PCIe is the bus type, older drives used SATA. PCIe is considerably faster. You will also see lane width. Typically it's x4, but you might see some older B+M key drives that are x2. NVMe is the protocol.

I assume you're looking for a speed and capacity upgrade. Samsung Pro 980 is a Gen4 1TB drive, $129.99 right now: https://www.microcenter.com/product/628177/samsung-980-pro-ssd-1tb-m2-nvme-interface-pcie-gen-4x4-internal-solid-state-drive-with-v-nand-3-bit-mlc-technology-(mz-v8p1t0b)

Now M.2_1 is Gen4. M.2_2 is Gen3. If you go with a Gen4 drive, you want to move the included drive down to the slot under the GPU, that's M.2_2. Install the new Gen4 drive in M.2_1. If you go with a Gen3 drive, it doesn't matter.

Alex52Microcenter

@PowerSpec_MikeW

If I do get a gen4 (M.2_1) and move my current drive down to the slot below my gpu, would that screw up my operating system and files? Or does it like auto-detect which slot is my OS?

Thanks

PowerSpec_MikeW

@Alex52Microcenter

No, it'll still find the drive in M.2_2.

Alex52Microcenter

@PowerSpec_MikeW

And the link you sent is Gen4? Is it also the right size for my powerspec g509 which is what?

Thanks