What do I need to take into consideration when I want to buy a new Hard Drive?

[Mole HD]

As I've mentioned, my Motherboard has the Name n68-gs4/usb3 fx, so it is a different Model. I've looked it up on a Website but PCI-E Slots where not mentioned

The second image in my last post is the right schematic for your board...from the online user manual... it's written on the board in the image...N68-GS4/USB3 FX. There's 2 PCIE slots (and one old PCI slot) like I said....look again at the schematic image I posted. The PCIE ports are clearly marked.

The only difference between the first image and your board is that your board has onboard USB3 ports instead of USB2. The PCIE ports and everything else are in exactly the same place as that photo.

 

[Firestar97]

The second image in my last post is the right schematic for your board...from the online user manual... it's written on the board in the image...N68-GS4/USB3 FX. There's 3 PCIE slots like I said....look again at the schematic image I posted. The PCIE ports are clearly marked.

The only difference between the first image and your board is that your board has onboard USB3 ports instead of USB2. The PCIE ports and everything else are in exactly the same place as that photo.

Ok, thanks. I hope it's really the correct Picture. Can't wait for it to be finally finished

 

[Mole HD]

Ok, thanks. I hope it's really the correct Picture. Can't wait for it to be finally finished

The board is quite old though...no doubt so is the main CPU...saying that, I've no idea what CPU you have or how much RAM etc. At some point, the motherboard will need replaced if you want to upgrade either the RAM or CPU...more modern motherboards all use DDR4 RAM these days.

Once again, check what particular type of PCIE - NVME converter fits in that short PCIE slot, it looks like the image of the first one I posted might not fit in there.. you'll need one of these Type A ones instead.

 

[Firestar97]

The board is quite old though...no doubt so is the main CPU...saying that, I've no idea what CPU you have or how much RAM etc. At some point, the motherboard will need replaced if you want to upgrade either the RAM or CPU...more modern motherboards all use DDR4 RAM these days.

Once again, check what particular type of PCIE - NVME converter fits in that short PCIE slot, it looks like the image of the first one I posted might not fit in there.. you'll need one of these Type A ones instead.

View attachment 189562

Thanks. Didn't know it's a older Model. I think the Computer is only approximately 5 Years old, so it's a bit of a Surprise to read that

 

[Mole HD]

Thanks. Didn't know it's a older Model. I think the Computer is only approximately 5 Years old, so it's a bit of a Surprise to read that

That sounds about right judging by the specifications and fittings I can see on the board.

 

[avow555]

It seems like the End is near for my Hard Drive. It's already approximately 10 Years old (I needed to use my old Hard Drive because when I bought my current Computer, somehow Windows 10 was so extremely bad that it killed the completely new Hard Drive). I've never bought a Hard Drive myself, so I need to know what's important to know about it before I buy one. Also is there a Company that someone can recommend, so I'll really get a very good Hard Drive? I hope for a lot of Help because I also need my Computer to find a Job

I have the following setup.
SSD/M2 boot drive OS.
SSD for MSFS2020, DCS World.
HDD for large storage, Games, MP3, Pictures, Videos etc in my case.

 

[Firestar97]

At first I thought the Ventilator is for some Reason in Front of the PCI-E Slot but could it be that one of the Slots directly beneath it is one?

If it is one, which kind of Converter do you think would fit in there?

 

[Mole HD]

At first I thought the Ventilator is for some Reason in Front of the PCI-E Slot but could it be that one of the Slots directly beneath it is one?
View attachment 189572
If it is one, which kind of Converter do you think would fit in there?

I can't see from the picture how much headroom there is between the slot and the case fan...but since that looks like a full size PCIE slot (It may be just the PCI slot instead of PCIE, your board has one of each full sized slots)...if it is indeed a PCIE slot, both types of converter would fit....you'd have to move those cables though

Looking back at the schematic for your board, it looks suspiciously like that slot in the pic is the PCI slot (PCI 1 on the scematic) and not the PCIE slot (PCIE 2). Your graphics card (if you have a slot-in one) will be in the main PCIE (2) slot...the mini PCIE slot (PCIE 1) should be above the graphics card slot...just above the printed N68- on the board. You'll need the smaller pin Type A converter for that slot since PCIE 1 isn't a full sized slot.

A PCIE device won't fit into a PCI slot...the slot pin is at the wrong end.

 

[Mole HD]

Not your motherboard of course...but the pic shows the difference between PCI and PCI-E slots...

 

[GroG79]

Yes, a sata disk would have been a wiser option

I hope you manage OP.

Also consider just a re-install

 

[Mole HD]

Yes, a sata disk would have been a wiser option

I hope you manage OP.

Also consider just a re-install

A few of us mentioned the SATA SSD option in the beginning...but this has been a long, hard process

 

[Firestar97]

Yes, a sata disk would have been a wiser option

I hope you manage OP.

Also consider just a re-install

I don't know what exactly you mean. But if you mean I should install Windows 10, I've planned to do that and I've already prepared a USB-Stick where I can install it from

 

[Morbad]

That's a low-end motherboard that was released about seven years ago with an already aging chipset for an already mature platform. It was never going to have an M.2 slot.

You could use the M.2 drive, but the only slot you have free is a PCI-E 2.0 1x slot. You'd need to cough up another 20 Euro or so for an adapter card and then you'd be limiting the speed of the drive significantly. Also, the difference in real world use between a cheap SATA SSD and a top of the line NVMe is generally quite small, even in optimal conditions. In your situation, with an interface bottleneck and an older/slower platform, the gap will be essentially non-existent.

Anyway, I'd recommend returning that 970 EVO+ for a refund and picking up a cheaper 1TB SATA SSD. Something like this would more than suffice.

 

[Mole HD]

That's a low-end motherboard that was released about seven years ago with an already aging chipset for an already mature platform. It was never going to have an M.2 slot.

You could use the M.2 drive, but the only slot you have free is a PCI-E 2.0 1x slot. You'd need to cough up another 20 Euro or so for an adapter card and then you'd be limiting the speed of the drive significantly. Also, the difference in real world use between a cheap SATA SSD and a top of the line NVMe is generally quite small, even in optimal conditions. In your situation, with an interface bottleneck and an older/slower platform, the gap will be essentially non-existent.

Anyway, I'd recommend returning that 970 EVO+ for a refund and picking up a cheaper 1TB SATA SSD. Something like this would more than suffice.

You beat me to it Morbad...after thinking seriously about his situation over a coffee, rather than talking any further on the buying and fitting of PCIE - NVME converters...exchanging the NVME the OP bought for a SATA SSD is definitely the best option all round...given his limited knowledge and slightly aged PC base.

To be honest, I chucked some old PC internals out the other day that had newer motherboards than the OP's... He really needs someone a bit more handy with PC internals local to him that could physically help...a mate perhaps. Failing that...a PC shop (NOT PCworld) who do repairs etc. They'd probably have a few second hand bits lying in their workshop that could upgrade his machine for very little cost and effort. They all do it if you go in and speak to the engineer and just ask.

 

[Firestar97]

Damn, just wanted to put the Converter in, just to realize that it doesn't fit. I wish I would've seen earlier that PCI2 is written next to the Slot

 

[Mole HD]

Damn, just wanted to put the Converter in, just to realize that it doesn't fit. I wish I would've seen earlier that PCI2 is written next to the Slot

Didn't I already tell you that was a PCI slot?...I even posted pictures.

 

[Firestar97]

Didn't I already tell you that was a PCI slot?...I even posted pictures.

But I've accidentally ordered one for the wrong PCI Slot. It doesn't fit. And for some Reason I can't find one for a PCI2 Slot on Amazon

 

[Juniper]

But I've accidentally ordered one for the wrong PCI Slot. It doesn't fit. And for some Reason I can't find one for a PCI2 Slot on Amazon

I would seriously follow Morbad's advice and send it back for a refund. Then order a 1TB SSD & count what you'd save in time, effort & money. Install Windows 10 on it as soon as its physically installed in your machine. Done.

 

[Firestar97]

I would seriously follow Morbad's advice and send it back for a refund. Then order a 1TB SSD & count what you'd save in time, effort & money. Install Windows 10 on it as soon as its physically installed in your machine. Done.

I would like to do it with the Converter but if I can't find one, it is the only Option. It would be great if I could find a SSD that is at least almost as good as the one I've ordered because it's so much faster than all other SSDs I've found

 

[Juniper]

I would like to do it with the Converter but if I can't find one, it is the only Option. It would be great if I could find a SSD that is at least almost as good as the one I've ordered because it's so much faster than all other SSDs I've found

The "converter" will effectively reduce that super speed to approx SATA SSD speeds on your ageing system.

If you want to make use of the M.2 drive to its full capability, you need a motherboard which supports it. Yours doesn't, as it is too old.

You've bought the wrong thing. It's fine, it happens. Send it back while you can, and buy the right thing.