Most modern computers come with the M.2 NVMe slots. Even the low-end motherboards and laptops support NVMe SSDs based on their PCIe generations. My motherboard, which is MSI Pro Z690-A, has 4 M.2 NVMe slots, three with Gen 4.0 x 4 interface and one with Gen 3.0 x 4. However, in older systems, you may get a single slot or even no M.2 slot. In some cases, all the available slots might be equipped with drives, and you may have to install another NVMe drive. So, in this article, I am going to tell you how you can do that.
There are two ways to do this. Either you can use your NVMe externally through USB or via an NVMe to PCIe card. With the USB setup, the highest NVMe speed will get bottlenecked by the USB interface. But, with a PCIe card, you will get all the NVMe benefits and full speed as long as you are matching the PCIe generation.
How does an NVMe SSD normally work?
The full name of the NVMe SSD is actually M.2 PCIe NVMe. So, there are three things here. Let’s know them first of all.
M.2: Form Factor (SSD Dimensions). Normally, an NVMe SSD require an M.2 slot (M-Key) on the motherboard.
PCIe: Interface (The way your SSD connects with the motherboard)
NVMe: The software protocol built inside the SSD firmware and in the system as a driver.
When we install an NVMe SSD to an M.2 NVMe slot, it connects directly to the motherboard’s PCIe lanes (generally 4 PCIe lanes). When the system recognizes this drive as an NVMe, it loads the necessary NVMe drives. The NVMe SSD itself has firmware that follows the NVMe protocol to handle commands, queues, and data transfer. So, as long as an NVMe SSD is getting the desired PCIe lanes and the drivers are up and working, it will give its full performance regardless of the connection, i.e., M.2 or PCIe.
2 Ways to use an NVMe if there is no available M.2 slot
For Desktop Computers
On a desktop, both the methods, i.e., external NVMe enclosure through USB and NVMe to PCIe adapter, will work. The USB methods will bottleneck most of your SSD’s speed, it is good only if you don’t want the best speed and are ready to compromise on the full potential of your drive. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it.
Using an NVMe to PCIe adapter
I would recommend getting a good NVMe to PCIe adapter like this one from Sabrent.
You just open up the enclosure and install the NVMe as you do on the motherboard. Different adapters may have different installation mechanisms. But this one is really easy to use.
Now, you can install it in x4, x8, or x16 PCIe slots.
Once you boot up your computer, the system will recognize your drive, and if you want to use it as the boot drive, you will have to enter the BIOS/UEFI. There are adapters with multiple NVMe slots, which are great if you want to set up a software RAID on your computer. But, that is for high-end users and if that is your requirement, it is better to for the physical RAID setup where you get other options like network file access, enhanced redundancy etc.
For Laptops
Because there are no dedicated PCIe slots in the laptops, your only resort is to use your NVMe using an adapter through the USB. It is better if your laptop has faster USB slots like Thunderbolt or USB 3.0 or above to get good enough speed.
Will I get the full NVMe speed using this adapter?
Yes, you will get the full NVMe speed using an adapter. However, I am assuming that you are installing a Gen 4.0 drive on a Gen 4.0 motherboard’s PCIe slot and the same for Gen 5.0 or Gen 3.0 drives. When connecting a Gen 5.0 drive or any drive to a lower PCIe interface slot, the speed will get bottlenecked. Here is what you can expect in those cases.
Conclusion
NVMe SSDs are made to work efficiently in their dedicated M.2 slots. But, if you are in a position that you require more storage, you are probably a high-end user or a creative person. In that case, going for a NAS or cloud storage is also a good option.