Solid-state drives (SSDs) are slowly revolutionizing the gaming industry with faster loading speeds and greater storage capacity. But for a gaming PC to fully utilize the benefits of an SSD, it must first be located in the correct spot. To help gamers optimize their gaming experience, we will explore the best placement for an SSD in a gaming PC.
When the average gaming PC is disassembled, the interior will mostly contain a variety of slots, ports, and plugs dedicated to the various components within the system. An informed system builder will recognize that the motherboards’ PCIe slots are usually the best spots for SSDs as these slots offer improved speed and increased capacity when compared to a SATA port. This is due to the PCIe slot’s direct connection with the computer’s central processing unit (CPU) (Ashon and Hagan, 2021).
For a gaming PC that requires optimal performance, the PCIe slots should first be dedicated to the graphics processing unit (GPU) as this is the component that will provide graphical fidelity. Afterward, the remaining PCIe slots should be used to install the SSD. It is important to note that an SSD installed in a PCIe slot will be limited to the bandwidth of the slot itself. Therefore, an M.2 or PCIe 4.0 SSD will require an appropriate slot for installation.
An alternative method of fitting an SSD into a gaming computer is to use a SATA port. Although the variety of features will be limited using this setup, it is still a viable installation option for a gaming PC. While most SATA ports are limited to a theoretical speed of 600 MB/s, some newer motherboards have been released with faster SATA interfaces that hold a theoretical speed of up to 1000 MB/s (Yu and Pani, 2020). Therefore, gamers with a limited PCIe budget should consider using a SATA port to house their SSD.
Lastly, users must ensure that the storage interface of their SSD matches the slot or port it is being installed into. While many SSDs are sold in standard 2.5” and M.2 formats, the faster PCIe 4.0 models will require a dedicated slot of the same type. Failure to match the storage interface and port could prove disastrous due to compatibility issues.
Advantages of Using an SSD
Using an SSD in a gaming PC provides a multitude of benefits to both the user experience and technical aspects. One of the most noticeable features of using an SSD is the faster loading speed, allowing gamers to load their games and apps much quicker than before. This not only provides an improved gaming experience but also improves the overall system’s performance. Additionally, an SSD installed in a PCI-Express slot can provide large storage capacities thanks to the consistent bandwidth.
In addition to faster loading times, SSDs offer increased data security as the lack of spinning parts reduces the potential for data loss. Furthermore, SSDs also use lower power, giving the system a longer battery life and reducing heat buildup, which allows the system to operate under heavy loads much longer. All of these advantages make the SSD a popular choice amongst gamers who require a system that lasts longer and performs faster.
Disadvantages of Using an SSD
Despite its many advantages, SSDS aren’t without their drawbacks. The most obvious downside of an SSD is the cost. Due to their increased performance, SSDs have come to cost much more than their traditional hard drive counterparts, and even with their recent price decreases, they still remain much more expensive. In addition, SSDs tend to deteriorate more quickly than HDDs due to fewer write/erase cycles, and their longevity is also dependent on the system they’re being used in.
Finally, although not a universal issue, SSDs can suffer from compatibility issues with some systems. This issue is especially apparent when attempting to install an M.2 SDD in a system that doesn’t support the appropriate storage interface. It is therefore important to ensure that the SSD is compatible with the computer’s motherboard before performing the installation.
Conclusion
When deciding where to locate an SSD in a gaming PC, system builders should consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a PCIe slot versus using a SATA port. Considering the improved speed and data security an SSD can provide, it is usually beneficial for gamers to use a PCIe slot to house their solid-state drive. By doing so, gamers can benefit from a smoother, more enjoyable experience and improved system performance.
