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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Installing an NVMe SSD in the wrong M.2 slot can limit the PCIe link available to it—but the right slot depends on your exact motherboard or PC. Check the manual for each slot’s generation, lane width, drive compatibility and shared connections before moving the drive. A slot’s position alone is not enough to identify the best choice.
Why the M.2 slot matters
M.2 describes a physical form factor, not a guarantee that a socket supports every M.2 drive or the same performance as another socket. A motherboard may have slots with different PCIe generations, lane widths, supported drive interfaces or connections to the CPU and chipset. Some slots also share resources with other devices.
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PCIe generation and lane count determine the host link available to an SSD. Dell’s guide lists maximum sequential read speeds of 3,000–3,500 MB/s for PCIe Gen 3, up to 7,400 MB/s for Gen 4 and up to 14,000 MB/s for Gen 5. These are generation-level interface ceilings, not promised speeds for a particular drive or workload. Dell’s NVMe SSD guide explains that slot specifications can vary.
PassMark’s rule of thumb is to choose the slot with the latest generation and greatest number of lanes, then check the motherboard manual to identify the primary slot—which is usually closest to the CPU. That last point is a tendency, not a universal rule: the manual for your exact system is decisive. PassMark’s PerformanceTest recommendations also describe one benchmark comparison, but it does not establish a universal performance gain from changing slots.
#1 Best Overall
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How to choose the right slot
- Find the exact motherboard or PC model. Use its manual or setup guide; a product family name may not identify the slot layout in your particular system.
- Compare the slot specifications. For each M.2 socket, check PCIe generation, electrical lane width, whether it connects through the CPU or chipset, and whether it supports NVMe, SATA, or both.
- Check shared resources. A slot may share lanes or ports with another component. Installing a drive there can affect which other devices or ports remain available. Kingston’s SATA and M.2 FAQ discusses lane and port sharing; follow your own system manual for the specific combinations that apply.
- Use the manual’s recommended primary slot for the main SSD when it supports that drive and fits your needs. Do not assume that the topmost or CPU-nearest socket is best without checking.
How to tell whether the drive is limited
Compare the SSD’s specifications with the M.2 slot’s supported generation and lane width, then check the link the system has negotiated using an appropriate system utility. The available sources establish what to compare but do not prescribe one universal utility. A lower negotiated generation or lane width than the drive and slot support may indicate a configuration or compatibility issue; it does not, by itself, prove that slot placement is the cause.
PassMark reported results from ten runs of PerformanceTest with a Samsung 970 Evo 500GB in a chipset slot and then a main CPU slot. Standard read changed from 3,256.31 to 3,326.02 MB/s (+2.41%); standard write from 2,221.50 to 2,275.66 MB/s (+2.44%); IOPS 32KQD20 from 1,519.89 to 1,611.16 MB/s (+6.01%); and IOPS 4KQD1 from 79.96 to 106.83 MB/s (+33.62%). Those are results for that particular comparison, not a forecast for other drives, boards or workloads. PassMark’s page does not establish a general performance uplift from moving an SSD.
Rank #2
- Ideal for high speed, low power storage
- Gen 4x4 NVMe PCle performance
- Up to 6,000MB/s read, 4,000MB/s write
- Includes Acronis cloning software
- 5-year limited warranty
Should you move the SSD or buy a new one?
If your existing drive is compatible with a more suitable slot identified in the manual, try that before assuming you need a replacement. Moving the drive may not help if the current slot already provides the drive’s supported link, or if another factor limits performance. If the SSD itself is inadequate for your needs, a faster compatible drive may be an option—but the slot and system must support its interface and capabilities.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Before opening a desktop or laptop, check the manufacturer’s instructions for your system. If you decide to move the drive, shut down and follow those instructions for access, installation and handling. Do not assume every prebuilt system is intended to be opened by the owner.
Rank #3
- SPEED UP PROJECTS. Launch creator applications fast with uncompromising PCIe 4.0 read speeds up to 7,100MB/s,[2] (1TB and 2TB[1] models) and write speeds up to 6,700MB/s[2] (1TB[1]-4TB[1] models).
- CREATE AND STORE MORE. Make more room for your 4K videos and high-resolution images with capacities from 500GB[1] up to 4TB[1] on M.2 2280 built with our trusted 8th generation SANDISK BiCS QLC 3D CBA NAND.
- IT GOES WHERE YOU GO. With an all-new power efficient design, your drive delivers high performance with low power, giving you more time to be productive while on the go.
- UNCOMPROMISED RELIABILITY. With up to 1,200 TBW[3] (4TB[1] model) endurance rating, your drive is designed for creators.
- KEEP YOUR DRIVE UPDATED. Monitor your SSD’s performance and check for updates with the downloadable SANDISK Dashboard application.[5]
If the SSD is not detected or Windows will not boot
Boot detection and startup speed are separate from SSD benchmark performance. If the drive is missing or Windows will not start after a change, check physical seating, slot compatibility, firmware settings and boot mode as separate issues. Intel advises consulting system documentation and notes that some older systems may need UEFI NVMe boot support. Intel’s Windows boot troubleshooting guide also explains that improper PCIe lane allocation can cause performance or compatibility problems.
Dell says Windows 11 boot requires UEFI and GPT in the context of its NVMe guide. Do not casually change a working system’s storage controller or boot mode: a change can prevent the installed Windows setup from booting. Use the guidance for your exact PC and back up important data before making firmware or storage changes.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
Rank #4
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
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