Typically, M.2 PCIe SSDs are installed as primary drives and the 2.5 inch SATA SSD They were left for secondary storage. 2.5-inch drives offer good transfer speeds, very optimal capacities and very reasonable prices. But, out of all the possible spaces, where should I install a 2.5-inch SSD in my computer?
2.5-inch SSDs have several advantages over mechanical hard drives. They deliver up to 10x faster read and write speeds. This makes them interesting for users who move large files, such as those engaged in photo and/or video editing.
Where should I install my 2.5-inch SSD?
There are different chassis or cases to mount your personal computer. There are four different spaces where SATA SSDs can be installed. Two are commonly found in virtually every computer case and two others are more alternative and found in some towers. We will explain them and see their positive and negative aspects so that you can then install them wherever you want.
Behind the motherboard
This position is usually found in all modern chassis. There is a gap between the back of the motherboard and the side cover. Most manufacturers allow you to easily install a few SSDs of this format here. This is done using removable trays anchored with screws in this area.
The advantage of installing a unit in this area is that the unit will not be visible. It also allows for very effective cable management, hiding them greatly. Although this also has a negative aspect: heat. Specifically, this unit receives thermal radiation from the processor (albeit minimal) and there is no airflow in this area. This means that the unit can suffer during periods of heavy load.
Power supply bay
We can also see in most chassis how there is a bay for storage drives at the bottom. These allow you to install a pair of mechanical hard drives as well as 2.5-inch SSDs. These bays can be easily removed and the installation is quite comfortable.
The negative part of this assembly is located in the chassis which contains the power supply cover. It has weak cooling and some of the warm air remains stagnant in this area.
Next to the motherboard
Some modern chassis allow SSDs to be installed right next to the motherboard. Installation in this area is really simple and is probably the best position. The cold air absorbed by the chassis directly impacts these slots. This way, we ensure that the unit operates with the best possible performance, even under high load.
On the negative side, the cables are somewhat visible in this type of setup. Also, the unit tends to get a bit of dust due to this configuration. These are minor issues in perspective.
About diet
Many chassis that have a frame covering the power supply have space to install SATA SSDs. Installation in this case is very simple and requires little time. This can be a good option if you opt for elegantly aesthetic units with RGB lighting (there is some). In addition, we have good cooling, since part of the airflow will impact the unit.
This type of installation has negative aspects. Again, some of the wiring will be seen, being the same, unsightly if one does not opt for custom options. The position is then not the best and can end up collecting a lot of dust.
As you can see, all configurations have positive and negative aspects. The positions that can generate temperature “problems” are not extreme either. We will rarely notice “Thermal Throttling” problems, requiring very long use of the units.
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