PCIe NVME Card Question

Posted by Dennma@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 8 comments

I'm wanting to install 1 4TB NVME into my Asus ROG Dark Hero VIII using the bottom x16 PCIe slot. I plan on using [this.](https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-NVMe-PCIe-Aluminum-EC-PCIE/dp/B084GDY2PW/ref=asc_df_B084GDY2PW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693421862574&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8389262540008195911&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026839&hvtargid=pla-917647034356&psc=1&mcid=28a1fbbb71ee303e9eecbbb8dabcdefc) The only other slot Occupied by something is my RTX 3080. Will installing this NVME card drop my GPU down from x16 lanes to x8? Is there any other reason I shouldn't do this?

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8 Comments

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-UserRemoved-@reddit

The bottom slot is wired chipset side for x4 bandwidth only, so no it will not change the CPU lanes running to your GPU.

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Dennma@reddit (OP)

I had a feeling that would be the case. Is using only x4 bandwidth going to suck? Ideally I'd play games on this.

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-UserRemoved-@reddit

NVMe drives are typically only x4 bandwidth anyways. On top of that, gaming doesn't benefit from more bandwidth, so it wouldn't make any difference. That's why it's most people won't even notice a difference compared to Sata SSD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DKLA7w9eeA

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Dennma@reddit (OP)

Thanks!

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psimwork@reddit

Is there any reason you can't install the 4TB drive into one of your M.2 ports on the board?

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Dennma@reddit (OP)

I do still have the M.2 slot closest to my CPU open, but I'd rather not put a big expensive drive in that one if I can avoid it because it's right under my massive NH-D15 cooler in what I can assume is a heat soak prone area.

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psimwork@reddit

> what I can assume is a heat soak prone area. Your assumption is incorrect - first, the NH-D15 pulls and pushes air through the unit to the back of the case, where the hot air should be expelled from the chassis via rear exhaust fan. The heat radiating into the area from the CPU cooler is minimal. Second, the SSD slot itself has a heatsink which basically makes the issue of heatsoaking in the area irrelevant. Third, the M.2 port closest to your CPU is actually the only CPU-direct lane port that is PCIe4, which if you're using PCIe4 SSDs is what you want.

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Dennma@reddit (OP)

Ah, I had a feeling there's be a valid reason just to skip the adapter card. I might just call it an excuse to repaste my CPU, then. Thanks for the correction