Aurora-R7, adding additional SSD (SATA) storage

I'd like to add the 2.5" SATA drives that can go in the bottom of the case. There is already an M.2 drive (Samsung SM961). I'd like to see if I can add two drives in a RAID0 configuration just to try it out, for storage.

Hi @mormonsniper,

These are some of the validated SSDs we have:

SSD, 1TB, Non Encrypted, PCIe34, M.2, 22mm/80mm/2.38mm, NVMe, 512MB, Samsung, (PM961)
SSD, 1 TB, Non Encrypted, PCIe34, M.2, 22mm/80mm/2.38mm, NVMe, Multi Level Cell, Mixed, Samsung, (SM961, High Performance SSD)
SSD, 256 GB, Non Encrypted, PCIe34, M.2, 22mm/80mm/2.38mm, NVMe, 512MB, Samsung, (PM961)

SSD, 512GB, PCIe, M.2, 22mm/80mm/2.15mm, NVMe, 1024MB, Hynix Semiconductor Inc, (PC400)

SSD, 256GB, PCIe34, M.2, 22mm/80mm/2.23mm, NVMe, 512MB, Toshiba, (XG5)
SSD, 1TB, PCIe34, M.2, 22mm/80mm/2.23mm, NVMe, Toshiba, (Class 40, XG5)

Yes, you can install two 2.5inch SATA SSDs in those lower bays and they will work. You might need an extra SATA-cable or something, but that's about it.

As far as RAID-0 ... you can surely "play" and might even be able to get that working.

However, just off the top of my head, I can think of many reasons NOT TO RAID-0 them (and just use them as normal SATA-3/600 fast-speed SSDs). There is only one (obvious) benefit, but in my opinion ... the Cons far-out-weight that little extra (real-world) speed or benefit.

Thanks. I've read about problems with RAID0 arrays. It may be more hassle than it's worth. I've never tried it before so I could use it as a learning experience. I appreciate your reply.

Wait, I just purchased a 860 EVO 2.5'' ssd, and wanna add it on my R7, so it wont work?:Indifferent:

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@Caliburian wrote:

Wait, I just purchased a 860 EVO 2.5'' ssd, and wanna add it on my R7, so it wont work?:Indifferent:

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Yes, that one will work also.

As long as it's 2.5inch and SATA you should be fine.

Sure. Thanks, bro, can't wait to add it on... (but I still need to clone my system first).

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@Caliburian wrote:

... (but I still need to clone my system first).

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Yeah, never hurts to have an extra backup. I do the same thing (make sure I have a recent backup) before making any hardware-changes to any of my critical systems.

If you don't have something else to use, I'll mention I really like Macrium Reflect (free)

https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree

I suggest turning-on "Verify Image after creation". Macrium Reflect has never let me down yet. It will also do "bare metal restores" and has other important features.

Am using it in my R7, and it's extremely fast.

Does the following one also work with R7?

Samsung SM961 512GB (NVMe) SM961 MZVKW512HMJP-00000 MZ-VKW5120 Gen3 M.2 80mm PCIe 3.0 x4 512G SSD

Thanks

512G SM961? Thanks!

The SM961 is approved by tech support, but some earlier Samsung PCIe NVMe ssd's had issues.  They can help you get one working.  These are faster than SATA ssd's, among the fastest yet.

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@hrgreen wrote:

The SM961 is approved by tech support, but some earlier Samsung PCIe NVMe ssd's had issues.  They can help you get one working.  These are faster than SATA ssd's, among the fastest yet.

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Do you agree that ...

Samsung 960 Series SSD
- Basic comparisons -
RETAIL 960-Pro (MLC) = SM961 OEM
RETAIL 960-EVO (TLC) = PM961 OEM
- Various Samsung drives might be available in both 2.5inch and M.2 form-factors

Questions:

How many m.2 SSD's are supported by the Alienware Aurora R7 motherboard?

How to clone the m.2 to another with higher capacity m.2?

The secondary 3.5 Hard Drive 2TB can be replaced by a 4TB or 2 TB is the maximun storage?

Thank you.