Best option for a SSD ?

[Fazer]

Hello everyone,

I'm really happy with my new setup with the DanCase, but I would like to change my storage and I need advice.

I currently own two 2.5" SSDs :

- Toshiba 960Go
- Crucial MX300 525Go

My goal is to only have one SSD in order to remove the cage under the PSU and have more room for the cables.

I have two options :

- a M.2 SSD behind the motherboard
Pros : small and easy to hide | fewer cables under the PSU
Cons : only 1To (I'm unable to find a 2To M.2 SSD in my country) | Need thermal pads ?
- a 2.5" SSD on the front of the case
Pros : easy to set up | 2To available
Cons : more cables under the PSU | Bad temperatures ? (since the SSD will be almost pressed against the PSU, which gets really really hot while playing)

What's your opinion ? I'm really interested by the M.2 SSD, but I'm afraid about the temperatures since it will be stuck between the motherboard and the GPU. I don't need a NVMe, but maybe I should get some thermal pads if they can fit behind the motherboard ?

 

[Tashi]

SATA M.2 behind mobo? Noctua A9x14 under mobo for more GPU airflow and SSD airflow?

 

[Fazer]

SATA M.2 behind mobo? Noctua A9x14 under mobo for more GPU airflow and SSD airflow?

Yes, behind the mobo. I can put a Noctua A9x14 under the motheboard for a better aiflow, but I'm still worried about the temperatures, especially with my GPU that doesn't have a backplate (GTX 1080 MSI Armor).

 

[Boganator]

Concerning the M.2 temps, I made a post recently about how I got my temps under control. Yes, you need thermal pads, but they totally work.

 

[Fazer]

Concerning the M.2 temps, I made a post recently about how I got my temps under control. Yes, you need thermal pads, but they totally work.

Thank you for the information ! May I know why you used two different sizes (1mm and 1,5mm) to fill the gap between the drive and the motherboard ?

 

[Fazer]

Another question : How should I apply the thermals pads on the drive ?

I plan to use this one : https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61GrDNFfbmL._SL1280_.jpg

And I don't know if I should just put a big piece of thermal pad over the paper, or if I should remove it and put several pads on the chips.

 

[Fazer]

I realized something..

Here is the back of my motherboard : https://img.conseil-config.com/2017/03/MSI_Z270i_Gaming_Pro_Carbon_dessous.jpg

The riser cable for the GPU will get in front of the M.2 Port, preventing me from putting a thermal pad.. how can I solve this problem ?

 

[Hellow]

No riser cable behind motherboard on new rev. of the A4 SFX

 

[Fazer]

No riser cable behind motherboard on new rev. of the A4 SFX

My bad. I realized it a few minutes after I posted the message.