Replacing my computer

[Smart_Guy]

Some motherboards disable some SATA ports depending on how many M.2's are used. Mine disables SATA 1 port if the first M.2 slot is used and SATA 5 and 6 ports of the second M.2 slot is used.

Anyway, since you confirmed that's out of the way now, I believe you can safely just add the older HDD to the new box.

Congratulations for the new buy in advance

 

[Smart_Guy]

Just for the info, this is my mobo's specs:
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MPG-Z490-GAMING-EDGE-WIFI/Specification
In the details under storage it clarifies it. It's really disappointing.

 

[PP Mguire]

That's because mainstream boards have a lot loaded onto them without enough PCI-E lanes and resources to properly utilize everything. They assume people using the M.2s won't utilize SATA, or at least all of them anyway. When dealing with these OEM boxes they have 1 or 2 SATA ports anyways, so disabling isn't really a thing. You got one M.2 that'll take 4 lanes then a crappy dedicated GPU that will run fine on 8 lanes (or just the IGP leaving all lanes free) leaving all that extra for the PCH.

 

[Smart_Guy]

OEM's give the least options and could be predictable to the inexperienced so gotta be careful around them. Better safe than sorry.

 

[bluenose1940]

Any recommendations for which make of DDR4 to go for please?

 

[Smart_Guy]

I see you started another thread for the DDR4, so I'll see ya there instead unless advised otherwise.

 

[bluenose1940]

Yes I started the other thread because I thought that if I posted on here again it might not get picked up as it has been going a while.

 

[Smart_Guy]

Good thinking. I'm still following you, tho. Your call where to carry on.

 

[bluenose1940]

Thank you Smart_Guy, probably best to pop over to the other thread then eh!

 

[Wallaby Dan]

Me ether. Why would they do that, unless the power supply cannot handle the power or something like that. Remember, company's that build computers are more prone to using as little as it can handle. That computer could have a psu of say 400 watts and not even 80. It may not be able to handle another drive. They build cheap for the most part to make as much as they can. Last one i bought was a Compaq and it couldn't get out of its own way. Dells are usually better but just so. I wouldn't buy the hp. If you have the knowledge, i would build your own. It may cost the same but you can buy better parts and put it together yourself. End result, is a better computer and less money or same price, Just my 2 cents.