M.2 setup

[Ernie508]

Can some help me with setup.  I have a system with 1-M.2 1TB running windows, 1-M.2 265MG with a spare windows and 1-HHD 1TB with data.  Should I move the 265MB M.2 to primary windows and use the second M.2 SSD on a RAID setup?  The M.2's are, 1 on board and the second on a PCIe card slot board.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Ernie508,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be happy to help you! 

To optimize your setup for the HP Pavilion Desktop TP01-1337c, it's important to consider both performance and reliability. Here's a detailed breakdown of your options and recommendations:

Current Setup:

• 1 x M.2 1TB (running Windows)
• 1 x M.2 256GB (spare Windows)
• 1 x HDD 1TB (data storage)

Goal:

• Decide whether to move Windows to the 256GB M.2 and set up RAID, or maintain the current setup for optimal performance and reliability.

Options and Recommendations:

1. Evaluate Current and Future Storage Needs:

• 1TB M.2: Sufficient space for Windows, applications, and games. Excellent for performance.
• 256GB M.2: Suitable for a backup or spare OS but might be limiting for your primary OS in the long term.
• 1TB HDD: Good for storing large files, backups, and non-performance-critical data.

2. Optimal Use of Existing Hardware:

Option A: Keep Current Setup

• Primary OS on 1TB M.2: Continue running Windows on the 1TB M.2 for its larger capacity and speed.
• 256GB M.2 as Backup or Secondary OS: Use this drive for dual-booting another OS or as a dedicated drive for specific applications.
• 1TB HDD for Data Storage: Use the HDD for storing large files, backups, and less performance-critical data.

Option B: Move OS to 256GB M.2 (Not Recommended)

• Move Windows to 256GB M.2: While this can be done, it may not provide enough space for your OS and all applications in the long term.
• Use 1TB M.2 for Data or RAID: The 1TB M.2 could be repurposed, but this would underutilize its potential.

RAID Setup Considerations:

RAID 0 (Striping):

• Pros: Improved performance as data is split between two drives.
• Cons: If one drive fails, all data is lost. Not recommended for critical data.

RAID 1 (Mirroring):

• Pros: Data redundancy. If one drive fails, the other has an exact copy.
• Cons: Does not increase performance. You lose half the total storage capacity to redundancy.

Given your use case, a RAID setup may not provide significant benefits. However, if you decide to use RAID, RAID 1 could provide data redundancy for critical applications and files.

Please find the remaining steps in the next post.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Ernie508,

Final Recommendation:

Keep the current setup with Windows on the 1TB M.2 and use the 256GB M.2 for additional purposes. This provides the best balance of performance and capacity without the complexity or risk associated with RAID configurations.

Steps for Current Setup:

Keep Windows on 1TB M.2:

• Ensure all system and software updates are applied.
• Maintain it as your primary drive for speed and capacity.

Use 256GB M.2 for Secondary Purposes:

• Install a secondary OS if needed.
• Use it for dedicated applications or as a scratch disk.

Use 1TB HDD for Data Storage:

• Store non-critical data, backups, and large files.

BIOS and Disk Management Setup:

• BIOS Configuration:
  • Ensure both M.2 drives and the HDD are detected in the BIOS.
  • Set the boot order to prioritize the 1TB M.2 for Windows.
• Disk Management:
  • Use Windows Disk Management (right-click Start > Disk Management) to manage partitions and format the drives as needed.

Maintaining your current setup with the 1TB M.2 as the primary OS drive provides the best performance and capacity. Use the 256GB M.2 for secondary purposes and the 1TB HDD for data storage. This configuration avoids the risks and complexity of RAID while making the most of your available hardware.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.