System focuses more on transferring files than essential operations
System focuses more on transferring files than essential operations
I don’t think it’s the CPU. It’s likely overclocking at 4.25Ghz under full load. If thermal throttling occurred, the speed would have fallen significantly below its base rate. Which M.2 port is connected? Are you certain it isn’t using the MB chipset? Could you share the motherboard model? It might be an SSD instead. Maybe a swap could help, but I wouldn’t change it unless you need more storage—opt for Samsung, Sabrent or Crucial drives. Even then, it may not solve your problem.
You can determine if the M.2 slot is compatible by checking the motherboard documentation or manufacturer guidelines. For your MSI PRO B760M-A WIFI DDR4 board, ensure the M.2 slot supports the required specifications. Regarding Western Digital SSDs, they are generally reliable for SSDs, but confirm compatibility with your specific model. Your SN770 2TB is a decent option, though you may want to verify its performance and longevity. If you're unsure about wiping the OS, consider using built-in recovery tools or a trusted recovery utility instead of purchasing a $100 wipe. BIOS settings might affect performance, so consult the manual for guidance.
Your motherboard features two M.2 ports. Connect the SSD to M2_1, the nearest one to the CPU, which links straight to the PCIe lanes. The M2_2 port needs to go through the B760 chipset. The WD SN770 is a solid choice for this setup. You can evaluate its speed by replacing the SSDs and installing a Windows 11 trial from a USB stick. Pick Windows 11 Pro, skip activation if it's just for testing. Once you confirm performance meets expectations, consider making it your main drive. If nothing changes, revert them back as if nothing happened. Also, ensure BitLocker isn't active; if it is, back up the recovery key to avoid data loss when switching drives. Don't forget to update the BIOS, especially if the drive is encrypted—see the guide for details.
You can turn off BitLocker by following the instructions in your control panel, but if that doesn’t work, you might need to update your BIOS. Putting the SN770 SSD without a heatsink for an extended period is not recommended—wait until it’s properly seated before testing. Installing the new SSD in the first slot and using it as the boot drive should significantly improve performance, especially if your current drive is failing.
In the Windows search box, type "Manage BitLocker" and check if it shows "C: BitLocker on" with a padlock. If so, the drive is encrypted and you can save the recovery key in the settings. It’s very straightforward. Make sure to keep that key safe—take a photo if needed, as you might need to enter it later. Yes, NVMe drives work without heatsinks; they may slow down if overheated, but this usually happens only after long continuous writes. An SSD heatsink isn’t necessary, though it helps prevent overheating. You can relocate the SSD between slots easily, but always back up the BitLocker recovery key first. If the drive isn’t encrypted, there’s no problem.