Hi, I’d like to keep ZimaOS on it’s internal drive but install apps like Plex that can grow big on an external drive. My two SATA ports are used by a raid configuration for file storage.
I have a spare SATA SSD. Does it seem like a good idea to by an inexpensive USB3.1 to SATA adapter like the ugreen one ?
Do you think it’s better to use the PICe slot and add an NVMe drive (this will be more expensive).
Thanks.
I believe a USB-to-SATA SSD is a solid choice for Plex metadata and AppData. Over USB 3.1 with UASP, you get near-SATA speeds and plenty of random I/O to keep large Plex libraries responsive. It is inexpensive, easy to set up, and keeps your RAID focused on media only. The main caveats are typical USB quirks such as cable quality, power stability, and enclosure chipset, which are usually avoided if you choose decent hardware.
I suggest PCIe NVMe if you want something faster and cleaner. You get lower latency, higher IOPS, and none of the USB flakiness. It is more of an install-and-forget option and usually the most reliable because there is no enclosure or cable in the chain. It does cost more and, for most Plex users, offers only small real-world gains, though if you run many containers, databases, or very large libraries, the extra headroom can make sense.
USB-SATA SSD is the best value and works great for Plex.
PCIe NVMe is the premium path for maximum stability and zero USB quirks.
Wonderful ! Thanks a lot for the detailed answer.
Great choice.
And don’t forget, with ZimaOS, you can do ‘migrating location’ first and then install the app, so you don’t have to manually manage AppData and other folders every time. Refer to: