Unlocking the full potential of your M.2 SSD on an ASRock X370 motherboard isn’t just about plugging in a drive—it’s about optimizing BIOS settings, choosing the right hardware, and understanding how your system handles high-speed storage. Whether you’re building a gaming rig, a content creation workstation, or simply upgrading for faster boot times, configuring your ASRock X370 correctly can dramatically improve M.2 SSD performance. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the best adapters, motherboards, and compatible components to help you get blazing-fast speeds without compatibility headaches.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 How To Set Asrock X370 For Best M2 Ssd Performance Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. M.2 NGFF and mSATA SSD to SATA 3.0 Adapter for PCIe 2.0 x2 Lanes
This versatile adapter lets you repurpose older M.2 SATA or mSATA SSDs by converting them to standard 2.5″ SATA drives—perfect if your ASRock X370 lacks native M.2 support or you’re working with legacy hardware. It’s plug-and-play, reliable, and ideal for budget-conscious builders who still want solid SSD performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Supports both M.2 NGFF (B-key) and mSATA SSDs in one compact design
- ✓ Uses PCIe 2.0 x2 lanes for stable data transfer without bottlenecks
- ✓ Built-in 52-pin Mini PCIe connector ensures broad compatibility
- ✓ PWM synchronous buck converter delivers clean, efficient power delivery
- ✓ Compact 98 x 65.5mm form factor fits easily in most enclosures
Why We Recommend It
We picked this as our top choice because it solves a real problem: many ASRock X370 boards don’t have M.2 slots, or share bandwidth with SATA ports. This adapter gives you a cost-effective way to use modern SSDs without replacing your entire motherboard. It’s especially great for data recovery, testing drives, or building secondary storage systems.
Best For
Users with older ASRock X370 systems who want to add SSD speed without upgrading their motherboard, or tech tinkerers repurposing old M.2 drives.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable way to enable M.2 SSD use on older boards
- Works seamlessly with SATA-based M.2 drives (not NVMe)
- Easy installation—no drivers or software needed
- Durable build quality with reliable power regulation
Cons:
- Does NOT support NVMe M.2 SSDs—only SATA-based M.2
- Limited to SATA III speeds (6 Gbps), so not ideal for ultra-high-performance needs
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I picked up this M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5″ SATA enclosure to repurpose an old M.2 SATA drive, and it worked flawlessly. After assembling it, I tested read and write speeds before and after using the enclosure, and they matched within expected parameters — no noticeable difference in performance.”
Customer Review: “Good price. Works perfect… easy to use and setup… put in drives… screw in..etc. I use it daily for data transfers and checking drives – creating partitions… does not work with NVME drives… only SATA. I would buy again if I needed another and I did recently so I did buy it again. :-)”
2. ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard
While not an X370 board, the ASRock H370M-HDV is a smart alternative if you’re open to switching platforms. It offers native M.2 support, USB 3.2, and solid build quality—making it a great option for users who need reliable M.2 SSD performance without the quirks of older AMD chipsets.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Native M.2 slot supporting PCIe Gen3 x4 and SATA SSDs
- ✓ Supports 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors (up to 95W TDP)
- ✓ Dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 64GB at 2666MHz
- ✓ ASRock Live Update & APP Shop for easy driver and BIOS management
- ✓ Micro ATX form factor fits most compact builds
Why We Recommend It
We chose this as our Editor’s Pick because it delivers consistent M.2 SSD performance with minimal configuration headaches. Unlike some X370 boards that disable SATA ports when M.2 is used, this H370 board handles both seamlessly—ideal for users who want simplicity and stability.
Best For
Builders transitioning from AMD to Intel who want plug-and-play M.2 support, or anyone needing a reliable, no-frills board for office or home use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- True native M.2 support with full PCIe Gen3 x4 bandwidth
- No SATA port conflicts when using M.2 drives
- Solid VRM design for stable CPU and memory operation
- Affordable price point for the feature set
Cons:
- Limited overclocking support (H370 chipset restriction)
- Basic audio and networking—may require add-on cards for pro use
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Swapped out my old X370 board for this H370 setup and instantly noticed smoother boot times and faster file access. My Samsung 970 EVO runs at full speed without any BIOS tweaks.”
Customer Review: “Great budget board for an Intel build. M.2 slot works perfectly out of the box. Just make sure you update the BIOS if using a 9th gen CPU.”
3. ASRock H370M-HDV LGA1151/ Intel H370/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard
This is essentially the same model as #2 but often sold at a lower price due to retailer promotions or bulk listings. It’s a fantastic value pick for anyone needing basic M.2 SSD functionality without overspending.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Same reliable H370 chipset with native M.2 support
- ✓ Supports up to 64GB DDR4 RAM and 9th Gen Intel CPUs
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen1 ports for fast peripheral connectivity
- ✓ ASRock’s UEFI BIOS with straightforward settings for storage optimization
Why We Recommend It
At this price, it’s hard to beat for basic M.2 SSD performance. While it lacks advanced features like RGB or premium audio, it gets the job done reliably—making it perfect for secondary PCs, media centers, or light productivity rigs.
Best For
Budget builders, students, or anyone setting up a low-cost system with SSD speed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely affordable for an M.2-capable board
- Stable performance with no compatibility issues
- Easy BIOS setup—no complex tuning needed
Cons:
- No NVMe boot support in older BIOS versions (update required)
- Limited expansion slots—only one PCIe x16 and two PCIe x1
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is a bare bones motherboard with an outdated chipset. That being said, it can still serve useful functions with the right 8th or 9th gen Intel processor. I went with a i3-9100 but probably should have went at least with an i5. No M.2 SSD slot so only SATA SSD at best. I used it for a little pro”
Customer Review: “Bought this for a home server build. Works fine with my SATA M.2 drive via adapter. Not fancy, but does what I need without breaking the bank.”
4. ASRock H370M PRO4 Micro ATX Motherboard with M.2, SATA3, and USB 3.1
A step up from the HDV model, the PRO4 version adds better power delivery, more USB ports, and improved layout—making it ideal for users who want a bit more headroom for future upgrades while still enjoying full M.2 SSD performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Native M.2 slot with heatsink support (on some variants)
- ✓ Supports Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 for enhanced CPU performance
- ✓ 4x DDR4 DIMM slots with XMP profile support
- ✓ USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A port for 10Gbps speeds
- ✓ Reinforced PCIe slot for heavy GPUs
Why We Recommend It
This board strikes a great balance between affordability and features. It handles M.2 SSDs flawlessly and offers room to grow—perfect if you’re building a mid-tier system that might see GPU or RAM upgrades later.
Best For
Gamers and creators on a budget who want reliable M.2 performance and decent upgrade paths.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Better VRM cooling than entry-level boards
- Supports high-speed RAM and modern CPUs
- M.2 slot doesn’t disable other SATA ports
- Solid build quality with professional aesthetics
Cons:
- Audio quality is average—consider a sound card for streaming
- No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Heart of a new gaming rig. Works superbly with i5-8600, EVGA 1060 6GB, Samsung 970 EVO M.2 240 GB, and 16 GB of HyperX Predator RAM. Also added a SATA 500 GB SSD and a 1 TB hard drive to complete the ensemble. Decided to forego the overclocking route this time and am very happy with the great spe”
Customer Review: “At the price this is very much the best bang for your dollar for an LGA1151 mobo. Two warnings: 1- If you play games, watch videos, listen to music or especially if you use the microphone, make sure you order a sound card with it. The mic port on mine makes me sound like I’m speaking through distorti”
5. Gigabyte Z370M DS3H Micro ATX Motherboard with M.2, DDR4, and USB 3.1
If you’re sticking with Intel but want a bit more flexibility, the Gigabyte Z370M DS3H offers overclocking support (with K-series CPUs), robust M.2 performance, and Gigabyte’s reliable UEFI interface—all in a compact Micro ATX package.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Z370 chipset enables CPU and RAM overclocking
- ✓ Full-speed M.2 slot with PCIe Gen3 x4 support
- ✓ Dual BIOS protection against failed updates
- ✓ HDMI and DVI-D outputs for integrated graphics
- ✓ Smart Fan 5 for precise thermal control
Why We Recommend It
This board is a favorite among budget overclockers and DIY builders. It delivers excellent M.2 SSD performance right out of the box and gives you room to push your system further if needed.
Best For
Enthusiasts who want to overclock their CPU while still enjoying fast M.2 SSD speeds, or users building a compact gaming PC.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Full overclocking support with compatible CPUs
- Reliable M.2 performance with no SATA conflicts
- Gigabyte’s user-friendly BIOS with clear storage settings
- Good VRM design for its class
Cons:
- Slightly higher price than H370 alternatives
- Basic onboard audio—may need an upgrade for content creation
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Had a computer tech come to the house to see why my PC wouldn’t turn back on. Ended up that my motherboard had died. We talked after he found a good replacement on Amazon of all places and I decided that $119 was a heck of a lot better than approx $1000 for a new one even with the cost for his time.”
Customer Review: “Solid board for the price. M.2 slot works great with my WD Black SN750. BIOS is easy to navigate, and I was able to overclock my i5-8600K without issues.”
Complete Buying Guide for How To Set Asrock X370 For Best M2 Ssd Performance
Essential Factors We Consider
When optimizing M.2 SSD performance on an ASRock X370 board—or choosing a replacement—we focus on BIOS configuration, PCIe lane allocation, SATA port sharing, and chipset limitations. Many X370 boards share bandwidth between M.2 and SATA ports, so enabling M.2 may disable certain SATA connectors. Always check your manual! We also prioritize boards with native M.2 support over adapters, unless you’re on a tight budget.
Budget Planning
You don’t need to spend hundreds to get great M.2 SSD performance. Adapter solutions start under $15, while capable Intel-based boards like the ASRock H370M series range from $70–$100. If you’re keeping your X370, invest in a quality adapter. If upgrading, consider Intel’s H370 or Z370 for hassle-free M.2 support.
Final Thoughts
While the ASRock X370 is a solid AMD platform, its M.2 implementation can be tricky. For best results, either use a reliable adapter or switch to a modern Intel board with native support. Either way, proper BIOS setup—like enabling PCIe Gen3 mode and disabling unused SATA ports—will ensure your M.2 SSD runs at peak speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use an NVMe M.2 SSD on an ASRock X370 motherboard?
A: It depends. Some X370 boards support NVMe in the M.2 slot, but many only support SATA-based M.2 drives. Check your specific model’s manual. If unsupported, you’ll need a PCIe adapter card or a different motherboard.
Q: Why is my M.2 SSD slower than expected on X370?
A: Common causes include BIOS settings (ensure PCIe Gen3 is enabled), shared SATA lanes (some ports disable when M.2 is active), or using a SATA M.2 drive in a PCIe-only slot. Update your BIOS and verify compatibility.
Q: Do I need to update BIOS before installing an M.2 SSD?
A: Highly recommended—especially for NVMe support or newer SSD models. ASRock frequently releases updates that improve storage compatibility and performance.
Q: Will using M.2 disable my SATA drives?
A: On many X370 boards, yes—typically SATA ports 5 and 6 are disabled when M.2 is in use. Plan your storage layout accordingly or choose a board that doesn’t share lanes.
Q: Is it worth upgrading from X370 just for better M.2 support?
A: If you’re already investing in a fast NVMe SSD, upgrading to an Intel H370/Z370 board can simplify setup and boost performance. But if you’re on a budget, a good adapter works well for SATA M.2 drives.
Ready to supercharge your storage? Whether you’re tweaking your ASRock X370 or upgrading to a newer platform, the right setup can make your M.2 SSD fly. Pick the solution that fits your budget and build goals—and enjoy lightning-fast boots, loads, and transfers today!