How to install M.2 SSD on your PC?

Welcome to our detailed guide on installing an M.2 SSD in your computer! In this article, we’ll show you how to add an M.2 SSD to your computer to make it faster and add more storage space.

This guide will walk you through the steps in a clear and easy way, no matter your level of knowledge of computers or if you are new to it. So let’s go !

What is an M.2 SSD?

Before tackling the question of installing an M.2 SSD, it is worth defining what it is. M.2 SSDs are solid-state hard drives in a small and flexible M.2 format. This way, information can circulate quickly. Compared to normal hard drives, these drives boot faster, make files easier to view, and improve overall system operation.

Preparing for installation

Make sure you have all the necessary tools and do some preparations to ensure the installation goes smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:

M.2 SSD: Choose an M.2 SSD that provides enough space for your needs and sufficient speed. Think about the read and write speed, its lifespan and its price.

Screwdriver: Most M.2 SSDs require a small screwdriver to install. To find out the type and size of screws you need, check the specifications of your SSD.

Anti-static wrist strap: You should wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent static electricity from escaping, which could damage sensitive parts.

Before you start anything, make a copy of your important documents. Although you shouldn’t change the information you already have, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Installing the M.2 SSD in your PC

Now that you are ready, let’s begin the installation process. Follow the following steps carefully:

Step 1: Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord. Always turn off your computer and unplug it before making any changes to its hardware. This keeps you safe and prevents damage to your machine.

Step 2: Open the computer case and look for the M.2 hole. Depending on your chip, the M.2 slot may be on the front or back. Check your motherboard instructions to find the correct location.

Step 3: Slide the M.2 SSD into place. Insert the M.2 SSD holes into the M.2 drive slots. As you insert the disc, apply steady pressure to ensure it stays in place.

Step 4: Use the screw that came with the M.2 SSD to hold it in place. Use the correct screw to carefully put the M.2 SSD in place. Be careful not to overtighten, as this may damage the drive or processor.

Step 5: Reassemble the computer and plug in the power cord. After closing the M.2 SSD, close the computer case and make sure all connections are secure. As soon as you plug in the power cord, you will be able to use your computer.

BIOS setup and disk initialization

After installing the M.2 SSD, you may need to change the BIOS settings and power on the drive. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: First go to the BIOS page. You must restart your computer and press the key given to you during startup to enter the BIOS. Depending on your computer manufacturer, you may be able to access the BIOS by pressing Del, F2, or F10. If you are unsure, check the instructions that came with your computer.

Step 2: Go to where it says Storage or Boot. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the storage or boot area once you are in the BIOS. Look for options that feature M.2 or NVMe drives.

Step 3: Enable the M.2 port and have the computer use it as a boot drive. Find the M.2 slot in the storage or boot space where you will place the SSD drive. Turn it on and make it the primary disk of the booting computer. This tells your system that the M.2 SSD is the primary hard drive.

Step 4: Save changes and exit BIOS. Save your changes in BIOS and exit after making the necessary changes. Your computer will restart and the M.2 SSD should now be visible to the running system.

Step 5: Show the operating system how to use the M.2 SSD. Once your computer is up and running, open your operating system’s disk management tool, such as Windows Disk Management. Look for the M.2 SSD, which may appear to have not been shipped or configured yet. To configure the disk, right-click it and choose « Initialize » from the menu. Choose the correct partition style (MBR or GPT) and follow the on-screen steps to configure the disk.

Verifying the installation

It is important to check the M.2 SSD after booting it to make sure it is working properly. Here are a few things to check to make sure everything goes well:

Step 1: Check disk status. Open the Disk Management tool or its equivalent in your operating system and make sure the M.2 SSD drive is listed as a healthy and recognized drive. Make sure the storage space specified is correct.

Step 2: Time the drive to see how fast it runs. You can check the speed of your new M.2 SSD and see if it is working well using testing tools. This will give you important information about your drive’s read and write speed, allowing you to compare its speed to other storage devices.

Step 3: Move the files and make sure they are all working. Copy a few files to the M.2 SSD to make sure they can be read and written correctly. Make sure everything works well and quickly by opening and using these files.

Conclusion

Congratulations ! Installing an M.2 SSD drive in your PC was the best thing you could do. If you follow this detailed guide, you will be able to find your information faster and make your system run better. When adding hardware, you should always read and follow your motherboard instructions.

If you want to store more data and move it faster, an M.2 SSD is a good choice. The M.2 SSD is a great addition to any modern PC because it is small and performs well.

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