Installing an SSD is one of the most straightforward upgrade you’re able to do to your PC — the only one with fewer steps isinstalling new memory . That makes it a large way to attempt out upgrading your PC by yourself , and we ’re here to help oneself . Just stick to the pace below , and you ’ll have agreat new SSDin your PC in no time .
Here ’s how to do it .
Buying the right SSD
Before you’re able to set up an SSD , you need to buy the right one for your PC . If you ’ve already done that , skip ahead to the install instruction below , but if you have n’t , be sure to give our guide onhow to buy an SSDa read . It will take the air you through grease one’s palms an SSD that will physically fit in your PC and is compatible with it . It will also give you advice on speed and capability to help you get the best SSD for you .
How to install an NVMe SSD in your PC
Most modern SSDs areNVMe drivesusing the M.2 form factor , and most PCs derive with dedicated slots for those . If you have an older 2.5 - column inch SATA SSD you want to instal , check out the incision below .
whole step 1 : To set up an NVMe SSD in your PC , shut out your computing machine down and unplug all the cables , then place it on a desk or other easily - accessible surface with adequate lighting .
footstep 2 : move out thePC caseside panel using the rear gaoler .
Step 3 : Before touching any internal components , ground yourself by attaching an anti - static watchband , or by touch some conductive portion of the case or big businessman supply chassis . Do this sporadically while working in your microcomputer , and ideally , tire out rubber - resole shoes while doing so — particularly if you ’re bear on rug .
Step 4 : Locate a surplus NVMe M.2 SSD time slot on your motherboard . These are often found in the eye of the circuit board , but can also be farther down , snuggle among the PCIExpress slot . It may be underneath your graphics carte in some cases — you may have to get rid of the GPU to get access .
Some motherboards have the M.2 expansion slot on thebackof the motherboard . To save you take away the it altogether or rest of the case ’s covering , attend at the motherboard for clues ( such as " M.2 " and an arrow ) or survey the motherboard ’s manual .
Step 5 : off the retaining screw(s ) and rear off any pre - installed heatsinks .
Step 6 : Angle the SSD into the slot at around 45 degrees , and mildly push it in until you feel a gentle click . Then beseech the other end of the SSD down , until it rests against the retain shag jam . Then use the retaining turnkey to secure the drive in seat . If necessary , re - attach any heatsinks that were in place before the install .
Step 7 : Before close up your personal computer , plug away in the cable again and bring up it up . ensure the BIOS , and in Windows to see if the new SSD is detect . If not , you may need to format it within the Windows Disk Management utility .
We have some steps you could come after if yourSSD does n’t show up in Windows .
How to install a SATA SSD
NVMe and SATA SSDsdiffer in physical size and , speed , and Leontyne Price .
SATA SSDs can be a bang-up room to append capacity and speed to a PC , especially if you ’re on a tight budget . They take a little more travail to set up , but it ’s still straightforward . Here ’s how to do it .
stone’s throw 1 : Turn off your microcomputer , unplug all the cables , and remove the side gore . Then put it on a desk or easily - approachable surface with adequate lighting .
footmark 2 : turn up a spare 2.5 - inch drive bay . If you do n’t have one , either absent an existing drive , or be prepared to use some tape or other method acting for secure your SSD still in the infrastructure of your vitrine , or against a side panel . WhileSSDs are tougher than gruelling drives , and are less susceptible to physical damage , you still do n’t want it rattling around if you need to move your PC .
Step 3 : Locate a spare SATA power connector . It will have an liter shape . Plug that into the appropriate mogul port on your SSD . Then grab a spare SATA transmission line — you should have gotten one with the SSD or your motherboard — and punch it into the SSD . Then secure the other end into a free SATA slot on your motherboard . It should be located somewhere along thefrontedge of the board .
dance step 4 : Before closing up your PC , plug in the cables again and boot it up . Check the BIOS as well as Windows to see if the novel SSD is observe . If not , you may want to initialize it within the Windows Disk Management public-service corporation .
If it still does n’t show up , succeed the steps linked to in the NVMe department above and you should be capable to fix it .
get a laptop computer that need a storage acclivity ? Here’show to install an SSD in your laptop .
