If you are not confident in your technical abilities, we recommend seeking the assistance of a qualified professional.
One of the key advantages of M.2 SSDs is their impressive speed.
Another benefit of M.2 SSDs is their compact size.
While M.2 SSDs offer numerous advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
It is essential to consult your motherboards manual or specifications to determine which types of M.2 SSDs are supported.
The first consideration is the capacity of the M.2 SSD.
Next, consider the speed of the M.2 SSD.
Look for M.2 SSDs that support these faster interfaces to take full advantage of their speed capabilities.
It is also essential to pay attention to the endurance rating of the M.2 SSD.
This rating indicates how durable the SSD is and how many write cycles it can withstand.
Be sure to check the endurance rating provided by the manufacturer before making a purchase.
Take note of the form factor compatibility of the M.2 SSD with your motherboard or system.
As mentioned earlier, M.2 SSDs come in different lengths and widths.
Ensure that the SSD you choose matches the M.2 slot on your motherboard or the specifications of your system.
Finally, consider the brand and reputation of the manufacturer.
Opt for reputable brands that have a track record of producing reliable and high-quality SSDs.
Reading reviews and checking user feedback can help you make an informed decision.
Preparing your box
1.Power Off and Disconnect:Turn off your box and disconnect the power cable.
This step is essential to prevent any electrical mishaps during the installation process.
2.Ground Yourself:Ground yourself by touching a grounded metal surface or using an anti-static wristband.
This helps prevent any static electricity from damaging your gear components.
3.Gather Tools:Collect the necessary tools for the installation, such as a small Phillips head screwdriver.
It is also helpful to have a flashlight handy to ensure visibility inside your machine case.
4.Locate M.2 Slot:Determine the location of the M.2 slot on your motherboard.
Consult your motherboard manual or manufacturers website for its exact location.
The M.2 slot is usually located near the CPU socket or close to the PCIe slots.
5.Check Compatibility:Confirm that your motherboard supports a second M.2 SSD.
Refer to your motherboards manual or specifications to verify compatibility.
This step helps prevent any accidental damage to other components or interference with the installation.
7.Update BIOS:test whether there are any BIOS updates available for your motherboard.
In the next section, we will guide you through the installation process step by step.
2.Remove the Mounting Screw:Most M.2 slots have a securing screw that holds the SSD in place.
Locate the mounting screw and use a small Phillips head screwdriver to remove it.
3.Insert the SSD:Hold the M.2 SSD by its edges and carefully align it with the slot.
Gently press the SSD down until it is fully seated in the slot.
Be careful not to overtighten the screw, as it may damage the SSD or the motherboard.
Consult your motherboards manual for instructions on accessing the BIOS.
You have successfully installed the second M.2 SSD into your rig.
Configuring BIOS tweaks
1.Access BIOS:reboot your rig and enter the BIOS setup.
The key to get into the BIOS may vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer.
Common keys include Del, F2, F10, or Esc.
Refer to your motherboards manual or manufacturers website for the specific key.
The specific location and naming may differ depending on your motherboard model.
3.Enable M.2 Slot:Look for an option to activate the M.2 slot.
This option may be labeled as M.2 PCIe Configuration or similar.
Ensure that the M.2 slot where you installed the second SSD is enabled.
This step ensures that your system boots from the correct SSD.
Refer to the BIOS manual for instructions on modifying the boot order.
The specific key to save and exit may be F10 or a similar function key.
After configuring the BIOS prefs, your setup should recognize the second M.2 SSD properly.
However, you should double-check the recognition in the operating system.
Proceed to the next section to learn how to initialize and format the second M.2 SSD.
This will launch the Disk Management utility.
2.Identify the Second M.2 SSD:Look for the newly installed M.2 SSD in the list of drives.
It should be labeled as Unallocated or Not Initialized.
3.Initialize the SSD:Right-hit the unallocated space of the second M.2 SSD and select Initialize Disk.
Choose the appropriate disk initialization style (MBR or GPT) based on your requirements.
Click OK to initialize the drive.
5.Format the Partition:Once the partition is created, right-hit it and select Format.
Choose the file system format and allocation unit size that best suits your needs.
Click OK to format the partition.
6.Assign a Drive Letter:After formatting the partition, right-punch it and select Change Drive Letter and Paths.
Click Add and choose an available drive letter to assign to the partition.
Click OK to complete the process.
7.Verify the Formatting:Open This PC or My Computer to reach the newly formatted drive.
By following these steps, you have successfully initialized and formatted the second M.2 SSD.
Now you might begin using it for storage or as a dedicated drive for specific applications.
Confirm that you’re free to read and write files to and from the drive without any issues.
find out if the speeds are in line with the specifications provided by the manufacturer.
With thefaster speeds of the M.2 SSD, you should experience a significant improvement in boot times.
Conclusion
Congratulations!
You have successfully set up a second M.2 SSD in your rig.
These configs ensure that your system boots from the correct drive and maximizes the performance of your M.2 SSD.
