How to Install an M.2 NVMe™ SSD in a Desktop PC

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Upgrades

High-Speed Performance for Demanding Desktop Workloads

Upgrading an internal SSD on your desktop PC can enhance the performance of your system. Take advantage of faster booting, faster application loading, and high-speed file transfers.

Materials Needed

  • Sandisk M.2 NVMe internal SSD
  • Crosshead screwdriver
  • External USB M.2 NVMe enclosure
  • Small plastic prying tool (optional)

Recommended Software

Easy

Difficulty

30-75 Minutes

Time

Why Upgrade Your Desktop to an M.2 SSD

Unlock Speed

M.2 SSDs, particularly those utilizing NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express), deliver significantly higher read and write speeds than traditional SATA SSDs or hard drives. This results in shorter boot times, faster file transfers, and quicker loading in games and software applications.

Maximize Efficiency

Since SSDs have no moving parts (unlike traditional hard drives), they operate silently and are less susceptible to mechanical failure. They also use less power, which contributes to lower heat output.

Streamline Your Setup

Compact and low profiled, M.2 SSDs are ideal for desktops – especially those built for high-performance gaming or other demanding applications. They install directly to the motherboard, eliminating the need for SATA cables and allowing for a cleaner, more streamlined setup.

Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrade Your Desktop Internal M.2 SSD

Follow along below or watch the video.

Before You Begin

Check SSD Compatibility with Your System

If you're not sure, go to Sandisk Support to understand what SSD options are available to you.

Back Up Your Data

It's important to back up your data before upgrading your desktop. You can use a Sandisk external SSD to create a backup of your data.

Download the Recommended Software

The recommended software will help streamline the SSD upgrade process.

Determine the Number
of M.2 Slots

Have a single M.2 slot?
Continue to Path A.

Have double M.2 slots?
Continue to Path B.

Path A: Steps for Upgrading Your Desktop SSD with a Single M.2 Slot

STEP 1

Clone your existing drive

  • Plug your new M.2 SSD into the external M.2 NVMe enclosure.
  • Connect it to your desktop via a USB port.
  • Use Acronis True Image for Sandisk to create an
exact copy of your currently installed M.2 SSD boot drive
into the SSD plugged into the enclosure.

STEP 2

Power down and disconnect

  • Shut down your desktop computer.
  • Unplug the power adapter and any other connected cables.

STEP 3

Open the desktop case/panel

  • Slide off the desktop case/panel or use a crosshead screwdriver to remove the screws holding the desktop case/panel.
  • Carefully remove the case/panel to access the internal components.

Before touching anything connected to your motherboard, touch something that is bare metal to remove static electricity from your body.

STEP 4

Locate the M.2 slot

  • Identify the M.2 slot on your motherboard. This slot is usually located near the PCIe slots.
  • Unscrew your old SSD with your crosshead screwdriver and remove it.

STEP 5

Install a new Sandisk M.2 SSD

  • Insert the M.2 SSD at a slight angle into the M.2 slot.
  • Ensure the notches on the SSD align with the keys in the slot.
  • Press the SSD down and secure it with the screw.

STEP 6

Reassemble the desktop

  • Close the case/panel of the desktop.
  • Secure it with screws.
  • Reconnect all cables, including the power cable.

STEP 7

Power up and verify

  • Power on your desktop PC.
  • Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings and ensure the M.2 SSD is recognized as the boot drive.
  • Boot into your operating system and verify that the M.2 SSD is functioning properly.
  • Use the Sandisk Dashboard app to ensure your desktop is running the latest SSD firmware, and update firmware if needed.

You have now upgraded your desktop PC with an M.2 NVMe SSD from Sandisk.

For more helpful tips, visit: Sandisk.com/Support.

Path B: Steps for Upgrading Your Desktop with Multiple M.2 Slots

STEP 1

Confirm performance differences between M.2 slots

  • Refer to manual for performance of primary and secondary M.2 slots.
  • Prepare to install new/larger capacity SSD into primary slot with highest potential bandwidth.

STEP 2

Power down and disconnect

  • Shut down your desktop computer.
  • Unplug the power adaptor and any other connected cables.

STEP 3

Open the desktop case/panel

  • Slide off the desktop case/panel or use a crosshead screwdriver to remove the screws holding the desktop case/panel.
  • Carefully remove the case/panel to access the internal components.

Before touching anything connected to your motherboard, touch something that is bare metal to remove static electricity from your body.

STEP 4

Locate the M.2 slots

  • Identify the M.2 slot on your motherboard. This slot is usually located near the PCIe slots.

STEP 5

Install a new Sandisk M.2 SSD

  • Insert the new M.2 SSD at a slight angle into the secondary M.2 slot.
  • Ensure the notches on the SSD align with the keys in the slot.
  • Press the SSD down and secure it with the screw.

STEP 6

Power up and clone secondary SSD

  • Power on the desktop.
  • Use the Acronis True Image for Sandisk software to create an exact copy of your currently installed boot drive onto the new Sandisk M.2 SSD plugged into the secondary slot.

STEP 7

Power down and remove or replace old SSD for secondary storage

  • Shut down your desktop.
  • Remove the old SSD you just cloned.
  • Move your new Sandisk M.2 SSD from the secondary slot into the primary slot and secure with screws.
  • You can insert another SSD into the open secondary slot, whether it’s the old SSD you’ve just cloned or an additional M.2 SSD, secure with screws, or leave it empty.

STEP 8

Reassemble the desktop

  • Reattach the case/panel of the desktop.
  • Secure it with screws.
  • Reconnect all cables, including the power cable.

STEP 9

Power up and verify

  • Power on the desktop.
  • Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings and ensure the new M.2 SSD is recognized as the boot drive.
  • Boot into your operating system and verify that the M.2 SSD is functioning properly.
  • Use the Sandisk Dashboard app to ensure your desktop is running the latest SSD firmware, update firmware if needed.

You have now upgraded your desktop PC with an M.2 NVMe SSD from Sandisk.

For more helpful tips, visit: Sandisk.com/Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use Acronis True Image for Sandisk software. For more information on how to download and use this software, learn more here.

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Disclosures

Sandisk and the Sandisk logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sandisk Corporation or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries. Western Digital is a registered trademark or trademark of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. Acronis and True Image are registered trademarks of Acronis International GmbH in the United States and other countries. The NVMe word mark is a trademark of NVM Express, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Product specifications subject to change without notice. Pictures shown may vary from actual products.

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