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How to install a M.2 Storage Device on a Motherboard
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How to Install a M.2 Storage Device
By: Ben Maples
What is the Difference?
M.2 drives come in two versions:
a SATA M.2 and a NVMe M.2
Depending on the selected drive there are different "Keys"
NVME M.2 Drives have a "M" key
SATA M.2 Drives have both "M" and "B" keys
SATA or NME M.2?
"Key" Diagram
"Key:" Diagram
Image by appuals.com
Determining if your drive is compatible
Many newer generation motherboards accept both SATA M.2 drives as well as NVMe M.2 drives in the same slot.
Older generation motherboards however will not be able to handle the NVMe drives because of lack of support in the BIOS
Is it Compatible?
How to find the M.2 Port
Each motherboard layout is different but they all seem to follow a similar trend by putting the M.2 slot next to the PCIe ports.
However, not all motherboards do this so it would be beneficial to find out where the port is on the manufacturers website.
Where is the M.2 port?
Example Motherboard
M.2 Placement
Image from: ASUS
M.2 Port
PCIe x16 Port
Closer view of the M.2 Port
Closer M.2 View
Image from recoverhdd.com
How to install a M.2 storage device
Steps to install a M.2 Drive
- 1.) Locate M.2 port on motherboard
- 2.) Slot M.2 Drive into Port
- 3.) Screw down and secure drive
M.2 Installation
Step 1.
Locate the M.2 Port
Image from ASUS
Step 1.
M.2 Port
Step 2.
Slot the drive into the port face up with the notch aligned
Step 2.
Image by TechRadar
Drive inserted with the notch aligned
Step 3.
Secure the drive down with the M.2 Screw
Image by Asus
Step 3
M.2 Port
Depending on the size of the drive it will indicate where to screw on the motherboard.
Step 3 continued.
Step 3 cont.
Image by RockPaperShotgun
Secure drive by screwing down the drive at the apropriate slot
Finished Installation
Image by dongknows.com
Sources
https://appuals.com/how-to-check-pcie-m-2-nvme-ssds-compatibility-with-your-pc/
https://www.asus.com/us/motherboards-components/motherboards/prime/prime-h510m-e/
https://recoverhdd.com/blog/difference-nvme-m2-or-sata-ssd.html
https://www.techradar.com/how-to/how-to-install-an-m2-nvmesata-ssd-on-your-pc
https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/how-to-install-an-ssd
https://dongknows.com/windows-10-nvme-ssd-upgrade/