Table of Contents
Installing any kind of SSD in PC and laptop is straightforward. First of all, you must identify and purchase the right type of SSD. Then, you just locate the port and do all the technical stuff. The technical stuff is mostly easy but still, some people need a helping hand and this is what this article is for. In this article, we are going to take you through a detailed guide to installing any kind of SSD on almost any kind of computer whether a laptop or desktop. We will also cover some other devices as well including gaming consoles, DVR, and NAS.
SSD installation will vary depending on the laptop, desktop, or device you are using. But there are some general steps which can be followed for most devices. Wherever possible, we will tell you the variations of the steps to make sure you always do this thing with proper care. Also, we would recommend going to a service center if you are worried about the warranty or you are not comfortable with the electronics. Otherwise, this article will provide you with everything you need to easily upgrade any computer with an SSD.
Why upgrade to an SSD?
The CPU in your computer is the main component that does the processing in order to do anything. The smallest task on your computer isn’t generally small and followed by many tasks that the CPU performs. We are talking about millions and billions of tasks within a single second. To perform this magnitude of tasks, the data must be received and sent very fast. This is the reason RAM is employed as the primary memory. But, as the CPUs and RAMs are getting faster and faster, the need for faster storage drives is obvious. The older hard drives or even the slower SATA drives can sometimes cause bottlenecks which will then result in degraded performance.
Now, to eliminate any kind of storage bottlenecks, faster SSDs are introduced i.e. NVMe drives. So, SATA SSDs are faster than the hard drives but the NVMe SSDs are even faster than the SATA drives. So, most people upgrade to faster SSDs to achieve better performance. However, this isn’t the case all the time. Some people may just want to increase the storage space. But, upgrading to a faster SSD will always give you some kind of performance boost.
How do I know which SSD to buy for an upgrade?
An SSD is purchased based on your computer’s specifications which include the supported form factor, interface, protocols, space, and many other things. Also, choosing the right SSD manufacturer is very important to ensure proper support and reliability. The motherboard manufacturers and CPU will decide which SSD will be supported in your system. The best way to identify the supported SSD is by looking at the user manual. Also, you can look at the physical port as well. If your system or laptop already has an SSD and you want to replace it, you just buy a new one with more storage and the same specs. For more details on this, you can check our SSD buying guide. (Link the SSD buying guide article here)
How do you install/upgrade an SSD on a laptop?
Upgrading SSD in a laptop is generally much more complex as compared to the desktop. This is because you have to open the back panel and sometimes more things in order to just access the SSD ports. Some older laptops had the SSD and RAM slots inside the dedicated covers in the back but this is rare to see these days. However, once you open up your laptop, it is easy to install the SSD.
1. Disconnect power and battery (if external)
The first step is to make sure the laptop does not get any kind of input power supply. If the laptop has an external battery, make sure to unplug it before you go to the next steps. Also, unplug the power plug before proceeding further.
2. Open the back panel screws
To open the back panel, you’ll probably need a Phillips screwdriver. Different laptops may need different screwdrivers. If you are not sure, you can check the user manual. Just make sure all the screws are out before you proceed further to open the back panel.
3. Pry open the back panel
Depending on the time you are trying to open the laptop, the locks might be hard to open. If you don’t have a prying tool, use an old credit card or any hard plastic thing that can go between the laptop body and the back panel. It is good to start from the corners.
4. Locate the SSD Port
Once the back panel is out, locate the SSD port. The M.2 slots are easy to locate with a small port with screw holes in front of it.
The SATA slot will be bigger. In some laptops, there might be a hard drive in that port and you may want to replace it with an SSD. For that, just take the hard drive out and install the SSD in a similar manner.
There could be an issue in the M.2 slots and SSDs if you don’t actually know whether the SATA or NVMe SSD. There are two types of M.2 SSD slots i.e. NVMe and SATA. An NVMe M.2 slot would support both NVMe and SATA SSDs but the SATA-only port will only allow SATA M.2 SSDs.
5. Install the SSD
The installation process will vary depending on the type of SSD. Let’s discuss both in detail.
Installing SATA 2.5” SSD in Laptop
- Just open the tightening screw and remove the SSD cover. Tighten the screws around the SSD first of all.
- If your laptop has a removable SATA connector (strip-type), you can simply plug it into the SSD and then into the motherboard. However, if the connector is fixed on the motherboard, you just have to push the SSD inside and then tighten the screw.
Installing an M.2 SSD in a laptop
- Once you have located the M.2 port, open its screw and get your SSD ready for the installation.
- Just insert the SSD at an angle of around 30 degrees and it should go in the port a little bit.
- Once it got in the port push the SSD down and tighten the screw.
- Cover the back panel and tighten the screws
Once the SSD is installed, you can put the back cover On and then tighten the screws as you have removed them. Turn On the laptop and check if the SSD is working fine. In some cases, the system may not show you the installed drive in the File Explorer. In that case, mount the SSD.
- Mount the SSD (if required)
- Open the Disk Manager menu in Windows and check if you have an unmounted drive there. An unmounted drive will show (unallocated with its name).
- Right-click the unmounted drive and click New Simple Volume. Proceed with the next pages to set the name of your drive or create partitions.
With these steps, you will be able to install any SSD on your laptop without any issues. Again, if you are facing any issues opening your laptop or you are not comfortable doing these things yourself, it is better to get in touch with an expert or take your laptop to the service center.
If you are unsure about which 2.5” SATA SSD to buy, you can check out OSCOO’s 2.5” SSDs as well.
How do you install or upgrade an SSD on a desktop?
Installing an SSD on a desktop is a little easier compared to the laptops. This is because locating the ports is easy along with opening the case. It will be much better if you are installing a new SSD because in that case, you can install your SSD when the motherboard is out of the case.
- Open the case if the motherboard is installed. Otherwise, if the motherboard is out, just locate the port.
- Install the SSD depending on its type. Let’s discuss the steps for all kinds of SSDs one by one.
Installing SATA 2.5” SSD in Desktop
For this type of SSD, you’ll have to access two cables in the motherboard. The first one is the SATA connector and then the power SATA power connector that comes from the PSU. Connect these cables to the SSD. The SATA cable will connect to a SATA port on the motherboard as well.
- Now, the SATA connector will go to the smaller connector on the SSD like this:
- Now, it’s time to connect the SATA power connector to the SSD.
The SATA SSD can be placed in the back of your PC case. Some cases may have separate places to hold the SATA SSDs. However, the connection is done and it’s all up to you how you keep your SSD.
Installing M.2 SSD in Desktop
To install an M.2 SSD whether NVMe or SATA on your desktop, you’ll have to find the port for it. The installation process will be similar to that of the laptops. Just insert the SSD in the port at an angle and then tighten it up with the screw. Again, there can be two kinds of M.2 ports i.e. M.2 SATA and M.2 NVMe. So, it is important to check before you make a purchase. The installation, on the other hand, is the same for both and really easy.
The images below can surely illustrate it better.
Again, the M.2 NVMe port will allow both M.2 NVMe and M.2 SATA SSDs. However, the M.2 SATA ports will only support SATA SSDs, as we discussed earlier.
Installing the AIC SSD
The AIC SSD goes in the PCIe port just like a graphics card. These SSDs are rare but if you get your hands on one of those, you can easily install it like a graphics card.
SSD Installation in Gaming Consoles
Modern gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox come with faster NVMe SSDs for quick game loading, saving, installation, and overall performance. Most of the latest models would allow you to upgrade the SSD to faster drives or high-capacity SSDs. Let’s see how you can easily upgrade the SSDs in these gaming consoles.
SSD Installation in PlayStation 5
We are going to discuss the method to install SSD in the PlayStation 5 but you can use the same method for upgrading Playstation 4 as well.
- First of all, take the outer cover out of the case to access the SSD slot.
- Now, you have to open another cover that is put over the actual NVMe slot.
- Now, install the SSD just like we install in the laptop. Insert it at an angle and then press below to tighten up the screw.
In the PlayStation 4 and 3, you may only get the option to upgrade to a SATA SSD. The procedure is going to be almost similar but for those SSDs, you’ll have to install the brackets as well.
You just tighten the screws on your SSD with this bracket and then install the SSD as it is.
SSD Installation in Xbox One S and Xbox One X
In the Xbox One S and Xbox One X gaming consoles, installing a new SSD is a little trickier because of the additional steps to remove both covers and access the drive. However, below is the method you can follow if you feel comfortable about it.
- Open the side panel screws first of all. Then take the side cover out.
- Open the internal panel screws.
- After that, open the connector that goes to the main panel. There will be two screws holding that connector in its place.
- Now, disconnect the second connection to free up the PCB.
- Now, its time to open the remaining screws and take the internal cover out to access the drive.
- Remove the drive along with its SATA connector and the bracket. Open the bracket and install it in the SSD in the same way. Then connect the drive again on the console as it was sitting before. You are done with the installation.
How do you install SSD in a CCTV DVR?
Most modern CCTV systems allow for faster SSDs as their storage medium. This is mainly because of the increased video resolutions and the demand for faster storage and access mediums. The process of installation, however, is going to vary depending on the DVR. But, let’s see how you can install an SSD in a popular Hiksemi DVR.
Note: CCTV DVRs work with separate kinds of hard drives and SSDs that are designed and rated just for the CCTV systems that run 24 hours. So, make sure not to install the ordinary drives. If your CCTV system works with the SD cards, you can check out the micro SD cards from OSCOO.
- Open the DVR box by removing its screws from all sides.
- Locate the installed SSD or hard drive. If there is no drive, find the port. If there is a bracket, attach your drive to it. For M.2 SSDs, you can simply insert the drive to the M.2 port.
- Once the SSD is mounted on the bracket, attach the connection wires and tighten the drive in its place.
Now, you can put the covers back on with the screws.
How to install SSD in NAS?
Network Attached Storage or NAS can be of many types. Some use only SATA drives either hard drives or SATA SSDs. Some could be using the NVMe drives while some may use a combination of both. So, the installation process can vary depending on these types. Because the NAS is designed to be portable devices mainly focused for home and office usage, the installation is pretty easy. Let’s discuss how you can do it.
Installing SATA SSDs in NAS
Most NAS come with the easy-to-use sockets to install both hard drives and SATA SSDs. There could be a physical lock on those brackets which you will have to open first. Let’s discuss the process.
- Take out the SSD bracket from the NAS
- Install the SSD on the bracket using the given attachments. You can also check the user manual to know the process.
Once the SSD is attached to the bracket, you can insert the bracket as you took it out. That’s it with the installation process.
Installing NVME SSDs in NAS
- Open up the box or try to locate the main board with the M.2 slots.
- Install the NVMe drives in the dedicated slots.
Once the drives have been installed, close the box as you had opened it.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you install any SSD on your laptop, desktop, NAS, PS5, XBox, etc.. However, I would repeat that doing it yourself can sometimes cause problems if you don’t handle the electronics with a proper case. However, if you pay close attention to the steps, you will surely be able to upgrade your computer with a faster and better storage drive.
