How to connect an SSD to a computer

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Follow the instructions and everything will work out. Even if you haven't dealt with disks before.

What to do before installing an SSD

Check the warranty period

Replacing a drive, like any other manipulation of equipment, involves intervention in the device and automatically voids the right to warranty service. It is recommended to install the SSD when the warranty is over or its loss does not scare you.

Back up your data

If the SSD needs to be installed instead of the old HDD, and not in addition to it, then before starting the procedure, it is necessary to transfer all important files to another internal disk, and if it is not there, to an external one.

The exception is SATA 2.5 hard drives, which, after being removed from the laptop, can be placed in a special case-pocket and used as an external storage device with a USB connection. Some SSDs even come with this pocket.

How to connect an SSD to a laptop

1. Prepare everything you need

The list of what you need is not long:

• SSD disk;
• notebook manual;
• screwdriver.

2. Turn off the power and disconnect the cables

Shut down the laptop completely. Unplug the power adapter cable and disconnect the charging cable from the computer. Disconnect all cables, mouse, headphones, and other accessories.

3. Remove the battery

If the laptop battery is removable, remove it. This is done differently depending on the model, but usually you need to open the latches and remove the battery by sliding it out of place. If you have any difficulty, check your computer's manual or YouTube for information.

After removing the battery, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds to discharge any residual static electricity.

4. Remove the cover

Now you need to get to the disk. As a rule, the rear panel has removable covers with compartments for memory and storage. The disk space is labeled as HDD. If there are several covers, but there are no marks, refer to the instructions or remove everything one by one to find the desired compartment. Modern thin laptops may not have separate covers. In this case, you will have to remove the entire back panel.

Using a screwdriver, remove the fixing screws and carefully lift the cover. Usually, you first need to move it to the side in order to release it from the latches. If in doubt, look for instructions for disassembling your model.

Provide a box for the screws so as not to lose them. They can be of different lengths and sizes, so it is better to lay out the fasteners in the order in which you shoot.

5. Remove the installed drive

SATA 2, 5 ″

Remove the screws that hold the hard drive in place. Slide it to the side to disconnect it from the connectors and gently pull it out of the slot.

M.2

Remove the screw at the end of the drive board. And when it is completely free and lifted under the action of the slot spring, carefully remove the board, slightly shaking it from side to side.

6. Place the mounts on the new drive

SATA 2, 5 ″

If the old drive had mounting brackets or proprietary connectors, remove them and reinstall them on the new SSD. Without these accessories, the drive will dangle inside the slot and it will not work to plug it in.

M.2

Drives of this format are installed directly into the slot without any additional fasteners.

7. Install and secure the SSD

SATA 2, 5 ″

Insert the SSD into the drive bay and slide it all the way in, aligning the SATA connectors. Use a screwdriver to tighten all the screws to secure the drive properly.

M.2

Without touching the gold-plated contacts of the SSD, insert it into the M.2 slot on the laptop motherboard. By rocking the drive from side to side, make sure it is fully inserted into the connector. Use your finger to gently press down on the new drive to seat it, and tighten the screw that secures the SSD.

8. Install the back cover and battery

Check again that the disc is securely in place and that all parts are in place. Install the back panel and tighten all the fixing screws. If the laptop has a removable battery, insert it into the slot until it clicks.

9. Format the disk or install the OS

Turn on the computer and check the system is working. If the new SSD will act as the main disk, then install Windows, macOS or Linux, having previously created a bootable USB flash drive.

If the disk will be used as an additional one, then simply agree with the OS's proposal to format it the first time it is turned on.

How to connect an SSD to a stationary computer

1. Prepare everything you need

Here's what you need:

• SSD disk;
• power and sync cables (if needed);
• motherboard manual;
• screwdriver.

2. Turn off the power and disconnect the cables

Shut down the computer, and then disconnect the monitor, mouse, keyboard, and all other devices and cables from the system unit. The connectors on the rear panel are unique and difficult to confuse. But if in doubt, take a photo before disconnecting everything.

3. Remove the side cover on the case

For convenience, place the system unit on a table. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the left side cover. Slide it towards the rear panel and remove.

Before touching discs or other components, touch an unpainted part of the chassis with your hand to discharge static electricity from your body.

4. Determine the installation location

For exact and detailed information on possible ways of mounting an SSD, see the documentation for the motherboard. Although, using general recommendations, you can get by with a careful visual examination.

SATA 2, 5 ″

Traditional-format drives are placed on the side wall next to the motherboard (in modern cases) or inside a drive cage (more common).

If there are compartments for 2.5 (notebook) drives, then the SSD is installed directly in them. Otherwise, you will need a special adapter slide, which is usually included in the kit and allows you to fix the drive in one of the large 3.5-inch drive bays so that it does not dangle inside.

M.2

M.2 form factor SSDs plug directly onto the motherboard and plug into a slot labeled with a data transfer rate (for example, M.2 32 Gb / s). Often, such an interface is only found in premium computers and is not available in entry-level and mid-range motherboards.

5. Install and secure the SSD

SATA 2, 5 ″

If there is a 2, 5 ‑ inch drive bay in the case, insert the drive into it and secure it inside using the supplied screws and a screwdriver. If only slots for 3.5 options are available, then first install the SSD in the adapter, and then place it inside the cage and screw it on.

If you have a special platform for attaching to the side wall next to the motherboard, place the disk there and attach it using the screws that come with the kit. If the platform is removed, then for convenience it is better to remove it and return it to its place with the disc already installed inside. You may have to remove the left cover of the case of the system unit for this.

M.2

If the board has an SSD cover, remove it. Then, without touching the gold-plated contacts of the drive and without applying excessive force, insert it into the slot at an angle, and then lower it by lightly pressing it with your finger. Then fix the SSD in the slot with the fixing screw. Replace the cover if present.

6. Connect the disk

SATA 2, 5 ″

Connect the power cable to the drive - a narrow black connector with four wires that come from the power supply. Connect a SATA cable to the drive. It is usually pink in color, thin and narrow, with a narrow connector. Insert the other end of the wire into the corresponding slot on the motherboard.

For a faster SSD, plug it into a SATA 3.0 connector that supports speeds up to 6Gb / s. Most often it is colored black. You can find out if it is present on the board and where it is located in the documentation for the motherboard.

An additional SATA cable can be obtained from the motherboard accessory kit or purchased separately from a store. SSDs themselves are usually not supplied with them.

M.2

M.2 SSDs do not require additional connection. Power and data transfer to them is carried out through a slot on the motherboard.

7. Install the housing cover and connect the cables

Assemble the system unit in reverse order. Replace and secure the side cover, reconnect all cables and external devices.

8. Format the disk or install the OS

Start your computer and check the system is working. If the new SSD will act as the main disk, then install Windows, macOS or Linux, having previously created a bootable USB flash drive.

If the disk will be used to store files, then simply agree with the OS's suggestion to format it the first time you turn it on.