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

4 Simple Steps to Installing an M.2 SSD Onto the Motherboard (PCIe/SATA M.2)


Beginner's guide to installing an M.2 Solid State Drive in a desktop PC


In this guide we'll explain how to install an M.2 in your desktop PC in simple to understand terms, using an MSI motherboard as an example (but steps are the same for all motherboards).

M.2 SSDs are the very small thin storage drives that are installed directly onto the motherboard, not to be confused with regular-sized 2.5 inch SSDs which still connect to the motherboard but don't actually "live" on the board like M.2 ones do (regular SSDs are instead installed beside the motherboard within your case somewhere such as in a case drive bay).

See Also: How to Install a SATA SSD

Assuming you do actually have an M.2 SSD to install, let's move on. But do also keep in mind there are two main different types of M.2 SSDs you could install. There are PCIe NVMe M.2 drives, and there are SATA M.2 drives (the former being the faster connection type, but at a price premium).

Both PCIe M.2 SSDs and SATA M.2 SSDs are installed in the same way and same location on the motherboard, however they have different sized connectors which require slightly different sized M.2 slots on the motherboard. In other words, you need to make sure your motherboard supports the specific type of M.2 SSD that you have.

There's a physical difference between PCIe M.2 vs SATA M.2 drives

Anyway, this tutorial assumes you already have the right type of M.2 SSD for your motherboard, but if you're still planning your purchase then don't forget to do this compatibility check (and for anyone wondering, yes the PCPartPicker compatibility checker tool does automatically do this for you).

To install a M.2 SSD you'll need a Phillips-head screwdriver, but instead of the usual size 2 head that you need for installing any other PC parts, for an M.2 you'll need a size 1 head. The screw used to secure an M.2 drive is smaller than regular computer screws.

If you're installing an M.2 SSD during a fresh new PC build, this is why it's a good idea to install an M.2 SSD onto your motherboard externally outside the case before you install the motherboard into the case - if you lose that pesky little screw (which is easy to drop and can roll all over the place) it can be a struggle to try and find it from the dark depths of your case (especially if it drops behind the motherboard).

Upgrading An Existing PC With an M.2 SSD?

If instead of building a new PC you're adding an M.2 drive to an existing PC, you may need to remove your graphics card and perhaps other components (like a PCIe wireless card) to be able to access the M.2 slot on your motherboard.

Before opening up your case and working on your PC, don't forget to turn off your PC, turn off the switch on the back of the computer, and remove the power plug from the wall to be safe.

Also, don't forget to be aware of static electricity precautions explained in our guide to building a PC (ground yourself by touching metal before going near your motherboard or other parts).




1. Find Where M.2 Slot is on Motherboard

Where the M.2 slot is on a motherboard will vary from board to board (and some boards have more than 1 M.2 slot). But many motherboards will have an M.2 slot just above or below the graphics card PCIe slot. 

Our MSI B450M Pro VDH Max Micro-ATX motherboard has a M.2 slot just below the graphics card slot, while our MSI B450 Tomahawk Max ATX has the M.2 slot just above the graphics card slot.

On other motherboards, the M.2 slot could be hidden and tucked away under a heatsink (metal plate used to help keep the drive cool) which you need to unscrew and remove in order to be able to access the slot. 

Some motherboards may even have an M.2 slot on the rear/underside of the board. Check your motherboard manual if you can't find the M.2 slot.

Related: Best SSDs for Gaming

Where the M.2 SSD slot is on our MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max motherboard

Where the M.2 slot is on our MSI B450 Tomahawk Max motherboard



2. Reposition Standoff/Riser Screw (If Necessary)

Now look for the 3 holes on the motherboard that are to the left of the M.2 slot. One of the holes should have a large standoff/riser screw already screwed in. This acts as a little raised platform for the end of your M.2 SSD to rest upon (and what the small M.2 screw will screw into later).

As you can see on our MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max motherboard, the far left hole has the riser screw in place, and this is the correct location for the particular SSD we're installing (Kingston A400 M.2 for anyone wondering) and so we don't need to move it:


The motherboard came with the standoff screw already installed in the correct position for the length of our particular M.2 SSD


If you have a shorter length M.2 SSD then you need to remove and reposition the riser screw so that the end of your particular M.2 drive will rest on top of it once installed:


The far left of the M.2 SSD needs to rest on top of the large screw


Unscrew and then re-screw the large motherboard screw to another hole if your particular M.2 SSD is shorter in length



3. Insert M.2 SSD Into M.2 Slot On Motherboard

Carefully pick up your M.2 SSD by its edges (avoid touching the exposed circuitry), and carefully insert it into the motherboard M.2 slot at a 30 degree angle.


Gently slot the M.2 drive all the way in


It shouldn't require much force to insert the M.2 drive all the way into the slot, but you may need to gently wiggle and firmly push it in. If it won't go in fairly easily, perhaps you've made the mistake of getting the wrong type of M.2 SSD for your motherboard. As mentioned at the start of this guide, PCIe and SATA M.2 SSDs have different size notches (ie cutouts) on the end of the drive, which should match the slot.




4. Secure M.2 SSD With Small M.2 Screw

Now all you need to do secure the M.2 drive. With one hand, push down on top of the M.2 drive so that the left side sits on top of the standoff/spacer (touch the label of the drive and avoid touching the exposed circuirty), and then with your other hand screw the M.2 drive into the standoff using a special small M.2 screw.

As mentioned earlier, you'll need to use a Phillips-head size 1 screwdriver head, as opposed to the normal size 2 that other computer screws require. As for the small M.2 screw, that should have been provided in your motherboard box and labelled as an M.2 screw:


If a motherboard has an M.2 slot, it should come with a small M.2 screw

Secure M.2 SSD with a small M.2 screw


That's all there is to installing an M.2 SSD onto your desktop motherboard. Hope this helped, and see the full steps to assembling a computer for specific, beginner-friendly guidance and photos on installing any other components.




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About the Author

Indie game dev currently working on my first public release after years of hobby projects, a story-driven VR FPS built with Unreal Engine (to be announced soon here for anyone into VR FPS's). Also likes writing about tech, which also helps fund development of the game.

My favs of all time are OOT, Perfect Dark, MGS1, MGS2, GE007, DKC2, THPS3, HL1, and HL2, with the most recent addition to my list of immortals being the VR masterpiece Alyx. If you want help with a new build feel free to ask on the main PC builds guide. If you found the site extra helpful and wish to support the work I do here, sharing an article with a friend helps a lot and is much appreciated. - Julz