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SSD M.2 Drive Replacement

What you need

  1. SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Unplug all cables: step 1, image 1 of 2 SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Unplug all cables: step 1, image 2 of 2
    • Turn off your computer if it is on.

    • Unplug all cables at the back and the front of your computer.

    • Make sure to turn off the power supply by putting the switch at the "O" position.

  2. SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Remove the side panel: step 2, image 1 of 3 SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Remove the side panel: step 2, image 2 of 3 SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Remove the side panel: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the side panel to gain access to the inside of your computer. To access the side panel, (except as described below) you need to remove the screws on the rear of the case, then slide the case to remove it.

    • In my case, with a DarkWitcher case from Empire Gaming, I need to unscrew 4 screws to lift and remove the side panel.

    • Locate the M.2 slot on your motherboard. If you don't see it, it may be hidden under the graphics card, you can check in the motherboard's manuel to find where it is.

  3. SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Unplug the GPU power cable: step 4, image 1 of 3 SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Unplug the GPU power cable: step 4, image 2 of 3 SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Unplug the GPU power cable: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • If the M.2 slot is accessible without having to remove the graphics card, you can proceed immediately to step 6.

    • Otherwise, unplug the power cable from the graphics card by levering the clip on the connector and remove it.

  4. SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Remove the GPU: step 5, image 1 of 3 SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Remove the GPU: step 5, image 2 of 3 SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Remove the GPU: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the screws holding the graphics card in place.

    • Push on the clip at the right of the GPU slot.

    • Remove the graphics card by gently lifting it out. You can use a plastic spatula to do this.

  5. SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Remove the heat sink: step 6, image 1 of 3 SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Remove the heat sink: step 6, image 2 of 3 SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Remove the heat sink: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • If your motherboard has no heat sink on you SSD, you can go the next step.

    • If not, remove the screw holding the heatsink in place.

    • Then remove the heat sink by lifting it up.

    • The thermal pad glued to the heatsink may stick slightly to the SSD, so don't be afraid to lift it.

    • Place the heat sink on the opposite side to the one to which the thermal pad is glued.

  6. SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Remove the SSD Drive: step 7, image 1 of 3 SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Remove the SSD Drive: step 7, image 2 of 3 SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Remove the SSD Drive: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the screw securing the disk in place.

    • Once the screw has been removed, the drive will lift itself.

    • Pull the drive to the left to take it out of the slot.

  7. SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Insert the new drive: step 8, image 1 of 2 SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Insert the new drive: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Align the notch on the slot with the notch on the drive.

    • Insert the new drive in the slot.

  8. SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Screw the screw: step 9, image 1 of 2 SSD M.2 Drive Replacement, Screw the screw: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Press slightly on the disc to engage. Align the semi-circle at the end of the disc with the hole in the screw.

    • Screw the screw.

Conclusion

To reassemble you device, follow the instructions in reverse order beginning by the sixth step.

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Gaëtan Suss

Member since: 12/01/22

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