M.2 SSD installation question.

BunnyJ · Dec 10, 2023

Well I finally got the M.2 installed. I found a screw that I could use and it holds it in place perfectly

Now, I have to reinstall windows.

Thanks for the help

BunnyJ · Dec 10, 2023

I just need to reconnect the case fans and I'm all set

BunnyJ · Dec 11, 2023

glasskuter said:
I'm starting to shake some, too. I can't speak for the little screwdriver that comes with that kit, but I bought this one and it's screwdriver had a magnetic pull strong enough that I didn't have any trouble either with assembly or insertion. More than likely all these companies include cheap screwdrivers that come from the same place. You'll do fine. If you fumble for 3 tries, walk away and come back to it. The more anxious you are the harder it will be. Strong light is the key.

I was proud of myself. I didn't lose a single one of the mini screws.....and I always lose screws.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KDDKDNN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I just added to my shopping cart for Jan. I have the M.2 installed, but I want to have a heat sync for it.

iko22 · Dec 11, 2023

BunnyJ said:
heat sync

, ... you mean Heatsink ...

siliconbeaver · Dec 11, 2023

the screw must be M2 type as it's labelled "M2". i.e. 2mm M2 Metric coarse machine screws.

BunnyJ said:
Well I finally got the M.2 installed. I found a screw that I could use and it holds it in place perfectly

MisterEd · Dec 11, 2023

I bought an ASUS motherboard back in 2017. It only has 1 NVME M.2 SSD slot. It was easy to put in the original SSD because the motherboard was outside the case. It was more challenging when I replaced it with a larger SSD since the motherboard was in the case. I don't want to put that screw in very often. I think I remember using a small screwdriver with a magnetized tip.

I used a PCIe card with an M.2 slot to add a 2nd M.2 NVME SSD. Again that was relatively easy because I mounted the SSD with the card outside the computer.

iko22 · Dec 12, 2023

How to correctly insert NVME SSD drive into motherboard:

(Video: 2 minutes 40 seconds)

Notice:
- use of magnetic screwdriver.
- when inserted SSD into motherboard, at angle of 30 degrees, push down into place using screw and screwdriver. In other words, don't push down using fingers. I find it works out much easier that way.

telepro21 · Dec 12, 2023

My motherboard is an ASUS Prime X470-Pro.
I remember the delicate operation to mount the M.2 drives on the motherboard and was thankful to have a small magnetic screwdriver, too.

After populating the two on-board M.2 slots, I expanded my number of M.2 drives with an earlier version of this card: Hyper M.2 x16 Gen 4 Card｜Motherboards｜ASUS USA
Depending on your motherboard and BIOS, the riser card can support 1 to 4 additional M.2 drives.
(With my configuration, the card supports only three additional M.2 drives.)

PenPusher · Dec 12, 2023

The first screw which is mounted on the motherboard has a stepped shoulder for the back of the M.2 drive to locate on!! then place the locking screw on.

iko22 · Dec 12, 2023

Yes, it is called a Standoff, and is a bit chunkier, hence should be easier to fasten down than the M.2 screw.

kiwiaz · Dec 22, 2023

glasskuter said:
I'm starting to shake some, too. I can't speak for the little screwdriver that comes with that kit, but I bought this one and it's screwdriver had a magnetic pull strong enough that I didn't have any trouble either with assembly or insertion. More than likely all these companies include cheap screwdrivers that come from the same place.

FYI you can magnetize just about any screwdriver by sliding a strong magnet along the shaft ten or fifteen times from handle to tip. No need to buy one special ... unless you can't find a magnet.