Do you need more storage in your laptop?
Well if your model allows for two M.2 drives, adding a second SSD can be the best answer.
In this video I’ll walk you through how to install it.
This video is sponsored by SK hynix, the maker of fastest-in-class SSDs.
SK hynix developed the world’s first 128-layer NAND-based consumer SSD and is the world’s
2nd largest memory manufacturer.
But what really sets them apart is incredible performance at affordable prices, surprising
power efficiency, and 5-year warranties.
In fact, SK hynix makes PCWorld’s top picks for best all-around SSD and best NVMe SSD.
Grab the Gold P31 or S31 on Amazon and give your PC a big upgrade!
On most laptops there are two paths to adding a second SSD: via an M.2 slot with a gum-stick
sized drive or by a 2.5-inch SATA-based drive.
While both are viable options, in this video I’ll be focusing on the easier to install
M.2 drive that is compatible with most modern laptops.
2.5-inch drive installations typically vary based on the model, so I won’t be covering that here.
One caveat before we start: While I’m sure your laptop would benefit from an SSD upgrade,
it may not actually be possible with your particular model.
Gordon offered ways to find out if your laptop can take an SSD in an earlier video so I recommend
watching his video first - I'll put a link in the description.
And before you get all excited and run out to buy an M.2 drive, you should know that
not all M.2 SSDs are the same.
Even though they use the same connector, M.2 drives can support either the older SATA interface
or newer PCIe interface.
PCIe based NVMe drives are far faster and preferred for serious performance,
but can be pricer.
SATA based M.2 drives are more compatible with older machines and are typically cheaper,
but it’s the slower option.
For my example, I am using the SK hynix Gold P31 NVMe SSD for its compatibility in this
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED I use for work.
The M.2 slot in this laptop does support NVMe drives as well as SATA drives, but for video
editing purposes I want access to the faster speeds that NVMe offers.
Now, installation will be different for each laptop so this isn’t a comprehensive tutorial - you’ll
have to find information online to get access into your specific model.
But the steps will generally apply, so here is how I went about installing the Gold P31.
Before beginning installation be sure to ground yourself on a piece of metal furniture such
as a table leg.
This discharges static electricity, which is bad for PC parts.
To gain access to the laptop’s innards I had to use my iFixit toolkit that included
the T6 Torx screw tip.
This is a great general kit to have and should contain the appropriate screw tip for your laptop.
When taking the screws out be sure to place them somewhere safe.
I like to line them up according to the location on the laptop so I know where each screw goes.
If you need you can place down some tape so the screws don’t run off.
Exercise caution because if you drop a screw and it rolls around your laptop’s innards,
you could be in big, big trouble.
To pry the bottom off I used a plastic pry tool, but in a pinch you can use something
else made of plastic like a guitar pick or a gift card.
Just make sure not to slide it in too far in case there are wires that can get caught.
With the bottom off it’s time to locate the M.2 slot.
The unpopulated slot in this Gigabyte laptop is clearly marked that it can accept both
NVMe and SATA drives.
M.2 drives are always the same width at 22mm but can come in different lengths.
This Gold P31 is the common length of 80mm, which is exactly what this laptop supports.
Some laptops offer support for other sizes and in that case you would have to move the
mounting bracket.
To install the drive, first unscrew the retention screw and keep it handy.
If your laptop doesn’t have the screw already there, you may have to buy one before you
can proceed.
Take the M.2 drive and line up the notch in the contacts with the notch in the slot so
it inserts correctly.
Insert it firmly into the slot at a slight angle and then tilt it flat.
Now install the screw back into the mount while holding the drive flat.
With that finished safely put the bottom of the laptop back on, taking care to put every
screw back in its place, and boot up Windows.
Before the new M.2 drive can be used you might need to format it.
In Windows press the Windows Key + X and select “Disk Management.”
Disk Management should display the list of attached drives, the one marked Unallocated
is the new one.
Before you format be absolutely sure you select the Unallocated drive, you do not want to
accidentally format your primary drive.
Right mouse click on the drive that says Unallocated, select New Simple Volume, and run through
the steps to assign the volume size, the drive path, and name the drive.
I typically leave the volume size as it’s full capacity and the path to the next available.
The naming convention I use is “Drive manufacturer and model underscore drive capacity” as
it gives me enough info to tell which drive it is in a list.
In this case it’s “SKhynixGoldP31_500GB”, but you can name it whatever you want.
Click Next, then Finish to complete the format.
And like that I have doubled the capacity of my laptop with blazing fast PCIe speeds
thanks to this NVMe SSD without having to swap out the boot drive.
With this extra space I’ll have room to load up some games as well for playing after hours.
Well I hope this tutorial helped, if you have questions please let me know in the comments.
Until then, be sure to subscribe to PCWorld for more PC hardware videos -
I’ll see you in the next one!