M.2 SSD Installation
Introduction
Section titled “Introduction”This chapter installs the Samsung 990 PRO 2TB NVMe SSD into a motherboard M.2 slot.
Purpose
Section titled “Purpose”Install the Windows and game storage drive correctly with the motherboard heatsink in place.
Estimated Time
Section titled “Estimated Time”10-20 minutes.
Difficulty
Section titled “Difficulty”Beginner to moderate.
Required Tools
Section titled “Required Tools”- Precision Phillips screwdriver if the M.2 heatsink uses screws.
- Anti-static wrist strap.
- Samsung 990 PRO 2TB SSD.
- Gigabyte B850 AORUS Elite WiFi7 user manual.
Warnings
Section titled “Warnings”- Do not touch the SSD edge connector.
- Do not overtighten M.2 screws.
- Do not stack a motherboard heatsink on top of an SSD model that already has a tall heatsink.
- Do not forget to remove protective film from the motherboard M.2 thermal pad.
- Do not install a SATA M.2 drive; this build uses NVMe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Section titled “Step-by-Step Instructions”- Identify the
M2A_CPUslot. This is the preferred boot SSD slot for this build because it is CPU-connected and supports PCIe 5.0 x4/x2 SSD capability with Ryzen 7000-series CPUs. - Remove the M.2 heatsink covering
M2A_CPU. - Confirm the slot is set for an 80mm
2280drive position. - Remove any protective film from the heatsink thermal pad.
- Hold the Samsung 990 PRO by its edges.
- Insert the SSD into the M.2 connector at a shallow angle.
- Lower the free end of the SSD onto the standoff or latch point.
- Secure the SSD with the motherboard latch or screw.
- Reinstall the M.2 heatsink so the thermal pad contacts the SSD controller and NAND area.
- Tighten the heatsink screws evenly and lightly.
Verification Checklist
Section titled “Verification Checklist”- SSD is M.2 2280 NVMe.
- SSD is installed in
M2A_CPU. - SSD is fully inserted into the connector.
- SSD is secured at the 2280 position.
- Thermal pad protective film is removed.
- M.2 heatsink is reinstalled.
- No M.2 screw or latch is loose.
Common Mistakes
Section titled “Common Mistakes”- Leaving plastic film on the thermal pad.
- Installing the drive at the wrong length position.
- Overtightening the heatsink.
- Using a heatsink-version SSD under the motherboard heatsink.
- Forgetting which slot contains the Windows drive.
- Installing a SATA M.2 drive; the motherboard M.2 connectors support PCIe/NVMe SSDs only.
Expected Result
Section titled “Expected Result”The Samsung 990 PRO 2TB drive is installed under a motherboard heatsink and ready to be detected during BIOS and Windows setup.
Sources Reviewed
Section titled “Sources Reviewed”Next Chapter
Section titled “Next Chapter”Continue to Memory Installation.