How to Install SSD in PC, Laptop, and PS5?

Published On: January 31, 2025By Categories: Guides, How To, SSDs, Storage DevicesTags: ,
How to Install SSD

Whether you need to boost your PC performance or expand its storage, upgrading to a better SSD is always the best choice to breathe new life into your PC. Upgrading requires two significant steps: choosing the correct SSD and then installing the SSD on your device. Once you have found the correct SSD, many are stuck on the step to install that SSD into the PC, laptop, gaming console, or whichever device they are working on. Yeah, installing an SSD can be technical. Usually, people get confused about the tools required and their compatibility with the device. This guide will offer a complete understanding of installing SSD on three commonly used devices: Desktop, Laptop, and PS5. Get ready to experience the blazing-fast PC performance. 

How to Install an SSD?

Installing an SSD may have a slightly different process depending on the device to device and which SSD you are using. Traditional SSDs have a lot of wires and physical space. Before you begin to learn how to install SSD in PC, make sure that you have a compatible SSD. New motherboards come with M.2 SSD, and even if you have had your motherboard for 5-6 years, there is a high chance it would have a traditional SSD. To check your motherboard compatibility with the SSD, you can check its instruction manual. Usually, computers and laptops have 2.5 inches of SATA SSDs; on the other hand, the motherboard and PS5 console have a slot for M.2 NVMe SSDs. Here is how to install an SSD in PS5, desktop PC and a Lap. 

How to Install SSD in PS5?

Play Store uses M.2 SSD storage, as it helps make the best use of available space in PlayStation. If you have Play Station 4 or PlayStation 5, you need an M.2 storage to smoothly download, copy, and launch the Play Station. M.2 SATA SSDs are not compatible with PlayStation. Before we move ahead, let’s clarify one thing: SSDs are used to expand PlayStation’s storage. 

PlayStation’s built-in storage is only 825GB, out of which 667GB is available to install games. Due to its advanced graphics, it quickly gets out of storage. Thanks to its expansion slot, you can use an NVMe SSD to increase its storage. Once you have it, you can freely move between games. It is available on console storage, M.2 SSD storage or M.2. Here is how you can install SSD in PS5. 

You will find the M.2 Expansion slot under the side panel of the console:

Pre-requisites:

  • A Play Station Compatible SSD
  • A screwdriver that fits perfectly in Screws 
  • You PS5 Console

The Process to Install SSD in a PS5 is as follows: 

  • Place the console on a flat surface and shut down the PC.
  • Remove all the attached cables and power off the console. 
  • Now remove the console cover and place the PS5 with the disc drive. 
  • You can place the device PS5 logo facing down or up, whichever way it is possible, to gently remove the cover. 
  • Now, locate the expansion slot; it has a cover. Roll and open the screwdriver, and then remove the cover. 
  • Now insert the NVMe SSD into the expansion slot, and make sure it is firmly seated within the spacer. 
  • Now, place the Expansion slot cover back and fix it with the screwdriver. 

How to Install an SSD in a PC?

If you are wondering how to add SSD to PC, here is a quick guide.  Installing an SSD into your PC requires more knowledge than having a system manual and a few supplies. If you want to install your SSD without causing any trouble, here is the easiest manual. 

How to Install SSD in PC?

Most motherboards have SATA storage ports. However, the Modern model comes with NVMe SSDs. You have to check which SSD your laptop supports. You can just check the slots given in your motherboard. Here is the quick process to install an SSD in PC.

  • Turn Off the PC and remove all the attached cables and wires. 
  • Now, if you have a SATA SSD, go for a 2.5-inch SATA bay and connect to the SATA connection from the PSU. 

If you have an M.2 SSD which is commonly available in all upcoming motherboards, mount for the SSD Slot located near the CPU socket. It is often found in the CPU and PCIe slots. You can easily find the slot as it is labelled as M.2 or NVMe, although some motherboards hide M.2 slots behind the M.2 heatsinks.

  • Insert the SSD into its given slot and let it settle in the space. Fix it firmly with a screwdriver. 
  • Now, put the cover back on its motherboard and reconnect all the attached cables. 

How to Install SSD in Laptop?

Installing an SSD in a laptop requires a few important steps. However, one thing you should be careful about is not losing your data while changing SSDs. Make sure to have a data backup plan. 

Most laptops use M.2 SSDs or Mini SATA due to their compact design. It’s ideal for thin and lightweight laptops. Check the SSD Compatibility with the laptop before you go ahead with the installation process. Here is how to install SSD in Laptops.

  • Shut down the laptop and remove all the peripherals and cables connected to it. 
  • Remove the battery if it is removable. 
  • Remove the back panel by flipping the laptop upside down. 
  • Use a Phillips screwdriver and unscrew them. 
  • Look for the SSD slot, generally labeled as M.2 or SSD. 
  • If you are replacing an old SSD, first remove the existing SSD. Then, install the new one. 
  • If mounting brackets are attached to the SSD, then slide it into the slot with a 30-degree angle. 
  • Re-insert the battery and put the panel back on it. Power on the laptop and connect all the peripherals. 
  • Check for the installed drive, format it, and initialize it in your operating system. 

Conclusion:

This blog is a small guide that shares the easiest way to install an SSD. Whether you have a PS5, a laptop, or a desktop, here is the process to install SSD in each one of them. Before you begin the process, make sure you have the right SSD. Once you know how to add SSD to PC, check if it is fully installed. 

FAQs

How to know if SSD is installed correctly?

The most effective method to check if the SSD is installed correctly is by going to the motherboard’s UEFI menu. In the UEFI menu, you will find the installed device section. If your SSD is correctly installed, it will pop up there. 

What happens if SSD is full?

If your SSD is complete, your system will frequently warn about low disk space, freeze, or crashes. You would often find yourself unable to download a file because there is insufficient space. A full SSD increases boot time, and your PC begins to work very slowly. 

Is NVMe better than SATA?

NVMe is more efficient and faster than SATA SSDs, especially for data-intensive tasks, like video editing, large language models, more affordable and compatible. However, SATA is more affordable but can’t properly work with large data. 

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