I'm looking for some guidance on installing my Samsung 9100 Pro 4TB SSD (which has a heatsink) onto my MSI Tomahawk X870E motherboard. My GPU is an iGame 4090 and the motherboard is still in its packaging, so I could return it if necessary. However, I can't repurchase the SSD as its price has significantly increased.
1. I understand that I have to remove the motherboard shield, but do I also need to take out the foam beneath the SSD? The SSD has a metal backplate too.
2. The manual states that slot 1 supports up to 22mm width, while my SSD is 25mm. Will it fit? I can't see why it wouldn't fit, but I'm worried it might interfere with the PCIe release latch.
3. Is there anything else I should keep in mind during this installation?
Thanks in advance! Just a heads up, removing the SSD's heatsink would void the warranty, so I'd prefer to avoid that.
2 Answers
Fitting the SSD can be tricky without trying it out, especially since your GPU might take up some space. Before making a decision, check your return policy in case it doesn't fit. If it turns out that the SSD won't work with the board, you can consider getting a different one without that 22mm limit. Just a heads-up: removing the SSD’s heatsink could void the warranty if you're worried about that.
You can install the SSD either with its own heatsink or with the motherboard's for aesthetics, but not both. Most people choose to use the motherboard's heatsink instead. About the foam, you probably don't need to remove it if everything fits. Just ensure there's enough clearance for your setup.
As for the size, "2280" means 22mm wide and 80mm long. A 25mm-wide SSD doesn't exist in standard formats. If you're seeing that size, it might be a misunderstanding.
Thanks for clarifying! I have a Samsung 9100 Pro and it is indeed 25mm wide, but I guess I need to double-check the specs.
Yeah, I checked the retailers and I might be stuck if I open the box. But I'm more comfortable with trying it out instead of losing the SSD value.