I'm blind and I'm trying to build a new PC. It's my first time installing an M.2 drive and I need some help. I'm using the WD BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD and a Gigabyte 870e Elite Wifi 7 motherboard, aiming to install the SSD closest to the CPU. I've read the manuals but I still feel uncertain about the installation process. I get that I should slide the SSD in at a 30-degree angle and wait for it to lock, then apply the adhesive heat sink that comes with my motherboard. However, I'm confused about which side of the SSD should face up since one side has a sticker. Also, I notice there's a notch on one side—can anyone advise me on how it should be positioned? I thought I picked this motherboard for its screwless M.2 slots, but this is proving challenging. I have experience installing RAM, so I'm hoping I can get this right too!
1 Answer
You seem to have a good grasp of the installation! Just remember, the sticker side of the SSD should be facing up, and you’ll want to leave that sticker on because it's designed to be heat conductive to help with the cooling. The uncentered notch is the side that should go into the M.2 slot, which ensures it only fits one way—similar to installing RAM. Insert it at that 30-degree angle, and you'll feel it slot in; then give it a gentle push until it lays down flat with minimal resistance for the toolless fastener. It can be tricky to know it's in the right place without vision, but if you feel any resistance, pull it out and try again, pushing down a little lower this time.
Thanks for the clarification! If I'm oriented with the RAM slots at the top right, should the notch on the M.2 face right or left when inserting? I can feel the locking mechanism for the heat sink on the left side, and there's also a divot in the center of the slot that feels like it locks the heat sink in place. So, does the SSD slide in from the left or right, and will it rest next to the notch for the heat sink? I want to make sure I’m applying pressure correctly.