How to Install SSD on Motherboards – Step-By-Step Guide

Not many people know how to install SSD on motherboards, and that is what makes it our today’s topic of discussion today.  

Certainly, a SSD or solid-state-drive plays a central role in making your computer’s overall performance significantly faster and more professional. That is the reason why people prefer SSD over HDD. Its flash memory is way faster and robust than that of any other available memory. If you want to boost up your PC speed, this article will guide you through the process.

It is always better and fruitful if you have in-depth knowledge about your motherboard. After all it is what is responsible in whole functions and passes the information as you have commanded. However, if not all, then just the know-how will do as well.

But there are some factors or you can say as prerequisites that you should also be vigilant before installing the SSD randomly, especially if you are doing it for the first time.

So, without delaying any further, let’s get to know how you can install the SSD in the motherboard by yourself!

Prerequisite of Installing SSD in Desktop Motherboard

Generally it’s desktop where installing or replacing the older HDD with SSD is the question. If you want to attach SSD in desktop read twice the following points:

Do’s

Firstly make sure to shift all of your essential data using data migration software (cloning software).  It will help a great deal in case of damage as well. Also you want your data to be on the new drive, right? So this software aptly does that for you.

Don’ts

•         This is not it, to make things highly professional and for protection on your brand new SSD do not ever touch the connector on the driver.
•         Moreover, never open the SSD as it keeps the warranty. If you open it you may lose its warranty and hence the performance would decrease, even down to the HDD, Just saying!

How to Install SSD on Desktop Motherboards

So now that you are all set to install the solid-state drive on your own. It’s time to get the real job started.

1. Safe environment

This is very important to start the process by ensuring safety. For instance, clear out the place and make it as spacious as you can.  It would be best if you remove the clutter of the small stuff, like decoration, pens, paper pins or whatever isn’t necessary. Also keep plastics, sparky or inflammatory things.

2. Get to The Essentials

Certainly without the assisting tools you can’t start the right installation of an SSD. For that, you need a screwdriver and what type of screwdriver you need would tell your PC’s manual. And you need a 2.5 inch SSD, for sure.

3. Shut down the PC

You can’t replace the SSD without shutting it down. It would be both dangerous and difficult to keep going like that. Completely shut down the system and remove cables if any.  Keep in mind to hold the power button for at least 5 second. It would drain the electricity that resides within the PC.

4. Open up the Exterior

After shutting down the system, open the case carefully. If you have any problem while doing so, read the manual for better understanding.

5. Drain the Static Charge

This is a crucial and careful step to perform. Although you have shut down the system and removed the cable yet, it’s advisable to ground yourself by making sure you are touching the unpainted metal surface.

6. Detect the Storage Area

It’s pretty easy. After you have removed the CPU case, search out and find the storage bay. However, if you don’t know anything and are new to this whole hardware thing, immediately read the manual. It would tell you according to the build of your system.

Like said before, each computer features its slight own style of hardware placement, its contour and all. And each brand comes with the signature style (mostly similar).  So if your storage bays are rather large for the SSD you want to fit in, that is not a problem to worry about. go for the .5-inch to 3.5-inch converter or slots that aid in the installation process.

7. Remove the Previous Drive

Now, you have detected the storage fee, carefully removing or detaching the older drive, be it HDD or SSD. Gently disconnect the cables and the supports i.e. brackets that needed to be disconnected.

8. Install the Solid-State-Drive

Now you have reached the much awaited step, installing the SSD on your motherboard. Be careful and keep in mind that not to hard insert e plug or cable that isn’t going within, it could damage the SSD or the port where it is supposed to be.

Use SATA cable for the connection and insert the one end of it to the SATA connector located on the motherboard of your system and the other end of SATA cable to the SSD drive.

Now use the power cable of SATA that is there coming from your PC system’ power supply to connect it to the SSD for the power delivery. That’s it.

9. Attach the Casing

After installing the SSD to the motherboard, reattach the case of your desktop snugly. Make sure to keep things smooth and take a critical look at the cable connection. Everything should be perfectly in place and in sockets.

That is it and now you are done with the installation of the SSD to the motherboard. Power on your PC and enjoy the faster speed from now onwards!

Pro Tip

Dealing with hardware can be dangerous if you aren’t professional OR you don’t follow the instructions as they have been recommended. And if you are replacing the hardware by yourself, it’s better to be safe from shock and static electricity and also keep the component from any sudden damage.

For that, always wear an ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) strap prior to touching the internal components, especially the PSU (power supply unit). It will discharge the static electricity that is there in everybody’s body!