Whether you want to extend your PC's life or upgrade performance, an NVMe SSD can be an excellent investment you can make in 2023. To get better performance, you might feel like you want to replace components like memory, video card, or processor, but it's not the right move.
If you want an upgrade, changing your SSD is the best option. The faster your hard drive, the quicker it can write and read data, giving your computer an overall boost in terms of speed. The NVMe SSD is a type of SSD that does not require a lot of space in your PC's case and doesn't have any messy wires, so upgrading to an NVMe SSD is comparatively more straightforward.
So how to upgrade your PC's storage with an NVMe SSD?
If that's the question on your mind, you are reading the right article. This article will cover how to upgrade to an NVMe SSD and what requirements you should look for. Let's get started!
Prerequisites To Lookout For Before Getting Started
Before upgrading your PC's storage with an NVMe SSD, you should ensure that the NVMe SSD you plan to install in your system is supported by the motherboard which you have.
Almost every modern motherboard currently available in the market supports NVMe SSD. Still, checking compatibility before making any moves is best if you use a relatively older PC (older than five years or more).
You must also check the compatibility with M+B Key, B Key Drives, or M Key Drives. This is because not all the SSD modules aren't all the same; they have different keys, which refer to the shape of the connectors. Like we have other USBs (type C, micro USB, etc.), NVMe SSDs have different keys.
How to upgrade your PC's storage with an NVMe SSD - Step-By-Step Guide
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Get Your PC Prepared For The Upgrade
Start by creating your workspace; this is crucial for you as it helps prevent the formation of static electricity, which can potentially damage your new drive. Have your supplies: your computer, a screwdriver, and your NVMe SSD.
Next, get your data backed up; this step is crucial before installation. Copy all the essential files to an external drive, cloud, or USB flash drive.
2. Install The NVMe SSD
Shut down your PC, remove the power cables, and open the case. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface; this will protect your PC's components from the static electricity you have in your body.
Locate the M.2 PCIe slot; you can easily find the slot on your PC. You are looking for a horizontal slot between the PCIe slot and the CPU. If you can't find the slot, refer to the motherboard manual.
Once you have found your slot, insert the NVMe SSD. It depends on your motherboard, but if you have a heatsink on your PC, you need to unscrew it from the motherboard before you add the NVMe SSD.
Hold the SSD from the sides and ensure you don't touch the pins to insert it. Align the SSD with the slots' ridges, and insert it at a 30-degree angle. Don't push too hard to establish a connection.
3. Top It Up With A Screw
You might have to use a screw to secure the drive and ensure it's stable. However, ensure you don't over-tighten the screw to keep your drive connected to your system.
Once it's all done, reassemble your system and turn on your computer. And THAT'S ALL! You have successfully installed an NVMe SSD on your PC!
Top NVMe SSDs You Should Lookout For!
Now that you know how to install an NVMe SSD on your PC, knowing which SSDs you should invest in is crucial. So to help you get the right pick, we have listed some of the top NVMe SSDs for you!
1. WD Black SN850X
- Seq. read: 7,300 MB/s
- Seq. write: 6,300 MB/s
- Interface: PCIe Gen 4x4
- Capacity: 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
- Flash: 112-Layer TLC
- Controller: WD in-house (Sandisk)
If your PC is compatible with Gen 4 SSDs and you have no plans to move to Gen 5, the WD Black SN850X can be an excellent choice. Some might consider SK Hynix's Platinum P41 one of the best NVMe SSD, even better than WD Black SN850X, but the statement isn't entirely true.
Even though SK Hynix's Platinum P41 is better in terms of performance, it comes at a decently high price, making SN850X your best pick for SSDs if you have a budget. However, the X model of this SSD can be used with and without a heatsink; it all comes down to your PC components and how well they do without a heatsink. If they can't perform without a heatsink, then it's an extra cost for you to get a heatsink.
Furthermore, the SN850X runs much more excellent than SN850 and offers outstanding performance. However, on the downside, the SSD is not a significant step forward as the changes, compared to the original model, are minor, and there are no real gains in the 4K random performance.
2. SK Hynix's Platinum P41
- Seq. read: 7,000 MB/s
- Seq. write: 6,500 MB/s
- Interface: M.2 PCIe Gen 4.0 x4
- Capacity: 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
- Flash: 176-Layer TLC NAND
- Controller: SK Hynix Aries
If you feel the WD Black SN850X isn't for you, your next best pick is SK Hynix's Platinum P41. The SSD is slightly more expensive than WD Black SN850X but performs somewhat better.
The SK Hynix's Platinum P41 is currently the most potent 1 TB SSD available in the market; the SSD delivers astonishing performance, and finding a significant weakness in the SSD is tough. The only downside you will find would be that the 4K performance provided by the SSD isn't spectacular.
Furthermore, the operating temperature of the SSD is slightly higher than expected. The SSD would reach as high as 71°C, and though you won't find any thermal throttling, it still raises a question about the SSD's long-term reliability.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PC's storage with an NVMe SSD is one of the best and easiest ways to boost your PC's performance. However, it all comes down to your SSD model and the techniques you are using to get your system upgraded. So ensure you follow all the steps discussed in this article to get yourself a desirable upgrade.