Thinking about making your computer faster? Installing an NVMe SSD is one of the best ways to upgrade your PC’s speed and performance. Whether you’re a gamer who wants faster loading times or someone who just wants your computer to run smoother, this guide will walk you through every step.
And don’t worry — you don’t have to be a computer expert to follow along. If you’re in 8th grade or just starting to learn about computers, this guide is perfect for you. Let’s get started!
Why Choose an NVMe SSD Over a Regular SSD?
Before we jump into the installation, let’s take a minute to understand what makes an NVMe SSD special.
You might have heard terms like SSD, NVMe, SATA, m.2, or PCIe. It sounds complicated, but here’s a simple explanation:
- Regular SSDs connect to your computer using something called SATA. It’s fast, but not the fastest.
- NVMe SSDs connect using something called PCIe (which is even faster than SATA).
So, NVMe is like the sports car of SSDs. It zooms. 🚀
How Much Faster is NVMe Than SSD?
Here’s a very simple comparison chart:
| Feature | Regular SSD (SATA) | NVMe SSD (PCIe) |
|---|---|---|
| Read Speed | Around 550 MB/s | 3,000 – 7,000 MB/s |
| Write Speed | Around 520 MB/s | 2,500 – 6,500 MB/s |
| Type of Connection | SATA III | PCIe (Gen 3/4/5 — way faster) |
✅ Key Takeaways:
- SATA SSD: Great for budget builds and everyday use — significantly faster than HDDs.
- NVMe SSD: Up to 12× faster than SATA — ideal for gaming, creative work, and fast system responsiveness.
💡 Tip: NVMe drives plug directly into the motherboard (M.2 slot), saving space and improving speed.
🔁 Best Practice: Use an NVMe SSD as your boot drive and add a SATA SSD for extra storage if needed.
As you can see, NVMe drives are much faster. Loading games, opening files, starting your computer — everything becomes quicker.
Let’s learn how to install one.
What You Need Before You Start
Before we open up your computer, make sure you have:
- A desktop PC (this guide is for desktops, not laptops)
- A motherboard with an available m.2 slot that supports NVMe
- An NVMe SSD
- A small screwdriver (usually a Phillips-head)
- Anti-static strap (optional, helps prevent damage)
- Your PC or motherboard manual (in case you need it)
⚠️ Important: Not all m.2 slots are the same. Some only support SATA SSDs. Your motherboard must have an m.2 slot that supports NVMe (PCIe-based). Check your PC’s manual or the manufacturer’s website if you’re not sure.
Step-by-Step NVMe Installation Guide
This process is pretty simple — just take your time and follow each step.
Step 1: Shut Down and Unplug
First things first — turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall. Then, press the power button once (even though it’s unplugged) to get rid of any leftover electricity.
Optional but helpful: Wear an anti-static wrist strap so you don’t accidentally damage anything inside your computer.
Step 2: Open Your Computer Case
- Use your screwdriver to take off the side panel of your PC.
- Lay your PC on its side so you can easily see the inside.
This will usually take just a couple of screws.
Step 3: Find the m.2 Slot
Look at your motherboard. The m.2 slot is a tiny, flat slot usually located between the CPU and the big slots where your graphics card might be.
There will likely be a small screw at the end of it — unscrew that and set it aside (we’ll use it later).
Step 4: Insert the NVMe SSD
- Hold the NVMe SSD by its edges (don’t touch the gold connectors).
- Line it up with the m.2 slot. It only fits in one direction, so don’t force it.
- Gently slide it into the slot at a slight angle (about 30° upwards).
- Then press it down flat so the end lines up with the tiny screw hole.
Now, use the tiny screw you removed before to fasten it in place. Don’t overtighten — just enough so it stays put.
Step 5: Optional: Add a Heatsink
If your NVMe SSD came with a heatsink or your motherboard has a built-in heat cover, now is a good time to use it. This helps keep your SSD cool — especially helpful if you do gaming or video editing.
Step 6: Close Up Your PC
- Put the side panel back on.
- Screw it in.
- Plug all your cables back in.
- Power up your PC!
Now it’s time to set up your new SSD.
Step 7: Check BIOS to Detect the Drive
When your PC starts:
- Tap the key to enter BIOS (often it’s DEL, F2, or ESC — watch the screen during startup).
- In BIOS, look for a section like “Storage” or “Boot.”
- Make sure your NVMe drive is listed there.
If it’s there, great! You’re almost done.
📝 Tip: Want to install Windows on your new NVMe SSD? You’ll need to either clone your old drive or install Windows fresh. That’s a separate guide — but possible!
Step 8: Format the Drive in Windows (for Extra Storage)
If you’re using the NVMe SSD as a second drive (not the main one with Windows), you’ll need to format it so Windows can use it.
Here’s how to do that:
- Right-click the Start button
- Click “Disk Management”
- Look for a new drive labeled “Unallocated”
- Right-click on it and choose “New Simple Volume”
- Follow the steps to give it a letter (like D:) and format it (choose NTFS format)
Done! Your computer can now use the new drive.
Troubleshooting Tips
Something not working? Check these quick solutions:
- NVMe not showing up in BIOS? Re-insert the drive, make sure it’s fully in, and check your motherboard manual.
- Drive not showing in Windows? Go to Disk Management and format it.
- Still no luck? Make sure your motherboard supports NVMe (not all do), or try updating its BIOS.
Bonus Tips: Get the Fastest Speeds 🔧
Now that your NVMe drive is ready — here’s how to make sure it runs its best:
- Check for firmware updates for your SSD (usually on the manufacturer’s website)
- Turn on write caching in Windows (Device Manager > your SSD > Policies tab)
- Set your computer power plan to “High Performance” (especially for laptops)
- Use a heat spreader or heatsink if you do heaving gaming or editing
These tips help your drive go fast — and stay fast.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Speed 🚀
And there you have it! You’ve upgraded your PC with a fast, modern NVMe SSD.
We understand that opening a computer can feel scary at first — but now you’ve done it like a pro. Whether you’re playing games, editing videos, or just using your computer for school or work — everything should feel way faster.
💡 Remember: NVMe is way faster than regular SSDs, and now you’re experiencing that speed every time you turn on your computer.
Happy computing — and enjoy the speed of NVMe! 🖥️💨