M.2 SSD Screw Size and How To Install M.2 SSD [Useful Tips]

Even though building up a computer is easy, it may be a frightening experience for those unfamiliar with the process.

Knowing what not to do in advance may make installing a PC much more straightforward.

First, you have to remember that there are numerous screws included in a PC building that, for buying, Windows serves a particular purpose. 

Your motherboard is fastened with screws in the case. Plus, the case itself is secured to the rest of your PC.

Before you attach any components to your motherboard, be careful to install and handle your screws correctly.

For this reason, this article will tackle a particular screw used in a PC, which is the M.2 SSD Screw.

Take note; M.2 SSD Screws (motherboard screws) are distinct from computer case screws and vice versa.

The significance of these screws, on the other hand, is based on the same idea.

Hence, before purchasing your screw, you have to know the M.2 SSD screw size, standards, and requirements.

Keep on reading this article for you to have a techy guide for your next PC installation projects.

What is an M.2 SSD?

As the name suggests, M.2 is a stick-shaped form factor for SSDs. While these SSDs tend to be quicker, they are also more costly than conventional 2.5-inch SSDs.

Because M.2 SSDs take up less space than 2.5-inch SSDs or hard drives, thin gaming laptops are increasingly adopting M.2 SSDs.

Remember, the M.2 SSD can offer up to 2TB of storage. In addition, several form factors provide more capacity.

There must be a motherboard that has slots for M.2 SSDs on it. You can run your SSDs in RAID if your motherboard has two or more M.2 slots.

M.2 SSDs, therefore, may be either SATA- or PCIe-based, and they can also be either PCIe-based or PCIe-based without NVMe capability.

NVMe-enabled M.2 SSDs provide up to five times the bandwidth of SATA M.2 SSDs, according to Intel.

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Additional benefits include faster file transfers, video or picture editing, transcoding, and compression or decompression.

Moreover, these drives are typically 22mm wide by 80mm long, although they can come shorter or longer.

What are M.2 SSD Screw Size Standards?

M.2 SSDs do not come with fasteners to keep them in place in a computer. It is because there is no universally suitable screw due to system differences.

As a consequence of this, finishing an installation may be difficult. A preassembled system includes both a screw and an offset for the screw to sit in.

Occasionally, screws are supplied with your motherboard if the end-users created them. The screw must fit your system precisely the right size for your needs.

If you can’t find the best screws for you, your system or motherboard manufacturer is your best bet. These professionals can check what model you have and what parts are required.

Furthermore, manufacturers may offer you alternatives for direct replacement or the best recommendations for buying Windows from third-party sources.

An M2x3mm screw is a reasonably common replacement screw size (CM2x3-3.3). Be careful not to push this screw into place if it’s not a good fit. Here are more specific standards of this screw:

  • Size: M3 in metric terms
  • Length in total:3 mm
  • Length of the thread:2 mm
  • Thread Pitch: 50 mm
  • Effective Diameter: 675 mm
  • Tapping Drill: 50 mm
  • Clearance Drill: 10 mm
  • Dimensions of the head: 4 mm
  • Type of drive: Phillips

You can get this perfect M.2 SSD screw size at Hardware shops in the United States. Remember, you have to ensure that the length is correct. In hardware shops, some screws are found to be excessively lengthy.

Don’t risk damaging your hardware by trying to force the incorrect threading into position. You must complete the SSD installation with the correct components.

Torque Value for M.2 SSDs

When installing an SSD, it’s essential to determine the right torque for the screws. As a result, the screw or mounting hole is less likely to be stripped.

The screw torque settings for M.2 drives are not stated since the SSD is universal. The torque is calculated using the set screw and M.2 screw base of the board rather than the SSD.

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For further information, you should call the manufacturer of the motherboard that is installed on your computer.

Tips on Installing M.2 SSD (How Not To Screw Up)

To avoid wasting money on an M.2 SSD that won’t work, be sure to verify that your motherboard supports them.

While new motherboards are quite ubiquitous, M.2 drives have only been out for a few years.

If your setup is several years old, you may have to choose classic SSDs over the newer, higher-capacity ones. Review your motherboard’s documentation or internet guides to find out how to do this.

M.2 slots are miniature connection ports that look like narrow cable slots. You will recognize this slot instantly when you see it.

You should also take the time to prepare your workspace, just as you would before putting together a new PC. Plus, take handy tools on your side.

Place a container to house all the tiny screws you’ll use when installing the unit. It also can help to find a metal surface to balance on.

One Phillips screwdriver with a tiny head is necessary for your PC installation process. You should also not start opening your computer’s internal components without wearing an anti-static wristband.

Step 01 – Open Up Your PC Case and Destaticize

Of course, this is obvious, but you should begin with a few important points. Remove or loosen the side panel of your case, and be sure to provide room to get to the motherboard.

The back borders of your PC contain screws, buttons, or other mechanisms for opening the computer casing. You must take the screws out of the case before they can be taken off.

For the casing to be removed, unscrew the screws from the back of the machine. Then, push the side panel of the computer case toward the rear of the computer. The side panel or the cover of the computer case will come off.

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Finally, a case is kept in place by thumbscrews and screwless mechanisms if both features are used. It is the type of case if you can remove one screw from the rear of the computer.

Step 02 – Find the M.2 SSD Slot

This component should be a cinch for anyone who examined their motherboard’s manual and followed the tips. Bear in mind that your M.2 slot may be situated behind your video card.

On occasion, the M.2 interface is concealed beneath a heat-shield plate intended to keep the drive cool.

Step 03 – Check If Your Motherboard Comes With a Heat Sink

Some M.2 SSDs are equipped with heatsinks, whereas others are not. The inclusion of a heatsink in M.2 SSD-compatible motherboards is not universal.

If you have no heatsinks, consider getting a few models from a third party. Even if you’re using your SSD for high-demand tasks, a heatsink may not be required.

You can obtain a decent SSD alternative for a relatively low price, and that’s far cheaper than purchasing a new SSD.

To install an M.2 SSD on a motherboard with integrated heatsinks, you will first need to remove one of the heatsinks. First, unscrew one and set it aside.

Step 04 – Properly Align The M.2 SSD

After finding your M.2 SSD slot, you will need first to unscrew the screw that is currently in its holder. In that case, you’ll need to slot the SSD in diagonally.

You have it turned around, so it will only go in one way. The trickiest part of the operation is getting the drive in there. It is because you have to place it diagonally and push it down later.

However, with the M.2, you should be able to discover the right angle of the screw with ease if you push firmly. Don’t apply any pressure to it yet.

Step 05 – Screw In Place

Don’t forget about the screw you removed before. You have to put it back in to secure the M.2 SSD.

A semicircular hole in the M.2 drive is easily located so that you can place the screw precisely. Everything will make a gratifying “click” after it’s all put together.

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Otherwise, unscrew the M.2 and attempt to put it back in. Take note; you must have the proper M.2 SSD screw size for a better job.

Step 06 – Finish Up The Heatsink

Now you’re going to want to add the heatsink on your SSD. Keep in mind; you’ll have to take off the protective tape first; that way, it would be pointless.

The particular steps will differ depending on whether you’re using an M.2 or a heatsink. To ensure that your M.2 drive is properly installed, you should press the heatsink down firmly on top of it, then screw it in place.

Step 07 – Boot Up Your PC and Format Your New M.2 SSD

It is advisable not to shut down your computer when fixing the hardware in case of future problems. However, you must still set it up. The physical installation is complete then.

After installing the SSD, you have to format it and assign it a letter in Windows. Windows 10 has a range of installation options, and you can do with it:

  • Pre-installed Windows software
  • Command prompt
  • Windows 10 installation USB

You only need to enable the USB as a boot drive in BIOS and follow the instructions. If you want Windows 10 to be installed from scratch, you should use a Windows 10 installer USB as your primary disk.

If you utilize the M.2 as your secondary drive, you may manage space and format it in Windows using the utility Disk Management.

Right-click the drive you just created and select “New Simple Volume.” The rest of the process will be self-explanatory.

There’s no more to it! Your PC now operates on an M.2 SSD.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Do M.2 SSDs Come With Screws?

M.2 SSDs do not have screws included for securing them in a computer. The lack of a standard screw is due to the variation of systems.

As a result, it may not be easy to finish the installation. A preassembled system includes both a screw and a nut-and-washer assembly in which you can screw in the screw.

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How To Read Screw Dimensions?

Nuts are measured by diameter and pitch.

An example of the specification can be M8-1.0 x 20. This bolt specification is as follows:

  • The letter ‘M’ indicates a metric thread.
  • The ‘8′ refers to the bolt shaft’s nominal diameter in millimeters.
  • 0 is the bolt’s thread pitch or the distance between threads in millimeters.
  • 20 is the length in millimeters.

But metric bolts are commonly specified as M12-50.

The shortened format omits the pitch definition, indicating a coarse thread. A metric bolt is always coarsely threaded if the pitch size is omitted. 12mm in diameter, 50mm long (M12-50).

Do NVME Screws Come With a Motherboard?

Yes, it includes screws and standoffs. First, ensure that the impasse is in the right place, and then screw in the M.2.

Do You Need A Standoff For M.2?

A proper standoff height ensures that the connector and screw level with the M.2 device.

You may need another standoff for your motherboard, so pay attention. To find out more, speak with your motherboard manufacturer or refer to your user handbook.

Takeaway

To simplify your PC installation process, you need the proper M.2 SSD screw size. This factor can help you to maximize the performance of your PC at an optimal level.

Take note; it is always better to find the perfect fit for you, so don’t settle for less.

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