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To install a PCIe NVMe SSD, first confirm that your computer has an M.2 slot that supports PCIe/NVMe and the drive’s physical size. Install the SSD with the computer powered off, then use Windows Disk Management to initialize it, create a volume, format it, and assign a drive letter. For most new drives in modern UEFI PCs, choose GPT.
Check compatibility before opening the computer
M.2 describes a physical form factor, not a guarantee that a slot supports NVMe. Check the computer or motherboard manual for an M.2 PCIe/NVMe slot, supported drive size and generation, slot location, mounting hardware, heatsink requirements, and whether the slot shares bandwidth with other ports. Exact compatibility depends on the system and SSD; do not assume that every M.2 drive fits or that a particular speed is available. Crucial’s installation guide also advises checking motherboard-specific information about shared SATA/NVMe bandwidth.
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Have the SSD, a screwdriver if the system requires one, and the computer’s manual available. Back up important files before starting. Shut down completely and disconnect power; remove a laptop battery only if it is removable and the device instructions call for it. As an extra grounding precaution, Crucial recommends touching an unpainted metal surface before handling components. Follow the manufacturer’s service instructions, especially for laptops.
Install the SSD physically
- Use the computer manual to open the case or access panel and locate the compatible M.2 slot. Remove any cover, heatsink, or screw that blocks access, following the system’s instructions.
- Hold the SSD by its edges, keeping fingers off the gold contacts. Align the drive’s notch with the slot and insert it at the angle specified for your system. Crucial’s general guide describes insertion at about 30 degrees, but the computer manual takes precedence. Do not force the connection.
- Lower the SSD to its mounting point and secure it with the appropriate screw or system hardware, if required. Do not overtighten. Refit the heatsink or cover as directed, close the system, reconnect a removed battery if applicable, and reconnect power.
After startup, the computer may still boot from its original drive. Adding a second SSD does not move Windows or existing files onto it. Replacing a boot drive requires a separate process, such as cloning and changing boot order; these steps only prepare a drive for use as storage.
#1 Best Overall
- Ideal for high speed, low power storage
- Gen 4x4 NVMe PCle performance
- Up to 6,000MB/s read, 4,000MB/s write
- Includes Acronis cloning software
- 5-year limited warranty
Initialize and format the drive in Windows
The following Disk Management steps apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11. Open the utility by right-clicking Start and selecting Disk Management, searching for Create and format hard disk partitions, or pressing Windows+R, entering diskmgmt.msc, and pressing Enter. Microsoft documents these ways to open Disk Management in Windows.
- Find the new disk by its status and capacity, and verify that it is the SSD you just installed. If it is marked Offline, bring it online first. Do not select a disk based only on its position in the list.
- Right-click the correct disk and choose Initialize Disk. Confirm the selected disk in the dialog, then choose GPT for the usual modern UEFI PC setup. Microsoft says GPT is the default choice for new disks and supports volumes larger than 2 TB. Choose MBR only when compatibility with older hardware or operating systems without UEFI support is needed.
- After initialization, right-click the disk’s Unallocated space and select New Simple Volume. Follow the wizard: choose a volume size (the maximum uses the full drive), assign a drive letter, choose a file system—Microsoft says NTFS is usually appropriate—and finish. The resulting formatted volume should appear in File Explorer.
Initialization sets the disk’s partition style; it does not by itself create a usable storage volume. The New Simple Volume wizard creates a partition, formats it with a file system, and assigns a letter. You can create a volume without formatting immediately, but a new Windows data drive normally needs the format step before it is ready for ordinary use. See Microsoft’s initialize new disks instructions for the documented workflow.
Rank #2
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- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
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Choose GPT or MBR
| Partition style | Typical use | Capacity and partitions |
|---|---|---|
| GPT | Normal choice for new disks on modern UEFI systems | Supports volumes larger than 2 TB and more than four partitions |
| MBR | Legacy compatibility with older hardware or operating systems without UEFI support | Supports disks up to 2 TB; limited to four primary partitions |
These distinctions follow Microsoft’s GPT/MBR conversion guidance. If you later need to change a disk’s style, Microsoft’s documented conversion procedure requires removing its partitions or volumes. Back up or move data first; deleting volumes destroys their contents.
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Protect existing data before taking action
Only initialize a disk that is genuinely new and has no data you need. If Windows calls a disk containing files “uninitialized,” stop rather than proceeding: Microsoft warns that initializing a disk already in use can erase data. Back up and troubleshoot the disk first. Formatting an existing volume also destroys its data. Verify the disk identity and contents before initializing, creating, or formatting any volume.
Rank #3
- BREAKTHROUGH PCIe 5.0 PERFORMANCE: Supercharge your workflow and gaming with PCIe 5.0, boasting up to 14,700/13,400 MB/s* sequential read/write speeds. Tackle massive files and power up your gaming with Gen5—twice as fast as the 990 PRO SSD.
- EVERY TASK, TURBOCHARGED: Speed past productivity limits. With random read/write speeds up to 1,850K/2,600K IOPS*, enjoy fast game loads, seamless AI apps, and efficient multitasking. Virtually no lag, no limits—just nonstop performance.
- THINK FAST, CREATE FASTER: With random read/write speeds of up to 1,850K/2,600K IOPS*, the 9100 PRO SSD fuels seamless AI content creation, swift loads, and smooth gameplay. Work, play, and create at lightning speed.
- SPEED, WHENEVER YOU NEED: From laptops to desktop PCs, experience blazing PCIe 5.0 speeds and up to 8TB of storage. Perfect for video editing, gaming, and creative tasks, with the compatibility to match your device.
- STAY COOL, RUN FAST: Push limits, not temperatures. A 5nm controller boosts power efficiency up to 49% over the 990 PRO SSD*, while advanced thermal control keeps performance smooth and reliable.
If the SSD does not appear in File Explorer
A new SSD can be detected by the computer but remain absent from File Explorer until it has a partition, a file system, and a drive letter. Check Disk Management first; if the disk is listed as unallocated, complete the volume wizard above.
If it is not listed in Disk Management, shut down and disconnect the computer before checking the physical installation. Verify that the drive is fully seated, the slot supports PCIe/NVMe and the drive’s size, and the required mounting or heatsink steps are correct. Consult the computer or motherboard manual for slot-sharing details and any firmware configuration specific to that system. These checks identify common compatibility and installation issues, but the cause depends on the individual computer and drive.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SPEED UP PROJECTS. Launch creator applications fast with uncompromising PCIe 4.0 read speeds up to 7,100MB/s,[2] (1TB and 2TB[1] models) and write speeds up to 6,700MB/s[2] (1TB[1]-4TB[1] models).
- CREATE AND STORE MORE. Make more room for your 4K videos and high-resolution images with capacities from 500GB[1] up to 4TB[1] on M.2 2280 built with our trusted 8th generation SANDISK BiCS QLC 3D CBA NAND.
- IT GOES WHERE YOU GO. With an all-new power efficient design, your drive delivers high performance with low power, giving you more time to be productive while on the go.
- UNCOMPROMISED RELIABILITY. With up to 1,200 TBW[3] (4TB[1] model) endurance rating, your drive is designed for creators.
- KEEP YOUR DRIVE UPDATED. Monitor your SSD’s performance and check for updates with the downloadable SANDISK Dashboard application.[5]
Rank #4
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
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