how to install a second ssd

How to Install an SSD in your Desktop PC

Increase the overall speed of your PC, the time it takes to boot and load programs by following our simple guide to installing a solid state drive. Having successfully helped thousands of people of all ages, backgrounds, and computer-skill levels install SSDs, we're confident that you too, will be able to expertly install an SSD in your desktop PC. Installing an SSD requires little more than a screwdriver and your system's owner's manual, so let's install an SSD in your desktop computer.

Transferring data to your new hard drive

If you are replacing your existing drive, we recommend the use of data migration (cloning) software to move all the files from your existing drive onto your new hard drive. Data migration software is available here at Crucial.com.

To install an SSD in a Mac^® system, the process is different – follow our Mac-specific SSD install steps here.

Warning!—Static electricity can damage the components in your system. To protect your system's components from static damage during the installation process, touch any of the unpainted metal surfaces on your computer's frame or wear an ESD wrist strap before touching or handling internal components. Either method will safely discharge static electricity that's naturally present in your body.

How to install an SSD safely

To protect your new SSD, do not touch the connectors on the drive.
Do not open the SSD. Doing so will void your warranty.

Desktop SSD installation instructions

1. Make sure you're working in a static-safe environment

Remove any plastic bags or papers from your work space.

2. Gather supplies

2.5-inch Crucial^®SSD
Screwdriver
Your computer's owner's manual (which will specify the type of screwdriver you need)

3. Shut down your system

When your system has been powered off, unplug the power cable.

4. Hold down the power button for 5 seconds to discharge residual electricity

Interior of a desktop PC with case removed

5. Open your desktop's case

Refer to your system's owner's manual for how to do this.

Finger touching an unpainted metal surface in the interior of a desktop PC to discharge static charge

6. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface

This is an extra safeguard that protects your drive and components from static damage during the installation process.

Hand pointing to the storage bay of a desktop PC

7. Locate the storage bay

Refer to your owner's manual for the exact location and note the size of the bays.

Some storage bays and existing hard drives are significantly larger than a standard size SSD. If this is the case in your system, you'll need a 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch converter to make the SSD fit snugly. Remove your old drive and disconnect any cables and brackets attached to it.

SSD being plugged in to a desktop PC

8. Plug the SSD into your system

Don't force the connection – it should plug in easily and fit snugly.

To install the SSD as a secondary drive (not your primary or boot drive), use a SATA cable and attach one end of the cable to the SATA connector on your motherboard. Attach the other end of the SATA cable to your Crucial SSD. Then, use an available SATA power cable coming from your system's power supply and connect the cable to your Crucial SSD. For either type of install, consult your owner's manual for how to remove an existing drive (if necessary), and how to handle the cables.

9. Reassemble your desktop

10. Power on your computer

Your SSD is installed!

Have some fun and see how much faster your desktop boots up and apps load! You can make your SSD even faster by downloading our Crucial Storage Executive¹ software and enabling the Momentum Cache feature. Click here to download Storage Executive.