[SOLVED] Need help installing an NVMe M.2 drive

[adolionis]

Hey!

My computer has been running on a single SSD and everything is installed on it, but now that I bought an NVMe M.2 drive to expand the storage I want to install it the right way, so I have a couple of questions regarding the correct process. I'll be using my computer for primarily for gaming.

System Specs:

• OS: Windows 10
• Motherboard: MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC
• Current Storage: Samsung 860 Evo SSD (250GB)
• New Storage: Samsung 970 EVO Plus M.2 (500GB)

Which of the following is the correct way of installing the M.2 drive?

1. Should I install the M.2 drive into the computer and run it normally, just like plugging a usb drive?
2. Should I install the M.2 drive into the computer, format the entire system and only then use it normally?
3. Should I install the M.2 drive into the computer and run some specific operations for it to be installed properly?

Any other suggested process would be appreciated

Thanks!

 

[USAFRet]

What motherboard?
Which specific M.2 drive? Make/model/size.
What do you plan to use it for?
What other drives are in this system?

 

[adolionis]

What motherboard?
Which specific M.2 drive? Make/model/size.
What do you plan to use it for?
What other drives are in this system?

Thanks for the reply, I've just updated my original post with those details.

 

[USAFRet]

The current OS is on the 860?
What do you plan to use the 970 for?
What size are these devices?

It can be for the OS, or just for other stuff. Either way will work.
What do you use the system for?

 

[adolionis]

The current OS is on the 860?
What do you plan to use the 970 for?
What size are these devices?

It can be for the OS, or just for other stuff. Either way will work.
What do you use the system for?

My current storage is of 250GB (860 Evo) and I have both my OS and my files on it.

My new M.2 drive is of 500GB (970 Evo Plus).

My plan is to have the operating system and my general files in my SSD and use my M.2 for Gaming only. I use this system for general use and gaming mostly.

 

[USAFRet]

My current storage is of 250GB (860 Evo) and I have both my OS and my files on it.

My new M.2 drive is of 500GB (970 Evo Plus).

My plan is to have the operating system and my general files in my SSD and use my M.2 for Gaming only. I use this system for general use and gaming mostly.

Ok then...
All you should need to do is power off, connect the 970, and power up.
No need to 'format' the rest of it.

If it is NOT simply seen as another drive letter, it may not be Initialized.
You'll go in to Disk Management, and Initialize, create a partition, New Simple Volume, Format, and give it a drive letter.
After that, use as desired.

 

[adolionis]

Ok then...
All you should need to do is power off, connect the 970, and power up.
No need to 'format' the rest of it.

If it is NOT simply seen as another drive letter, it may not be Initialized.
You'll go in to Disk Management, and Initialize, create a partition, New Simple Volume, Format, and give it a drive letter.
After that, use as desired.

Thanks! That's great to know!

Btw, would this process be any different if I decided to install other kinds of files in the M.2 drive?

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks! That's great to know!

Btw, would this process be any different if I decided to install other kinds of files in the M.2 drive?

No.
The only difference would be if you wanted to have the Windows OS on that drive.

Other files? No issue at all.

For Steam games, you can have those on multiple drives.
Leave the Steam client on your current 860.
Then...
Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

To move an already installed game
Games library
Right click the game
Properties
Local Files
Move Install Folder

 

[geofelt]

1. Install the m.2 drive normally.

2. Download and install the samsung nvme driver.
You can download it here:

Tool & Software Download | Samsung Semiconductor Global

Download various software related to your product, including Samsung Magician, designed for use with Samsung's memory products, and find related information.

www.samsung.com

3. You can format it like any other drive with windows administrative tools.
But, consider moving your C drive to the m.2.
The link above will get you to the samsung ssd migration app and manual.
It is an easy process. You run the app, and when done, change the boot order to the m.2.
You can then do what you wish with the old drive.