When installed Windows on an SSD drive, Windows not only boots and shuts down quicker, but applications load faster, and the computer generally feels more responsive. Here's how to install an SSD on your PC.
Just about every PC case has internal bays for adding extra hard disks, which are 3.5inc wide. SSDs tend to be 2.5inc wide, though, so it’s likely you’ll need a mounting bracket to fit one in your computer. Before installing, you’ll need to know if your desktop has 2.5” drive bay inside it. It will simply be a small, think bracket 2.5 inches in width. Don’t be surprised if there isn’t one. Even new desktops often lack this feature.
To install a solid state drive in a case without a 2.5” drive bay, an mounting bracket is required.
Precautions
- Static electricity discharge can damage the components in your system. To protect your system's components from static electricity 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.
- To protect your new SSD, do not touch the connectors on the drive.
How to install an SSD in your PC
1. Make sure you're working in a static-safe environment. Remove any plastic bags or papers from your work space.
2. Shut down your system. Once your system has been powered off, unplug the power cable.
3. Hold down the power button for 3-5 seconds to discharge residual electricity.
4. Remove the case cover from your desktop.
5. To protect your drive and 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 handling internal components.
6. Place the SSD into its mounting bracket or a removable bay, line it up with the holes underneath, then screw it in. Position the mounting bracket into a spare 3.5-inch hard disk bay and secure it using holes at the side.
7. Connect the L-shaped end of a SATA cable to the SSD, and the other end to a spare SATA port.
Sata Data Cable
Sata Ports
8. Connect a SATA power cable to the SSD.
Sata Power Connector
9. Insert a USB or DVD stick ready with Windows and switch the PC on. Press F12 or whatever the key is to see the boot menu and select the USB or DVD. Now follow the instructions to install Windows on to SSD.
