The user uses NVMe SSD for better read/write speeds and lightning-fast performance in their applications and games. However, some users purchase these SSDs without fully understanding the specifications of their motherboard.
Some motherboards do not include an M.2 slot, which is why some users are unsure how to use an NVMe SSD without an M.2 socket.
So, in this article, I will demonstrate how to use an NVMe SSD without an M.2 slot.
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How to Use NVMe M2 SSD Without M2 Slot
To use an NVMe M2 SSD without an M2 slot, you just need an NVMe M.2 adapter. First, insert the SSD into the adapter and then connect the adapter to the motherboard’s PCI slots. You can also use an NVMe M.2 USB adapter. However, they are significantly slower than PCI adapters.
Before you connect an NVMe M.2 converter to your motherboard, double-check a few things. You should first determine which NVMe SSD you have because older-generation NVMe SSDs do not have driver support. The motherboard did not detect the external NVMe M.2 adapter as a device if you did not have any driver support.
Note: Driver support is essential because the SSD functions as an external device in your motherboard. If your SSD lacks driver support, your motherboard did not reconfigure it as a storage device.
You also need a PCI X4, X8 or X16 slot on your motherboard to connect the NVMe M.2 adapter. As a result, ensure that your motherboard is compatible with your adapter; otherwise, the SSD will not be detected.
Check out the easiest way to use an internal SSD for external storage.
Here are the steps to install the NVMe M.2 adapter on the motherboard:
- Insert the NVMe SSD into the M.2 slot in the adapter.
- Screw the SSD properly with the adapter.
- Install the adapter into the available PCI slots in your motherboard.
- Turn on your Computer.
- Install the necessary SSD driver.
After installing the necessary SSD driver, your freshly installed NVMe SSD will appear as a drive on your computer. You need to format the SSD drive before utilizing it.
Note: If you don’t see your SSD as a drive in your computer, try installing your NVMe M.2 adaptor in different PCI slots and see if it shows up. You can use an NVMe M.2 USB adaptor. However, the NVMe SSD will not run at full speed. You only get the maximum speed that your USB cable can provide.
Go through our epic guide to know which M.2 slot should you use?
FAQs
Can I use M2 NVMe in the SATA slot?
No, you cannot use M2 NVMe in a SATA slot since SATA M2 SSDs do not physically fit in NVMe SSD slots.
Why can’t you use an M 2 NVMe SSD in M.2 SATA port?
NVMe devices require a direct link to the PCI-E bus and are incompatible with SATA HDD controllers. As a result, an NVMe device will not function in an M. 2 SATA port, even though it physically fits if it is an M-keyed slot rather than a B-keyed one.
Is m 2 and NVMe m 2 the same?
No, M. 2 and NVMe are not exactly the same, but they function together. The SSD layout is M. 2, and the protocol that links it to the board is NVMe.
Conclusion
Though utilizing NVMe SSD in the right NVMe slot will provide the best performance, you can also utilize an NVMe SSD without an NVMe slot on your motherboard if you are willing to give up some performance.
So, in this article, I demonstrated how to use an NVMe SSD in a PC without an M.2 slot.
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to comment in the section below.
