How to Reseat a M.2 SSD in a Desktop or Laptop

10 Mins

Intermediate

Tools Needed

Watch Video

Send to Email

Send to Phone

Required Tools

Phillips Screwdriver

Reseating your SSD can be a helpful troubleshooting step for PC issues. Sometimes, connectivity problems can arise, causing the SSD not to be recognized or function properly.

By removing and securely reinserting the SSD, you can ensure a strong connection, which may solve detection issues and boost performance. It's a quick and friendly way to address common problems without diving into complex diagnostics.

Follow the detailed steps below to reseat your SSD in both a desktop and laptop computer.

Reseating your SSD can be a helpful troubleshooting step for PC issues. Sometimes, connectivity problems can arise, causing the SSD not to be recognized or function properly.

Follow the detailed steps below to reseat your SSD in both a desktop and laptop computer.

Why Should I Reseat My SSD?

Reseating your SSD can help address several issues:

Connectivity Issues: Sometimes, the SSD may not be recognized due to loose connections. Reseating can restore proper contact, ensuring the SSD is correctly and securely connected to the motherboard.
Performance Problems: A poorly seated SSD can cause slower read/write speeds or other performance issues. Fixing the seating can improve overall system stability and performance.
Error Resolution: If you’re encountering errors or the SSD isn’t functioning correctly, reseating can be a simple fix. This helps eliminate minor connectivity issues that might be causing the SSD to malfunction.
Improves Stability: Ensuring that all components are properly connected can enhance the stability of your entire system, preventing crashes and improving reliability.

Reseating your SSD can help address several issues:

Connectivity Issues: Sometimes, the SSD may not be recognized due to loose connections. Reseating can restore proper contact, ensuring the SSD is correctly and securely connected to the motherboard.
Performance Problems: A poorly seated SSD can cause slower read/write speeds or other performance issues. Fixing the seating can improve overall system stability and performance.
Error Resolution: If you’re encountering errors or the SSD isn’t functioning correctly, reseating can be a simple fix. This helps eliminate minor connectivity issues that might be causing the SSD to malfunction.
Improves Stability: Ensuring that all components are properly connected can enhance the stability of your entire system, preventing crashes and improving reliability.

DISCLAIMER

It's essential to handle all components with care and refer to the specific instructions for your desktop motherboard or laptop model during the reseating process. If you encounter any challenges or uncertainties, consider seeking assistance from us at Aftershock or a professional to prevent any potential damage to your hardware.

For Desktop Computers

Locate the SSD

Start by identifying the location of the M.2 NVMe slot on your motherboard. Typically, the primary SSD is installed in the top slot, but additional M.2 slots may vary based on your motherboard configuration.
If your primary slot is covered by the GPU, you'll need to remove the GPU to proceed. Otherwise, you can skip directly to removing and reinstalling the SSD.
If the M.2 slot is obstructed by the GPU, refer to this guide for reseating your Graphics Card (GPU): GPU Reseat Guide.

Locate the SSD

Start by identifying the location of the M.2 NVMe slot on your motherboard. Typically, the primary SSD is installed in the top slot, but additional M.2 slots may vary based on your motherboard configuration.
If your primary slot is covered by the GPU, you'll need to remove the GPU to proceed. Otherwise, you can skip directly to removing and reinstalling the SSD.
If the M.2 slot is obstructed by the GPU, refer to this guide for reseating your Graphics Card (GPU): GPU Reseat Guide.

Reseat the SSD

With the GPU removed, you'll now have access to the primary and/or secondary M.2 slots. If your slot has a heatsink, unscrew the screws to remove it and reveal the M.2 slot.
Once the slot is accessible, you should see the M.2 SSD. Undo the screw at the end of the SSD, then gently slide it out of the slot.
To reinstall the SSD, hold it at a slight angle (15-20 degrees) and carefully line up the groove of the SSD with the groove of the slot on the motherboard. Pay close attention to the alignment, as the SSD only inserts one way. Once aligned, gently push the SSD into place.
Secure the SSD using the provided M.2 screw, ensuring it's snug but not overly tight. If you removed a heatsink earlier, reattach it by screwing it back into place.

Reseat the SSD

With the GPU removed, you'll now have access to the primary and/or secondary M.2 slots. If your slot has a heatsink, unscrew the screws to remove it and reveal the M.2 slot.
Once the slot is accessible, you should see the M.2 SSD. Undo the screw at the end of the SSD, then gently slide it out of the slot.
To reinstall the SSD, hold it at a slight angle (15-20 degrees) and carefully line up the groove of the SSD with the groove of the slot on the motherboard. Pay close attention to the alignment, as the SSD only inserts one way. Once aligned, gently push the SSD into place.
Secure the SSD using the provided M.2 screw, ensuring it's snug but not overly tight. If you removed a heatsink earlier, reattach it by screwing it back into place.

For Laptop Computers

Locate & Reseat the SSD

Begin by accessing the SSD slots inside your laptop. To do this, locate and unscrew the screws at the bottom of the system to remove the backplate. Gradually pry open the case, working corner to corner to ease tension evenly.
Once the backplate is removed, the SSD slots should be visible, typically on the left-hand side above the battery.
Align the SSD with the slot in the laptop (it will only fit in one orientation) and gently push it in until it clicks into place. Secure the SSD using the provided screw, ensuring it is firmly attached but not over-tightened.
Finally, replace the backplate and securely screw it back into place.

Locate & Reseat the SSD

Begin by accessing the SSD slots inside your laptop. To do this, locate and unscrew the screws at the bottom of the system to remove the backplate. Gradually pry open the case, working corner to corner to ease tension evenly.
Once the backplate is removed, the SSD slots should be visible, typically on the left-hand side above the battery.
Align the SSD with the slot in the laptop (it will only fit in one orientation) and gently push it in until it clicks into place. Secure the SSD using the provided screw, ensuring it is firmly attached but not over-tightened.
Finally, replace the backplate and securely screw it back into place.

What's Next?

Once everything is installed and back in place, boot up your PC to check if the issue is resolved. If problems persist, consider the following troubleshooting methods or contact our friendly staff for assistance:

If you need further assistance or have any questions, feel free to reach out for additional support - we're always happy to help!