How to install your
Crucial NVMe SSDwith heatsink
in PS5 &more

Welcome to our installation guide for your new
Crucial NVMe SSD with heatsink
Installing an NVMe™ SSD in your PlayStation® 5, desktop or motherboard is easy! You don’t need any
special skills or unusual tools, and we’ll guide you through the process step by step.

PLAYSTATION® 5 (PS5™)

1.	Check with Sony® to install their latest system updates. These
will allow you to unlock the expansion bay and install your
Crucial NVMe SSD.
2.	Set the PlayStation 5 on its side, with the logo facing down anddisc drive facing you on the right corner.
3.	On the top left corner of the side, apply finger pressure upwards
while using your other hand to press down with a sliding motion
to the right. This should pop off the cover.
If you have trouble doing this, check with a Sony user guide formore complex instructions.
4.	Find the metal cover plate covering the expansion bay.
Use a small Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the screw andremove the plate.
5.	You’ll need to move the set screw and riser from 110 to 80, one
notch up and closer to the connector. Use the screwdriver toremove and move the set screw and riser.
6.	Insert the SSD, which is keyed on one end, into the expansion
bay at an angle of 30 degrees. Drop it down, aligning thehalf-circle indentation with the 80 position of the mounting
screw. Screw it in gently.
7. Replace the cover plate and screw it into place.
8.	Replace the PlayStation’s side cover by lining up the grooves
and applying a little pressure in the reverse of how you took
it off: down and to the left till it snaps back into place.
9. Plug in the system and boot it up.
10.	Follow the prompts to format the new drive and use it as
your default.
11. Now you’ve got plenty of storage for your games!

DESKTOP OR MOTHERBOARD

1. Check desktop or motherboard compatibility•	The first thing you want to do is verify that your new Crucial NVMe
SSD with heatsink is compatible with your system. Though NVMe
SSDs are backward compatible (meaning a Gen5 SSD will work ina Gen4 system, etc.) they are not forward compatible, and you will
not be able to achieve Gen5 performance in a Gen4 system.
•	Refer to your system’s user manual or go to the motherboard
manufacturer’s website to make sure your system is compatible
with your new Crucial NVMe SSD.
•	You can also use the Crucial System Selector to advise youon compatibility.

2. Prepare your workspace•	Clear off a table, countertop or workbench. This can help preventthe buildup of static electricity that could damage your new SSD.
•	Next, gather your supplies. You’ll need your computer ormotherboard, your computer or motherboard owner’s manual, ascrewdriver, and your new Crucial NVMe SSD.

3.	Back up important files(Skip this step if installing on a new motherboard)•	Unless you are installing your NVMe SSD with heatsink in a newcomputer or motherboard, you will need to save any important
files on an external storage drive, a USB flash drive, or cloudstorage service.
•	It’s important to do this before beginning your new
SSD installation.

4.	Open your computer case( Skip this step if installing on a new motherboard)•	Shut down your system by turning it off.
•	Remove the power cable.
•	Discharge any residual electricity in the system by holding down
the power button for five seconds.
•	Open your case — you’ll likely need a screwdriver.
Every computer case will open differently, so consult yourowner’s manual for specifics.
•	Ground yourself by touching a metal surface or by wearing anantistatic wrist strap. This protects your computer components
from static electricity.

5. Find the M.2 slot on your motherboard•	Your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website will have the best
information on the location of your M.2 slots.
•	Please note that some M.2 slots might not support moreadvanced (PCIe 5.0, for example) protocol. If available, you’ll want
to use the M.2 slot that fully supports your SSD generation toachieve the best performance.

6. Remove the motherboard heatsink(Skip this step if installing in a laptop)•	Your M.2 slot may be located under a pre-installed motherboard
heatsink. If it is, carefully unscrew the heatsink to access the slot.

7. Remove the plastic cover from the thermal padin the mounting position(Skip this step if there is no thermal pad)•	If your NVMe SSD can be attached flush with the pad, just remove
the plastic covering it.
•	If the SSD cannot be mounted flush, remove the whole pad.
This will not negatively affect your SSD performance.

8. Insert the NVMe SSD•	Hold the SSD carefully by the edges. Avoid touching the goldconnector pins.
•	Align the SSD with the mounting mechanism and insert the SSD
at a 30-degree angle. Do not force the connection.
•	Once aligned, lower the SSD into place.
•	Tighten the screw or latching mechanism. Do not overtighten!
•	Do not try to reinstall the motherboard heatsink on top of theintegrated heatsink. It’s no longer needed and will not fit.

9. Turn on your computer•	Refer to your computer manual for instructions on setting yournew SSD as a boot drive.
•	Enjoy the spacious storage and blazing speed of your new
Crucial NVMe SSD!

Check out our installation
video for more help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gV4lU1SHz4&t=51s©2023 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Footage is for representational purposes only. Information, products, processes, and/or specifications are subject to change without notice. Neither Crucial nor Micron Technology, Inc. is responsible foromissions or errors in typography or photography. Micron, the Micron logo, Crucial, and the Crucial logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Micron Technology, Inc. v4-28-23