If you’re running out of space for your game library, learning how to add storage in Skytech Gamdias gaming PC is a great upgrade. It’s a straightforward process that can breath new life into your system, letting you install more games and keep your files organized without slowing down.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the types of drives that fit, the tools you’ll want, and the step-by-step installation for both SATA and NVMe drives. By the end, you’ll feel confident opening up your case and expanding your PC’s capacity.
How to Add Storage in Skytech Gamdias Gaming PC
This main section is your complete roadmap. We’ll break down the entire process from start to finish, ensuring you have a clear path to follow. First, let’s figure out what you’re working with.
1. Identify Your PC Model and Current Storage
Skytech uses various Gamdias cases and motherboards across its models. Your first step is to identify your specific PC. You can find the model name on your original invoice, on a sticker on the back of the case, or within Windows System Information.
Knowing your model helps you look up the exact motherboard specs online. This tells you how many storage ports you have available. Also, check what storage is already inside.
- Open Windows Disk Management (press Windows Key + X and select it).
- Look at the listed disks. This shows your current drives and their partitions.
- Note if you have a hard drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) already.
2. Choose the Right Type of Storage Drive
Not all drives are the same. Picking the right one ensures compatibility and the best performance for your needs. Here are your main options.
SATA SSDs and HDDs
These are the most common and universal drives. They use a small L-shaped data cable and a separate power cable from the power supply.
- SATA SSD: Much faster than a hard drive, perfect for games and your operating system. They have no moving parts.
- SATA HDD: Offers large amounts of storage for a lower cost (like 2TB, 4TB). Best for storing media files, backups, and older games where load speed isn’t critical.
NVMe M.2 SSDs
These are the fastest option available. They look like a small stick of gum and plug directly into a special slot on your motherboard. They are much faster than SATA SSDs.
- Check your motherboard manual to see if you have an available M.2 slot.
- Also check what generation it supports (e.g., PCIe 3.0 or 4.0) to buy the right drive.
- Most modern Skytech PCs have at least one M.2 slot, sometimes two or three.
3. Gather the Necessary Tools and Parts
Before you start, get everything you need together. This makes the installation smooth and prevents you from having to stop halfway through.
- New Storage Drive: Your chosen SSD or HDD.
- Screwdrivers: Usually a Phillips #1 or #2 head. A magnetic tip is very helpful.
- SATA Cables: If installing a 2.5″ or 3.5″ SATA drive, you need a SATA data cable. Your PC might have spare ones bundled inside, but it’s good to have a new one ready.
- Optional – Anti-static Wrist Strap: Recommended to protect sensitive components from static electricity. At the very least, touch the metal frame of your case before handling components.
- Good Lighting: A small flashlight or desk lamp can be a lifesaver inside the PC case.
4. Safety Precautions Before You Begin
Taking a few minutes for safety protects both you and your expensive gaming PC. Don’t skip these steps.
- Shut Down Your Computer Completely. Don’t just put it to sleep.
- Unplug the Power Cable from the back of the power supply. This is the most important step.
- Press and Hold the Power Button on the front of the case for 5-10 seconds. This discharges any remaining power in the system.
- Work on a clean, flat, non-static surface like a wooden table.
- Keep yourself grounded by touching the metal chassis often.
5. Step-by-Step: Installing a SATA SSD or HDD
This is the process for adding a standard 2.5-inch SSD or a 3.5-inch HDD. The steps are very similar for both.
- Open the Case Panel: Most Gamdias cases have a tempered glass side panel held by thumbscrews. Remove the screws and carefully set the panel aside in a safe place.
- Locate Drive Bays: Look for drive cages or bays, typically located near the front of the case. For 2.5″ SSDs, there may be dedicated mounts on the back of the motherboard tray.
- Mount the Drive: Slide the drive into an open bay. For 3.5″ HDDs, you usually slide it in and secure it with screws on the sides. For 2.5″ SSDs, you may need to attach it to a mounting bracket first with four small screws.
- Connect the SATA Data Cable: Plug one end into the drive (it only fits one way) and the other end into an available SATA port on your motherboard. These are small, L-shaped ports often labeled.
- Connect the SATA Power Cable: Find a spare cable from your power supply that has a flat, L-shaped connector. Plug it into the drive next to the data cable.
- Manage Cables: Gently route the cables so they aren’t blocking fans or airflow. Use zip ties if your case provided them.
6. Step-by-Step: Installing an NVMe M.2 SSD
Adding an M.2 drive is often even easier, as there are no cables to manage. It’s a very clean installation.
- Open the Case Panel: Same as the first step above.
- Locate the M.2 Slot: Find the small, horizontal slot on your motherboard. It’s usually above the primary graphics card slot, and has a small screw standing nearby.
- Remove the Mounting Screw: Unscrew the tiny standoff screw that’s in the slot corresponding to your drive’s length (usually 80mm for a standard 2280 drive). Don’t lose this screw!
- Insert the SSD: Hold the SSD at a 30-degree angle. Gently but firmly insert the gold contacts into the slot. Once it’s seated, press down on the opposite end and secure it with the tiny screw you removed.
- No Cables Needed: That’s it for the physical installation. The drive is now connected directly to the motherboard.
7. Initializing and Formatting Your New Drive in Windows
After you’ve installed the drive and closed up the case, you need to tell Windows it’s there and set it up for use.
- Plug your PC back in and power it on. Log into Windows.
- Right-click the Windows Start button and select Disk Management. A pop-up will likely appear saying a new disk has been detected and needs initialization.
- Choose a Partition Style: For drives under 2TB, select MBR. For drives 2TB or larger, select GPT (which is the modern standard). Click OK.
- In the main Disk Management window, you’ll see your new drive listed as “Unallocated.” Right-click on the unallocated space and choose New Simple Volume…
- Follow the wizard. You can assign a drive letter (like D: or E:), choose a file system (NTFS is the default and correct choice for Windows), and give the drive a name (e.g., “Games”).
- Click Finish. Your new drive will now appear in Windows File Explorer, ready to use for storing games, videos, or any other files.
8. Transferring Games and Setting Up Libraries
Now for the fun part—moving your games over to the new, faster storage. This can significantly improve loading times.
For Steam Games:
- Open Steam > Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders.
- Click “Add Library Folder” and select your new drive (e.g., D:\SteamLibrary).
- To move existing games, go to your Library, right-click a game > Properties > Local Files > “Move Install Folder…”
For Other Platforms (Epic, EA, etc.):
Each launcher has its own settings for library locations. Look for “Installation” or “Library” settings within the app to add a new folder on your new drive.
Setting Default Install Locations:
In both Steam and other launchers, you can set your new drive as the default install location. This ensures all future downloads go there automatically, which is really convenient.
9. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are solutions to common problems.
- Drive Not Detected in Disk Management: Double-check that both the SATA data and power cables are fully seated. Try a different SATA port on the motherboard. For M.2 drives, ensure it’s firmly clicked in and screwed down.
- PC Won’t Boot After Installation: Ensure you didn’t accidentally unplug any main cables. If you added an M.2 drive, some motherboards disable a specific SATA port when the M.2 slot is in use. Try plugging your original SATA drive into a different port.
- Slow Speeds on New SSD: Make sure you’ve installed the drive in the correct slot for full speed (e.g., a PCIe 4.0 drive in a PCIe 3.0 slot will run at 3.0 speeds). Also, check that you’ve formatted it correctly.
- Not Enough Mounting Space: If your case lacks bays, you can use a 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch adapter bracket for SSDs, or even use double-sided tape to mount a 2.5″ SSD in a non-standard location with good airflow.
10. Maintaining Your Expanded Storage
Once your new drive is running, a little maintenance keeps it performing well for years.
- Keep Some Free Space: Try not to fill any SSD more than 80% capacity. This helps maintain its speed and longevity.
- Regular Backups: More storage means more important data. Use an external drive or cloud service to backup your saves and important documents regularly.
- Check Health Occasionally: Tools like CrystalDiskInfo can give you a quick report on your drive’s health and temperature.
- Keep it Clean: When you clean dust out of your PC, give the new drive a gentle blast of air too, especially if it has a heatsink.
FAQ Section
Can I add more storage to my Skytech gaming PC?
Yes, absolutely. Most Skytech PCs have extra SATA ports and at least one additional M.2 slot for expansion. You should check your motherboard manual to be certain of the available slots.
What is the best way to add storage to a Gamdias PC?
The best way depends on your needs. For a fast game drive, adding an NVMe M.2 SSD is top choice. For bulk storage of videos and music, a SATA HDD is the most cost-effective method. Many people add both for a balanced setup.
How do I know if my Skytech PC has an M.2 slot?
The easiest way is to look inside your case. The M.2 slot is a small, horizontal connector on the motherboard, usually labeled. You can also find your motherboard model in Windows and search for its specifications online, which will list all avaiable slots.
Do I need to reinstall Windows when adding a new drive?
No, you do not. Adding a secondary drive for extra space does not require reinstalling Windows. You only need to do that if you want to move your operating system to the new drive, which is a more complex process.
Can I use any SATA cable to add a hard drive?
Yes, SATA data cables are standardized. Any modern SATA cable will work. Just make sure it’s not a very old, pre-latched cable, as the connectors are the same but the locking mechanism might differ slightly.
Why is my new drive not showing up in Windows?
The most common reason is that it hasn’t been initialized and formatted. Follow the steps in Section 7 of this guide using Disk Management. If it’s still not there, check the physical connections inside the PC.
Is it difficult to add storage to a prebuilt PC like Skytech?
It’s generally not difficult. Prebuilt PCs like Skytech’s use standard components. The process is the same as for a custom-built PC. Just take your time, follow safety steps, and refer to this guide if you get stuck.