How To Install Samsung 990 Pro In Pc : Install Samsung 990 Pro SSD

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If you’re looking to boost your computer’s speed and storage, learning how to install Samsung 990 Pro in PC is a great upgrade. Installing a Samsung 990 Pro SSD is a straightforward process of mounting the drive to your motherboard and securing it with a single screw. This guide will walk you through every step, from gathering tools to final setup.

You don’t need to be a tech expert. With some basic precautions and clear instructions, you can complete this upgrade in under 30 minutes. The performance gains for your games, applications, and overall system responsiveness are well worth the effort.

Let’s get started by making sure you have everything you need before opening your computer case.

How To Install Samsung 990 Pro In Pc

This section covers the complete physical installation process. We’ll focus on safely placing the M.2 SSD into your motherboard’s slot. The steps are similar for both desktop and most modern motherboards.

Remember to always handle electronic components with care. Avoid touching the gold connectors on the SSD and work on a clean, static-free surface if possible.

Tools And Components You Will Need

Before you begin, collect these items. Having everything ready will make the installation smooth and prevent you from searching for tools mid-process.

  • A Samsung 990 Pro SSD (in the correct size, typically 1TB or 2TB).
  • A compatible Phillips-head screwdriver (usually size #0 or #1).
  • Your desktop computer with access to the motherboard.
  • The mounting screw that came with your motherboard (often pre-installed in a standoff).
  • An anti-static wrist strap is recommended, but you can ground yourself by touching the metal chassis of your powered-off PC.

It’s crucial to verify your motherboard has an available M.2 slot that supports PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 to get the full speed of the 990 Pro. Check your motherboard manual if your unsure.

Step 1: Power Down And Prepare Your System

Safety is the first priority. You must completely shut down your computer and disconnect it from all power sources.

  1. Save all your work and close all open programs.
  2. Shut down your computer through the operating system.
  3. Turn off the power supply unit (PSU) switch on the back of the case, usually marked with a ‘0’.
  4. Unplug the power cable from the back of the PSU or the wall outlet.
  5. Press and hold the computer’s power button for 5 seconds to discharge any remaining power.

Now, place your computer case on a stable surface. Remove the side panel, usually held by two thumb screws at the rear. Gently slide or lift the panel off to reveal the internal components.

Step 2: Locate The M.2 Slot On Your Motherboard

Find the M.2 slot on your motherboard. It is a horizontal, short connector, about 22mm wide, often labeled “M.2,” “PCIe Gen4,” or similar. It may be hidden under a heatsink.

Many motherboards have multiple M.2 slots. Consult your manual to identify the primary or fastest slot, often labeled “M2_1.” Using the optimal slot ensures you get the best performance from your new SSD.

If the slot is covered by a heatsink, you’ll need to remove it first. These are typically secured by one or two small screws. Keep these screws safe, as you’ll need them to reattach the heatsink later.

Identifying The Correct M.2 Key

The Samsung 990 Pro uses an “M” key notch. This matches the common “M” key slot on modern motherboards designed for NVMe SSDs. The connector has a gap on the left side, which aligns with the notch on the SSD. It will only fit one way.

Step 3: Install The SSD Into The M.2 Slot

This is the core installation step. Handle the SSD by its edges and avoid pressing on any chips.

  1. Locate the small standoff screw post near the M.2 slot. It might already have a screw in it from a previous installation.
  2. If a screw is present, carefully remove it using your screwdriver and set it aside.
  3. Gently insert the Samsung 990 Pro into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle. Align the notch on the SSD with the key in the slot.
  4. Press the SSD down gently until it lies flat against the motherboard and the screw hole on the SSD aligns with the standoff.
  5. Secure the SSD by placing the small mounting screw through the hole in the SSD and threading it into the standoff. Do not overtighten; a snug fit is enough.

If your motherboard includes a dedicated heatsink for the M.2 slot, now is the time to reattach it. Some heatsinks have a protective film on the thermal pad—remember to peel it off before reinstalling.

Step 4: Reassemble Your Computer

With the SSD firmly installed, you can close up your system.

  • Double-check that all other cables inside your case are secure and haven’t been dislodged.
  • Carefully place the side panel back onto your case and secure it with the thumb screws.
  • Move your computer back to its normal location.
  • Reconnect the power cable and all peripherals like your monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

You are now ready to power on the system. However, your new SSD won’t be usable until you initialize and format it within your operating system, which we’ll cover next.

Configuring Your Samsung 990 Pro In Windows

After the physical installation, you need to make the drive visible to your operating system. This process involves initializing the disk and formatting it with a file system.

Boot your computer normally into Windows. The system may recognize the new hardware automatically, but you still need to prepare it for use.

Step 1: Access Disk Management

Windows Disk Management is the tool you will use. There are several ways to open it.

  1. Right-click the Windows Start button.
  2. Select “Disk Management” from the menu that appears.

Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + R, type “diskmgmt.msc” into the Run dialog, and press Enter. The Disk Management window will open.

Step 2: Initialize The New Disk

When Disk Management opens, it will likely detect the new disk and prompt you to initialize it with a pop-up window.

  • It will ask you to choose between MBR (Master Boot Record) and GPT (GUID Partition Table).
  • For modern systems and drives larger than 2TB, select GPT. It’s the newer, more robust standard.
  • Click “OK” to proceed.

If the pop-up does not appear, look for the new disk in the bottom pane of Disk Management. It will be labeled as “Disk X” with “Unallocated” space. Right-click on the disk label on the left (e.g., “Disk 1”) and select “Initialize Disk.”

Step 3: Create A New Simple Volume

Now you will create a partition and format the drive. This makes it appear as a usable drive letter in File Explorer.

  1. Right-click on the “Unallocated” space of your new Samsung 990 Pro.
  2. Select “New Simple Volume…” from the context menu.
  3. The New Simple Volume Wizard will launch. Click “Next.”
  4. Specify the volume size. The default uses the entire drive, which is usually what you want. Click “Next.”
  5. Assign a drive letter (like E:, F:, etc.) or accept the default. Click “Next.”
  6. On the formatting page, choose NTFS as the file system. You can name the volume (e.g., “Games” or “Data”). Leave “Perform a quick format” checked.
  7. Click “Next,” review your choices, and then click “Finish.”

Windows will format the drive. Once complete, the drive status will change to “Healthy (Primary Partition)” and it will appear in your File Explorer, ready to store files, games, or applications.

Optimizing Performance And Cloning Your Old Drive

To get the most from your investment, consider a few optimization steps. You might also want to move your entire operating system to the new, faster drive.

Installing Samsung Magician Software

Samsung provides a powerful, free tool called Samsung Magician. It is essential for managing your SSD.

  • Download Samsung Magician from Samsung’s official website.
  • Install and run the software. It will automatically detect your Samsung 990 Pro.
  • Use Magician to check the drive’s health, update its firmware for performance and stability fixes, and enable features like Full Power Mode.
  • The software also includes a built-in benchmarking tool so you can verify your drive is running at its advertised speeds.

Keeping your firmware updated is important, as manufacturers often release improvements that can enhance compatibility and endurance.

Cloning Your System Drive For A Seamless Upgrade

If you want to use the 990 Pro as your new boot drive, you will need to clone your existing system drive. This copies Windows, your programs, and all files exactly as they are.

You will need cloning software. Samsung Magician includes a reliable tool called Data Migration, or you can use third-party options like Macrium Reflect Free.

  1. Ensure both the old drive and the new Samsung 990 Pro are connected to your motherboard.
  2. Boot into Windows from your old drive.
  3. Open your chosen cloning software.
  4. Select your current system drive as the “Source” disk.
  5. Select the Samsung 990 Pro as the “Destination” or “Target” disk.
  6. Follow the software prompts. It will warn you that all data on the target disk will be erased.
  7. Start the cloning process. It may take some time depending on how much data is being copied.
  8. Once cloning is complete, shut down your PC.
  9. You may need to enter your BIOS/UEFI to change the boot order, making the Samsung 990 Pro the first boot device.

After a successful clone, your system should boot from the 990 Pro, and you’ll experience much faster startup and load times. You can then format your old drive for extra storage.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly. Here are solutions to common problems you might encounter during or after installation.

Drive Not Detected In BIOS Or Windows

If your new SSD is not showing up, try these steps.

  • Re-seat the SSD: Power off, unplug, and open the case. Unscrew the 990 Pro, remove it, and firmly reinsert it into the M.2 slot.
  • Check BIOS/UEFI: Enter your system BIOS (usually by pressing Del or F2 during boot). Look for settings related to the M.2 slot, such as “M.2 Configuration” or “NVMe Configuration,” and ensure it is enabled.
  • Try a different M.2 slot: If your motherboard has another slot, try installing the drive there to rule out a faulty slot.
  • Update Motherboard BIOS: An outdated BIOS can lack proper support for newer SSDs. Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website for instructions on updating.

Slow Speeds Or Performance Issues

If your drive is detected but not performing as expected, consider these checks.

  • Verify PCIe Generation: Ensure the M.2 slot you used supports PCIe 4.0. Some motherboards have slots that only run at PCIe 3.0 speeds, which will limit the 990 Pro.
  • Check for Resource Conflicts: In rare cases, sharing PCIe lanes with other devices (like certain SATA ports) can disable or slow down an M.2 slot. Consult your motherboard manual.
  • Install Correct Drivers: While Windows usually handles NVMe drivers, check the Samsung website or your motherboard’s support page for any specific storage drivers.
  • Run a benchmark in Samsung Magician to compare your results with expected speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Heatsink For The Samsung 990 Pro?

While the Samsung 990 Pro includes a thin thermal label, a dedicated heatsink can help manage temperatures during sustained heavy workloads, like large file transfers or intense gaming. Many motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks. If yours does not, aftermarket heatsinks are inexpensive and easy to install.

Can I Install A Samsung 990 Pro On A Laptop?

Yes, if your laptop has an accessible M.2 NVMe slot. The process is similar but requires opening the laptop’s bottom panel. You must check your laptop’s manual to confirm compatibility and access instructions, as laptop designs vary widely. Ensure you purchase the correct physical size (typically 2280, which is 22mm wide and 80mm long).

What Is The Difference Between The 990 Pro And 980 Pro?

The Samsung 990 Pro is the newer generation, offering faster sequential read and write speeds, improved random read/write performance for everyday tasks, and better power efficiency. It uses a newer controller and is optimized for PCIe 4.0 interfaces. The 980 Pro is still an excellent drive, but the 990 Pro represents a measurable performance bump.

How Do I Check The Health Of My New SSD?

The best tool for this is Samsung Magician software. Its “Drive Details” section shows the drive’s health status, temperature, total bytes written, and estimated remaining life. You can also use Windows’ built-in CHKDSK tool or third-party utilities like CrystalDiskInfo for a general health check.