After helping thousands of people all over the world install SSDs — people of all ages, backgrounds, and computer skill levels — we're convinced that you have what it takes to install an SSD. With little more than a screwdriver and your system's owner's manual, you can install an SSD. Here's how it's done.
If replacing your existing drive, we recommend the use of data migration (cloning) software to move all of your files from your existing drive onto your new hard drive. Data migration software is available at Crucial.com.
Static electricity can damage the components in your system. To protect your system's components from static damage during the installation process, touch any of the unpainted metal surfaces on your computer's frame or wear an ESD wrist strap before touching or handling internal components. Either method will safely discharge static electricity that's naturally present in your body.
To protect your new SSD, do not touch the connectors on the drive.
Do not open the SSD. Doing so will void your warranty.
Make sure you're working in a static-safe environment. Remove any plastic bags or papers from your work space.
Shut down your system. Once your system has been powered off, unplug the power cable.
Hold down the power button for 3-5 seconds to discharge residual electricity.
Remove the case cover from your desktop. Refer to your system's manual for how to do this.
To protect your drive and components from static damage during the installation process, touch any of the unpainted metal surfaces on your computer's frame or wear an ESD wrist strap before handling internal components.
Using your owner's manual, locate your computer's storage drive bays and note the size of the bays. To install a 2.5-inch SSD in a 3.5-inch bay, attach the drive to an adapter bracket, which will keep it secured in the open space. If your desktop has a 2.5-inch storage bay, you will not need to use an adapter.
To install the SSD as your primary storage drive, remove the existing drive and any attached cables. Reconnect the cables to your new SSD.
To install the SSD as a secondary drive, use a SATA cable and attach one end of the cable to the SATA connector on your motherboard. Attach the other end of the SATA cable to your Crucial SSD. Then, use an available SATA power cable coming from your system's power supply, and connect the cable to your Crucial SSD. For either type of install, consult your owner's manual for how to remove an existing drive (if necessary), and how to handle the cables.
Mount and secure the SSD in the open drive bay.
Replace the case cover on your desktop and reconnect the power cable. Power on your computer.
If you did not migrate your data from an existing drive, install operating system, drivers, utilities and applications as needed. Installation is now complete.