Source: https://www.youtube.com/@FixItPhil/videos Adding M.2 SSD to 2019 Acer Nitro 5 Laptop Upgrading Your Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop with an Extra M.2 SSD In this article, we will guide you through the process of adding an extra M.2 SSD to your 2019 Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop. This is a step-by-step tutorial that requires some basic technical knowledge and tools. Tools Needed: A mini screwdriver Optionally, a plastic pry tool Laptop Model: The laptop used in this tutorial is the Acer Nitro 5 AN5155454W2. Removing the Bottom Cover: Locate the 11 screws on the bottom of the laptop and remove them using a mini screwdriver. Note that with the 2019 refresh of the Nitro laptops, Acer eliminated the access panels for the memory and hard drive, so you'll need to open the case itself. Using a plastic pry tool (if needed), gently unlatch the catches along the front edge of the laptop. Work your way up both sides and along the back. Gently lift the bottom cover off. Locating the M.2 Slots: The M.2 slots are located on the inside of the laptop, near the top. One slot is empty, while the other may already have an M.2 SSD installed as the primary or only drive. Installing the M.2 SSD: Remove the screw holding the plate in place and carefully insert your M.2 drive into the slot at a 45-degree angle. Insert the tab side of the cover into the bracket and gently press the adhesive pad onto the drive. Then, replace the screw for the cover. Additional Upgrade Options: While you have the laptop open, consider upgrading your RAM by installing a second module in the available slot. You can also install a 2.5-inch hard drive using an adapter connected to the connector. Reassembling the Laptop: To replace the bottom cover, start by snapping in the clips along the back, then up the sides, and finally along the front. Replace all the screws. Verifying the Installation: Power on your laptop and enter the BIOS settings to verify that the new SSD is recognized by the system. You should see both the Kingston and Intel drives (or your respective drive brands) listed. Note: The article has been rewritten in a formal tone, avoiding any conversational language or references to a video. The content has been expanded to provide more detailed explanations and steps for each section. M.2 Upgrade Background: The M.2 upgrade refers to a hardware enhancement for solid-state drives (SSDs) that utilizes the M.2 interface, also known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF). This interface was designed to replace mSATA and provide higher speeds and smaller form factors for SSDs. Key Features: The M.2 interface supports various protocols, including SATA, PCIe, and NVMe. It offers speeds of up to 32 Gbps, depending on the protocol used, making it significantly faster than traditional mSATA interfaces. Compatibility: M.2 SSDs are compatible with most modern motherboards that have an M.2 slot. However, compatibility may vary depending on the specific chipset and motherboard model. It's essential to check the specifications before purchasing an M.2 SSD. Advantages: The M.2 upgrade offers several benefits, including higher speeds, lower power consumption, and a smaller form factor compared to traditional SSDs. These advantages make M.2 SSDs ideal for applications that require high-performance storage. Applications: M.2 SSDs are commonly used in various fields, such as gaming laptops, mobile workstations, and data centers, where high-performance storage is crucial. **Adding M.2 SSD to 2019 Acer Nitro 5 Laptop: A Step-by-Step Guide** **Introduction** The Acer Nitro 5 laptop is a popular choice among gamers and professionals alike, offering a great balance of performance and affordability. One way to further boost the laptop's performance is by adding an M.2 SSD (Solid-State Drive). In this article, we will walk you through the process of installing an M.2 SSD on your 2019 Acer Nitro 5 laptop. **Things to Consider Before Starting** Before you begin the installation process, there are a few things to consider: * Make sure you have purchased an M.2 SSD compatible with your laptop model (M.2 SATA or PCIe). * Backup all important data on your existing hard drive before starting the installation process. * Ensure that your laptop is fully powered off and unplugged from any power source. **Step 1: Locate the M.2 Slot** The first step is to locate the M.2 slot on your Acer Nitro 5 laptop. You can find it on the bottom of the laptop, usually located near the RAM slots. The M.2 slot may be covered with a protective sticker or tape. **Step 2: Remove the Bottom Panel** To access the M.2 slot, you need to remove the bottom panel of your laptop. You can do this by unscrewing the screws located on the bottom of the laptop using a Torx screwdriver. **Step 3: Install the M.2 SSD** Carefully remove the protective sticker or tape covering the M.2 slot, and align your new M.2 SSD with the slot. Gently push the SSD into the slot at a 30-degree angle, then secure it with the screw provided. **Step 4: Reassemble the Laptop** Reattach the bottom panel and secure it with screws. Make sure all cables are securely connected to their respective ports. **Conclusion** By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install an M.2 SSD on your 2019 Acer Nitro 5 laptop. Remember to backup all important data and ensure that the laptop is fully powered off before starting the installation process. Q1: Does my 2019 Acer Nitro 5 laptop support M.2 SSD? A1: Yes, the 2019 Acer Nitro 5 laptop has an M.2 slot that supports NVMe SSDs. Q2: What type of M.2 SSD is compatible with my laptop? A2: The Acer Nitro 5 laptop supports M.2 SATA III and PCIe NVMe SSDs, but not all sizes are compatible (check the user manual for details). Q3: How do I install an M.2 SSD in my laptop? A3: Shut down your laptop, remove the bottom panel, locate the M.2 slot, and gently insert the SSD at a 30-degree angle; secure it with screws. Q4: Can I use an M.2 SSD as my primary drive? A4: Yes, you can set up your M.2 SSD as the primary drive (C:) and install Windows on it; however, this may require reinstalling Windows. Q5: Will adding an M.2 SSD void my laptop's warranty? A5: It depends on your location and Acer's policies; check with Acer support or the user manual to confirm whether upgrading storage affects your warranty. Q6: How do I configure my laptop to recognize the M.2 SSD? A6: Enter the BIOS settings (F2 key during boot), set the M.2 SSD as a UEFI device, and save changes; then, Windows should automatically detect the new drive. Q7: Can I use an M.2 SSD in addition to my existing hard drive? A7: Yes, you can install an M.2 SSD alongside your existing hard drive and configure the SSD as a secondary drive or swap partition. Q8: What are the benefits of adding an M.2 SSD to my laptop? A8: Adding an M.2 SSD improves performance, increases storage capacity, and enables faster boot times, loading applications, and data transfer. Q9: How do I format and partition the new M.2 SSD? A9: Use Windows Disk Management (Press Win+R and type "diskmgmt.msc") or a third-party tool to format and create partitions on the new drive. Q10: Are there any specific M.2 SSD models recommended for my laptop? A10: Check Acer's support website or online forums for recommended M.2 SSD models; some popular options include Samsung, WD Black, and ADATA. Pioneer/Company Contribution Acer Released the Nitro 5 laptop in 2019, a popular model for upgrading with M.2 SSDs. Samsung Developed high-performance M.2 NVMe SSDs compatible with the Acer Nitro 5, such as the 970 EVO Plus. Western Digital Produced a range of M.2 NVMe SSDs, including the WD Black SN750, suitable for upgrading the Nitro 5. Corsair Offered high-performance M.2 NVMe SSDs, such as the Force MP510, compatible with the Acer Nitro 5. ADATA Developed a range of M.2 NVMe SSDs, including the XPG SX8200, suitable for upgrading the Nitro 5. Crucial Produced high-performance M.2 NVMe SSDs, such as the P1, compatible with the Acer Nitro 5. Kingston Offered a range of M.2 NVMe SSDs, including the A2000, suitable for upgrading the Nitro 5. Mushkin Developed high-performance M.2 NVMe SSDs, such as the Helix-L, compatible with the Acer Nitro 5. Sabrent Produced a range of M.2 NVMe SSDs, including the Rocket Q, suitable for upgrading the Nitro 5. PNY Offered high-performance M.2 NVMe SSDs, such as the CS900, compatible with the Acer Nitro 5. Component Specification Description Laptop Model Acer Nitro 5 (2019) An entry-level gaming laptop with a 15.6-inch Full HD display, 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics. M.2 SSD Slot 1 x M.2 PCIe NVMe (2230/2242/2280) The laptop has one M.2 slot that supports PCIe NVMe SSDs in various lengths, including 2230, 2242, and 2280. Compatible M.2 SSD Samsung 970 EVO Plus, WD Black SN750, or similar The laptop is compatible with popular M.2 NVMe SSDs like the Samsung 970 EVO Plus and WD Black SN750. Keying Type M-Key (2260/2280) The M.2 slot on the laptop uses the M-Key type, which is compatible with most modern M.2 NVMe SSDs. PCIe Lanes x4 PCIe 3.0 The M.2 slot supports four PCIe lanes, allowing for faster speeds and improved performance. Power Consumption Up to 3.5W (idle), up to 8.25W (active) The M.2 SSD slot has a maximum power consumption of 3.5W when idle and 8.25W when active. Physical Installation Requires removing the bottom panel, locating the M.2 slot near the CPU, and securing the SSD with a screw Physically installing an M.2 SSD requires disassembling the laptop's bottom panel to access the M.2 slot. BIOS Support Acer BIOS v1.19 or later The laptop's BIOS must be updated to version 1.19 or later to support M.2 NVMe SSDs. Driver Support Intel RST Driver, Intel NVMe Driver, or similar The laptop requires specific drivers to recognize and utilize the M.2 NVMe SSD.