How To Install Second SSD? [Step-By-Step Guide]

Install Second SSD

Want to install second SSD (Solid State Drive) to your PC but have no idea how to do it? No worries! In this article we’ve explained exactly how to install a second SSD to your PC; covering all the necessary information, physical installation of the drive as well as initialization using Windows disk management. All this information is valid only for Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7.

Preparations needed to Install second SSD

To install a second SSD on your Windows PC, two major steps are needed to be followed. The first step involves the physical installation of the drive into the PC and the second step involves the setting up of the second SSD using the Windows disk management utility to get recognized and used.

Here are the requirements for the installation of a second SSD to your PC

  • An open drive bay in the computer.
  • An SSD drive
  • Open SATA Data connection on the motherboard
  • A screwdriver for opening the case and securing the drive in its position.
  • A SATA Data cable
  • A SATA power connector
  • If the SSD is going to be installed in a bay meant for a 5.25-inch drive, then an adapter is also needed.

Out of all these requirements, the most important requirements includes an open drive bay and an open SATA data connection on the motherboard. Even though most computer cases come with multiple open bays and most motherboards have multiple SATA connections for SSDs; one should always check if they have enough space before investing in a brand new SSD.

Though most of the laptops do not have enough space to install a second SSD, if your laptop does have space then a SATA connector is not needed since the laptop’s drive bays are provided with built-in power and SATA connectors.

SATA controller that can be plugged into a PCI or PCIe slot can simply be bought if your motherboard is lacking the availability of SATA ports. Also, in place of a SATA power connection, a Molex adapter or SATA power cable splitter can be used.

Steps to Install second SSD to your Windows PC

Once the internal storage of your PC is filled then to add more files to your PC, you either delete the old files and create space for the new ones or simply add extra storage to your PC by using a secondary storage device. It is usually preferred to add an external drive to the PC because it is a lot easier and it also prevents you from deleting your important old files to fit the new ones.

You can also install a second SSD to your PC if you have all the tools required for the process and enough space in your computer case. (It is advised to use an anti-static wrist strap if available or grounding oneself in some other way while working inside the PC case).

Follow the below-given steps to install second SSD to your PC

  • Open the case after unplugging your PC from the power source.
  • Now, find an open drive bay. (Buy a 2.5-inch to 5.25-inch adapter for the SSD and use the bay with the size of 5.25 inches if 2.5-inch drive bays are not available.)
Locate An Open Drive Bay
  • Remove the drive caddy and install second SSD into it. (For the cases which lack caddy; you are required to screw it tight or fasten with the help of already provided fasteners, after sliding the drive directly into the bay. Read the manual if you’re confused about how to do it.)
Install SSD On Drive Caddy
  • Fit the caddy back, this can be done either automatically or by fastening some sort of Fasteners.
  • On your motherboard, look for a free SATA data cable port and install a SATA data cable in it.
SATA Cable Port
  • Now, you need to locate a free SATA power connector and if it is not available, you can use a Molex to SATA power adapter or a power splitter.
SATA Power Cable
  • Plug the SATA power and data connectors into your SSD drive, make sure that the orientation of the connectors is correct. (The power connector is the longer one out of the two connectors on the SSD.)
Plug The Both Connector
  • Check if all the cables are plugged in the right way and none of them is loose.
  • Connect everything back after closing the case and then turn on your computer.

Steps to Initialize a brand new SSD

After successfully installing and plugging everything back in, you need to turn on your PC and check if everything is working properly. If your Windows is facing some recognition problems, you need to power down and check for any loose or unplugged connection. However, if everything is working properly, you can move on to setting up your second SSD.

Windows will check and recognize your second SSD by default, but it cannot be used until you initialize and format it for use with Windows. After initializing and formatting it, your second SSD will be able to function and store files.

Follow the below-given steps to set up a newly installed SSD.

  • First, go to the Control panel > Disk Management. (To navigate to disk management in Windows 7, tap the Start button, right-click on Computer, and then choose the Manage option.)
  • Click on the GPT (GUID Partition Table) option and then click OK, if prompted to initialize the disk. (Choose MBR (Master Boot Record) if you’re using Windows 7).
Click On GPT Option
  • Now, scroll down in the disk management window and find the new SSD. If the setup wizard starts automatically, skip to step 5. (Recognizing your new SSD will be quite easy as it will be the only one unallocated.)
  • Right-click and choose the New simple volume option.
Create New Volume
  • Click on Next.
New Volume Wizard
  • Click Next again after making sure that the two numbers match. (Put the partition size according to you instead of matching the numbers; if you wish to make multiple partitions.)
  • If you wish to change the drive letter then select a different one and then click on Next.
  • Use the NTFS file system and let the allocation size stay as it is; then enter the volume label if you wish to and finally click on Next.
  • After verifying the information, click on Finish. Now your second SSD is ready to use.

Final words

We hope this article guides you in installing the second SSD from start to finish without any problem. If you have any questions regarding the same then feel free to drop a comment below. We also wrote an article on how to disable Windows 10 Startup Delay. Go through the article if you are looking for the same.

Which is better SSD or HDD?

SSD is better than HDD.

Is it better to have more RAM and storage?

Yes, it is better to have more RAM and storage.

Will RAM increase FPS?

Yes, RAM will increase FPS up to some extent.