How to Install NVMe M.2 SSD in Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop (2019 ver) PCIe Gen3 x4

[@carlocruz4814]

Great video, thanks! I read somewhere that you cannot install 2 nvme in the 2 m.2 slots, only 1 nvme and the other has to be m.2 sata. Is it true?

[@FixItPhil]

It depends on your model. In my model, the AN515-54, both slots accept NVME but only one can read SATA (it's a dual compatible slot). For other models refer to the list below: AN515-51, AN515-52, and AN515-53 (Intel): 1 x M.2 - NVMe/PCIe or SATA AN515-54 (Intel): 2 x M.2 - Slot 1: NVMe/PCIe ; Slot 2: NVMe/PCIe or SATA AN515-41 and AN515-42 (AMD): 1 x M.2 - SATA AN515-43 (AMD): 2 x M.2 - Slot 1: NVMe/PCIe ; Slot 2: SATA AN515-44 (AMD): 2 x M.2 - Slot 1: NVMe/PCIe ; Slot 2: NVMe/PCIe or SATA

[@jjoosshhb2193]

@@FixItPhil Hello - I am getting the AN515-54 - Will I be able to use both m.2 slots and 2.5" sata bay? Thank you

[@FixItPhil]

@@jjoosshhb2193 Yes, you can use all three drive slots simultaneously.

[@jjoosshhb2193]

@@FixItPhil thank you

[@TheBlacktoska]

@@FixItPhil AN515-54 is it PCIE 3.0 X2 or PCIE 3.0 X4 ? thanks

[@aritbelegu8708]

No bullshit, no 10-minute intro, straight to the point. Thank you mate.

[@beardeddawg8509]

I think u meant to say 10 second lol

[@ubehaze6431]

I just bought a laptop again for the first time in like 7 yrs. I feel like Im gonna need your channel in the future. Your videos are straight to the point and clear. Thank you!

[@FixItPhil]

Thanks for the feedback, you're welcome!

[@Orpheusftw]

That was just about a perfect tutorial, and right to the point. Thanks, man.

[@catherynhatfield4477]

I can’t believe it’s that easy. I’ve always been intimidated by computer stuff but this made installation look so simple. Thank you!❤❤

[@exemptur923]

thank you so much i was so confused with all the other tutorials

[@trevorhouser5640]

Idk why people aren't subscribed to you you make everything so easy

[@raghugoud186b7]

I searched a lot of videos. to know how to install ssd and which is suitable for Acer nitro 5 (2019).your step by step procedure I liked it. With teardown of laptop .I get clarification of upgrading ram,ssd,hdd. Thank you. make more videos .keep it up.never give up.👍

[@techbuddy850]

You add ssd on your acer nitro 5 i5 9th gen or not if you add then how to you transfer Windows hdd to ssd

[@FixItPhil]

I added the SSD in addition to the primary SSD already installed in my build (as shown in the video, NVMe slot 1 was already occupied). I did not need to transfer the OS, as it was already booting from an SSD, and the second SSD is only for storage. I have no HDD installed, also as shown in the video.

[@nicholastopper9214]

Great video Phil, short, succinct with all the info needed. Now to check your notes on what my model supports in that second slot. Thanks for posting that.

[@Bull1the1Great]

finally a decent video . I have the same laptop and I had no idea on how to open it . i want to put my old 2'5 640 GB SATA HDD inside ...

[@thejookking]

This was nice. Thx for pointing out the potential Extra installments that you can add to the laptop.

[@FixItPhil]

You're welcome!

[@suzuko1]

you have to be the most helpful laptop upgrade tutorial guy ever!

[@FixItPhil]

Wow, thanks!

[@SanaSamaha]

Very helpful. The nitro 5 I bought came with a HDD as the main drive. It's been 3+ years and its starting to wear down. Was looking to upgrade to have an SSD as my main drive.

[@Euclio]

clear and to the point, great video my dude.

[@FixItPhil]

Appreciate it!

[@BujangSenang1954]

Great video, short, sharp and to the point.

[@captainbongwater6491]

Thanks phil! this was the only tutorial for this model I could find, very helpful!

[@FixItPhil]

Glad it helped!

[@DKRoyice]

thank you your videos on the Hdd and the M.2 gave me the info I needed

[@jdmsubie4500]

I love the way you are so helpful! Thank you! Also thank you for replying to people and giving even more information!

[@chrisp986]

Very nice and detailed tutorial! Sad my series is an515-52 , which only has 1 m.2 slot , good thing is it has ram and hdd access panels

[@Moeysenpai]

Are u not able to replace the m.2 on this series?

[@gerrygramozis544]

Thank you. It was very helpful. The only thing I had to do was go into Disk Management and click something to allow Windows 11 to actually see the drive. But otherwise, very clear and helpful to a noob like me.

[@SelvaTheMusician]

Hi Phil may i know what is the size of SDD you have added and what is the maximum SSD can be added in nitro 5 2019 ?

[@FixItPhil]

I added the 1 TB Intel 660p SSD: geni.us/zmHkf [Amazon Affiliate Product Link] However you can install up to a 2TB capacity M.2 SSD.

[@postmortemarg]

Excellent narration and walk through Thanks buddy

[@albertabdul-barrwang3494]

Wow I really love this design and thanks Acer! Going to upgrade this asap.

[@decentsimon777]

Thanks a ton for the clarity of instruction ...subbed (y)

[@lazybear5313]

Is there any need to backup your laptop prior to installing? And if so, how do we do it? Thanks

[@FixItPhil]

If you're installing a second drive in addition to your main drive, there's no reason to backup anything, as the risk to data loss is low, but you can always do so if it makes you feel more prepared. If you are replacing the main drive with a brand new drive, you should clone over the contents of the old drive to the new drive first, before installing in the laptop. You'll need some sort of external enclosure to house the new drive that will connect to the computer via USB, like this: geni.us/HHwhWt [Amazon Affiliate Product Link] and use cloning software like Clonezilla (it's free) to copy over its contents. Once the old drive is copied over to the new drive, you should be able to make the swap and boot up as usual.

[@jakeb6909]

My acer 5 looks almost just like that except I only have one slot for the ssd and it doesn't have a heat shield over it its just exposed and held down by the screw so I got this exact model ssd here and installed it and it tells me there's no bootable device. Any help?

[@Moeysenpai]

This is exactly my problem too

[@FixItPhil]

Depending on your exact model laptop, the slot may only be compatible with SATA M.2 SSDs, whereas the SSD I used in my installation is NVMe interface. If your slot is SATA only, it won't be able to detect an NVMe drive.

[@box8600]

Best Tutorial By Far you earned The sub

[@colinmeyers5539]

great video. Throwing a like for the easy and helpful tutorial! keep it up

[@FixItPhil]

Much appreciated!

[@JoshuaRWorkman]

Came back to this to remind myself of what to do because I just bought a 500GB SSD for my Nitro 5 AN515-55-59KS. Biggest difference is that the slots for the m.2 SSDs are on opposite sides, not together, and the heat shields are fastened to the bottom of the laptop. I looked through all the comments I could stand to read, but didn't find anybody else asking this, what size was the head of your screwdriver for fastening the SSD in place? The smallest Philips head screwdriver I own is a PH0, worked fine getting the screws out to take the laptop apart to upgrade my RAM last year, but going to upgrade my storage capacity today, the screw for the SSD slot wouldn't turn and I worry I stripped the screw beyond all ability to get it out.

[@nancymulligan_]

Why is at 2:27 , it still showing 1 drive instead of the second drive u just added.. does it need to do any setting ?

[@FixItPhil]

Great question! I recorded that portion of the video right after installing the drive and verifying it was recognized in the BIOS, but prior to allocating the space, formatting the drive, and assigning a drive letter. After doing that, you'll see the second drive show up in the file explorer. To go through those steps in Windows 10, search for "Computer Management" in the search bar and open up that setting. Then select Disk Management on the left hand side and right-click on the unallocated portion of the newly installed drive at the bottom of the center column. There you can allocated/format the space, mark it as active, and assign a drive letter.

[@warmmilk5054]

Man I’ve been making it playlists for upgrading this laptop and now realise that you already have one. Thanks for all this my laptop works so much better now 👏

[@FixItPhil]

You're welcome!

[@that_one_av57]

Super helpful! Just so happens we have the exact same model, too~

[@garyrichmond182]

Hi Phil. At 1:30 when you're inserting the new drive... Is the adhesive pad sticky straight away? Or do you need to remove some kind of film from the adhesive pad before it becomes sticky?

[@FixItPhil]

Yes, I believe so. I don't recall removing a protective film over the adhesive pad, though I could be mistaken. You can touch a corner of it very lightly if you're unsure if the adhesive is already exposed, but my recollection is that it was.

[@lucasdmc2631]

Does adding another one add more space on the boot drive? Or does it create a second drive to use as storage?

[@FixItPhil]

It creates a second drive, unless you choose to RAID 0 the two drives together to look like 1 drive, but this isn't option available for all laptops and it would wipe the existing data on both drives to set it up.

[@sachinjangir166]

Tha ks alot for this.... Saved a lot of money for me

[@mausath3151]

Thank you, pretty straightforward! Subbed =)

[@FixItPhil]

Awesome, thanks for the sub!

[@scottyd035ntknow]

I just picked up the AN515-53-52FA and it has the back panels on it still. However the geniuses at Acer didn't put the M2 slot in either of them, still have to pull off the back panel. Few differences like a few more screws and my motherboard only has the one M2 slot with no metal plate. They are nice enough to include that little hold down screw though. Typical laptop backing removal. Good value on these for the money, I paid $499 no tax for the i5 8300H model with the GTX 1050. Threw in a NVME and another stick of DDR 4 for an extra $100 and I have a $600 laptop that'll run any game at high or max settings at 1080p.

[@FixItPhil]

Nice work! Yeah, the AN515-53 Nitro 5 released in 2018 has a different case/motherboar build but still has decent specs. I'm sure this information will help others with that model, thanks for sharing.

[@vincentgiasson6005]

Hello guys i just bought an nvme for my 515-53 and even the samsung nvme driver wont detect the nvme i juste put in idk what to do. Plz help

[@MarkFilms]

thanks a lot! your tutorial is very clear and helpful. may i ask, how do you wear that anti-shock wristband?

[@FixItPhil]

The wrist strap is worn on the wrist with a metal contact touching the skin. Then a wire with a clip at the end should be directly attached to a ground or a grounded metal object.

[@altarofshadows]

How the heck did you open the laptop? I'm trying to get the back part of the laptop and just isn't moving

[@FixItPhil]

After removing all the screws, I used a small plastic pry tool starting from the front of the laptop, shown at 0:39, to pop the bottom of the case off. You can get inexpensive sets at Amazon: geni.us/uG028 [Amazon Affiliate Product Link] They're great if you like to repair your own electronics and devices. Make sure you've removed all the screws... if you've missed one, you'll know because the frame won't pop off easily otherwise.

[@altarofshadows]

@@FixItPhil thanks :3

[@techyjunction3377]

Do we need to take backup

[@FixItPhil]

@@techyjunction3377 It's never a bad idea to make a backup, especially if you'll be working on the inside of your laptop. If you're installing the new SSD as a secondary drive for extra storage, this isn't as important as it should not affect the existing drive or its contents. However, if the new drive is meant to be your primary boot drive, you'll likely want to make a backup of your original to either copy over your files after installation or clone it to the new drive to make an exact copy.

[@erickwalker11]

altarofshadows literally shows it in the video lolololol

[@DanielTruongDev]

Hi, I just found your video today since I want to replace my Kingston ssd, is it possible to replace it by the Intel SSD in the video?

[@kng_drripmd5579]

Thanks, I bought a WD 1tb NVMe one.

[@FixItPhil]

Great choice!

[@laquanaking251]

I’m thinking about upgrading mine but would like you to explain the difference of the three different upgrade methods and which is best if picking only one preferably. Thanks

[@FixItPhil]

Sure. The easiest upgrade would be to simply add another drive to expand your existing storage, if you have an open slot. You just plug in the new drive, initialize it, and you're good to go. For this model, my build had both an m.2 slot and the 2.5" HDD bay empty, so I could add a total of two additional drives. The primary benefit is increased storage space for files and games etc. Option 1: Adding an m.2 SSD - Using the m.2 slot is typically considered a "better" choice because those are always SSD (solid state drives) with no moving parts and the NVMe interface provides faster read/write speeds. Keep in mind m.2 SSDs come in two flavors: SATA or NVMe (aka PCIe3 x4) with the latter being the better performing type. Option 2: Adding a 2.5" HDD or SSD - If you upgrade using the 2.5" bay you have a choice between HDD and SSD drive and sometimes higher max capacities than m.2. However, HDDs are slower and less expensive, and while a 2.5" form factor SSD gives you some performance benefit in terms of read/write speed, it would still be limited to the max speed of a SATA interface, which is faster than HDD but slower than NVMe m.2 (option 1). Option 3: Replace your existing primary drive with a higher capacity m.2 - This is the most involved upgrade because when you remove the existing primary drive which has the OS on it, your computer will no longer boot up until you install an OS to your new drive. The most common way to do this is to simply clone your existing drive's contents over to the new drive prior to replacing it. If your primary drive is already an NVMe m.2 SSD, you won't see a speed/performance increase because you would be replacing with the same type of drive, but you *can* increase the storage space available to you. If your existing drive is a SATA m.2 SSD, then you would see faster boot and load times on the new drive. This is similarly true if you existing primary drive is a 2.5" form factor drive (whether HDD or SSD) since going from a SATA interface to NVMe provides a noticeable performance boost. Hope this information helps!

[@laquanaking251]

FixItPhil appreciate your time 🙏🏾

[@williamweinkauff8086]

I want to also install a 2.5 drive, but all I have are the normal SATA 3 connectors and I'm having trouble figuring out what that adapter ribbon is called. Thanks!

[@m5p4u16]

Do you need to do the bios thing or can you just use the laptop straight away after the upgrade

[@FixItPhil]

The BIOS verification isn't explicitly necessary, but I like to do it in case there's a problem and I have to open up the laptop again right away.

[@tiffanycoleman3127]

Are the insides the same/process that same for an AN515-55-53AG? I have the same connector as in your 2.5 hard drive video along with the screws

[@Drarck_]

I installed a WD Black SN750 ssd nvme in the PCIe slot of the AN515-43 and it appears in the bios but not disk management??

[@canis9829]

Same, I even checked the device manager, it says it recognizes it but it doesn’t show in disk management.

[@Drarck_]

Yeah, I solved it by searching in the storage pool or something like that (my Windows is in Spanish) seems like Windows automatically assigned it there and "disabled' the disk. You just have to remove that pool and should appear in disk management to initialize.

[@ej8973]

Hi Phil. I have the same device. It has a 1tb hdd and I feel it's kinda slow. I'm planning on upgrading it by adding an ssd. Is it okay to add a 516gb ssd or 256gb ssd?

[@shivamsahu8989]

depends on your usage if you want to install games then you'll need large drive

[@FixItPhil]

A couple things. Adding an SSD won't necessarily make the computer feel faster. It depends on what is causing the "slowness." If your computer is slow overall, when loading lots of images, switching windows, switching maps in games, then usually you'll want to add more RAM, which adds more capacity for your computer to perform those kinds of actions. If you feel the computer is only "slow" when saving or moving files to the drive, then an SSD will provide better performance than an HDD. If you feel the computer is slow to boot up and launching applications, you'll want to make the SSD your primary boot drive. That said, this laptop can accept drives up to 2 TB in capacity so 516 or 256GB would work fine.

[@superheroherohero]

Thanks, I'm going to try and clone the old C: to the new SSD and put new SSD as C: disk

[@DDJTONY]

a question about the name of the part or how to get the one that opens the laptop lid after removing the screws. Thank you

[@FixItPhil]

You can use a tool called a spudger or a plastic/nylon pry pick.

[@DDJTONY]

@@FixItPhil Thanks

[@4thzone697]

Where can I buy the bracket and plates for the M.2 drives? My laptop for some reason didn’t come with them installed

[@FixItPhil]

Sure, you can get them at Ebay here: ebay.to/3b419kT [Ebay Affiliate Link]

[@spageteez]

Hi, thank you for this tutorial it was very straightforward, but do you know a way for using the m.2 nvme drive as the boot drive and take all the data from the original drive and put it onto the nvme drive? thanks :)

[@JJ-sh4jn]

Gracias, una pregunta, como entro o activo el modo avanzado en la bios, ya que no me permite formatear por usb tengo una acer nitro 5 an517-51 gaming 17 pulgadas i7 novena generación.

[@einstein0808]

Hey! Thanks for showing. One question though, I have an nitro 5 AN517-51-51YA. At 1:46 you show the connector and that you need an adapter for that. What kind of connector is that? And what adapter would I need? Thanks !

[@FixItPhil]

It's the Acer HDD ribbon cable. My laptop came with an HDD upgrade kit that included it, but you can buy them aftermarket too: bit.ly/35dMHlj [NewEgg Affiliate Product Link] I think the HDD kits are model specific, so be sure to get the one for your specific model. If you can't find it on their website, you can probably e-mail or call them and they'll find the right parts for you. I added a link in the description where you can find the upgrade cable and HDD screws online.

[@Axgawd]

Hello I’m getting the hdd + ssd version and gonna be adding Nvme + ram. now do i plug m.2 + ram THen boot device for first time, then setup windows and transfer to m.2 ? Or is there another way? Im thinking of putting os on m.2 and use ssd as media folder (for premiere pro) and hdd for general storage. Thanks

[@FixItPhil]

Hm, that's a great question. I don't think I've ever upgraded a unit prior to its first boot up and OS setup. While I don't think it makes any procedural difference, you probably want to boot up the system at least once to make sure there aren't any problems going into it before you make any modifications to the unit. That way you can make a backup of the system and boot drive in a "fresh" state and if there are any problems you always have a clean copy of the laptop's original build as a factory default. Once it's setup, feel free to drop the extra SSD and RAM in and then clone over your boot drive to the new one if it's going to the new primary drive.

[@Axgawd]

FixItPhil What i did was boot ad normal to make sure os if fine. The turned laptop off add the nvme and plug a windows usb installation. When asked where to install, i formated the ssd and chose to install windows on the nvme that way i wont have two os’s on the laptop.

[@mikelively5593]

When you add a second M.2 drive, does the laptop treat it like a separate drive or does it add this storage to the primary drive (like an expansion)? I am new to this type of drive. Thanks.

[@FixItPhil]

In most cases it will treat the second drive like a separate drive (assigning it a new drive letter in the file explorer e.g. Drive C has 1 TB and Drive D has 1 TB). If your system is capable, you can set your primary and secondary drive to act as a single drive by enabling RAID 0. This generally requires you to wipe both drives of all data and start from scratch, reinstalling the OS and all software, but would treat both drives as a single unit of storage capacity, e.g. Drive C has 2 TB if both drives are 1 TB capacity each.

[@septynugros9373]

Thx for tutorial.. i think i wanna upgrade my ssd

[@oydeyll4793]

Thank you sir .. great video as im new to this and this helps me alot..

[@GabeHowardd]

Hey, man! Do you know if we need to unplug the battery before the installation?

[@FixItPhil]

It's recommended to avoid any potential issues, but not explicitly necessary if you proceed with caution.

[@THEGODDAMNDINOSAUR]

thanks, brother, just did it.

[@FixItPhil]

Awesome, you're welcome!

[@H20cofilmandphoto2112]

Is there any thing I need to do/install as far as software to get the system to recognize the new ssd or will it essentially just be a plug and play situation?

[@FixItPhil]

It depends. If you're using the new SSD as a secondary or backup drive, you won't need any special software. However, you will need to partition and format the drive, as explained here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmbafZqQrbeCpbs If you want the new hard drive to be the only drive or primary boot drive, then you will need to either clone your original primary drive over to the new drive (you can use Clonezilla, which is a free software) or you will need to install a fresh copy of your OS to the new drive.

[@dzulazharuddindzulkifli8452]

Hello sir... just want to ask, does Acer Nitro 5 AN515-52-50W year 2018 have m.2 SSD NVMe slot too? or it only has m.2 SSD SATA III slot that cannot fit with m.2 SSD NVMe?

[@FixItPhil]

The 2018 Acer Nitro 5 AN515-52-50W has one M.2 Slot compatible with 2280 PCIe NVMe SSDs in addition to the 2.5" SATA HDD slot. Depending on your build, your primary hard drive is either a 2.5" drive or an M.2 drive. If you have no secondary drive, then you can upgrade with whichever space is available. The 2.5" HDD bay can be converted to accept an M.2 SSD, using an adapter or housing like this one: geni.us/97s6 [Amazon Affiliate Product Link]

[@bobjoeman8832]

What screwdriver is used on the inside? I am currently installing an SSD, but am unable to unscrew the screws on the SSD cover with the adhesive pad

[@FixItPhil]

I'm using a mini screwdriver from this set: geni.us/bWoL [Amazon Affiliate Product Link] Size is J0.

[@fearskullz6351]

Do you have to do something after you put the ssd card? Or does it automatically give you more storage?

[@Noushauga]

Hi, just wanna ask if the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-43 also has an extra NVMe M.2 ssd slot not just a Sata ssd slot?

[@yourguykhonshu3972]

How many different Nitro 5 models are there? My interior looks very similar to yours but there only seems to be one slot despite the laptop itself having "dual M.2 support" on the sticker. The HDD slot is there, just not a second M.2 one

[@yourguykhonshu3972]

Nevermind. Just had to put it in the SATA slot on its own instead of next to the other M2

[@expiredwater4118]

This laptop can hold a 1TB solid state drive? Does this apply to every variant of the AN515-54 model?

[@FixItPhil]

Yes, it can accommodate up to 3 drives, 2 x M.2 SSDs and 1 x 2.5" SSD. The capacities for each drive can go up to 2 TB for the M.2 and possibly 4 TB for the 2.5" drive.

[@mestari6289]

Really good video!

[@Frank020]

Hi, not sure to upgrade .2 or 2.5 SSSD ..the later looks.easier. i.already have 250 gb. Solid state. It comes with an acces port.

[@FixItPhil]

If your laptop model has an access port, you like have an AN 515-42 Nitro 5 (or previous version). This means your build likely has only 1 m.2 drive, which is your primary drive. To upgrade the m.2, you would have to remove the back panel and replace your existing SSD with a higher capacity one, but then you would need to re-install your OS or clone the old drive's contents to the new one. In this case, it would be much simpler to add a second drive to the 2.5" bay through the access port to get more space, as you wouldn't need to remove the entire back cover nor re-install your OS.

[@Frank020]

@@FixItPhil TY. my son's for engineering college Upgrading to 16 Ram. Heard some windows 10 snags may come in play, since that comp may have come w 7. So for a layman maybe do 2.5. if needed. I've cloned 2.5, before but don't want to deal with issues, cloning. Nvdma. .2

[@theonlydangernoodle2172]

What is the capacity of the ssd you used in this vid?

[@FixItPhil]

The Intel 660p SSD I installed: geni.us/zmHkf [Amazon Affiliate Product Link] is a 1 TB capacity, though the laptop can handle up to 2 TB, and there is a 2 TB capacity from the same product line available.

[@goe8619]

@@FixItPhil does this mean 2TB in each SSD slot? Please reply

[@JohnKkim96]

Hi Phil, Great video. I’m looking to install a SSD like you’ve shown in the video but I was just wanting to ask what the process is to make the new drive my primary drive instead of the C:// drive I currently have (256GB SSD that came with the laptop) - so that any games or files are saved onto the new SSD and not the one already in the laptop. Do I just need to clone the disk / Partion it? I have no knowledge of computers so any help would be appreciated!

[@FixItPhil]

Hey, sorry for the delayed reply. After you install the new drive, yes you will need to clone the old one to it to make it the primary drive. This can be done with free software like Clonezilla and the formatting/partition would be automatically performed during that process. Then when installing your games, it should default to that drive, though usually the installation process will let you specific a drive/file location where you want the game to be installed and have a separate section for where you can select the file location for saved game files. If you'll be keeping the old drive in the system, you'll need to change the boot priority in the BIOS and you may want to consider formatting the old drive to free up some space (since anything on there would essentially be a duplicate of the new, primary cloned drive). Good luck with your upgrade and feel free to follow up with your progress!

[@aryan7013]

Does the new SSD requires any software installation or any setup to install or its just plug and play

[@FixItPhil]

After installing the new SSD, you'll need to partition and format the new drive before you can use it. You can do this by typing "computer management" into the Windows search bar (Cortana) and double-clicking the search result. Then select Disk Management on the left hand side. Find your new drive on the bottom of the center column, right-click the "unallocated space" (marked in black). Choose New - Simple Volume. Accept the default size. When asked to assign a drive letter, accept the default. The right-click the newly allocated space, select Format and follow the on-screen prompts.

[@adityahridyam7698]

@@FixItPhil i am not able get into windows, and only stuck at bios screen. So i have to reinstall windows and i am thinking to do that on new nvme ssd through bootable USB. Will i be able to do that or first i have to do it in my hdd then follow the above steps.!? Acer nitro 5 ans515-43(ryzen) is this compatible with nvme ?

[@FixItPhil]

If you are using a USB UEFI image to install a fresh copy of Windows 10, you should be able to do that directly to a newly installed M.2 NVMe. You will be able to select the drive, as long as the BIOS can "see" that it is installed, and you will be given the option to partition and format it during the installation process. You will *not* have to install Windows 10 twice (e.g. first on the HDD then on the SSD).

[@adityahridyam7698]

@@FixItPhil thanks man

[@hikaziki2105]

@@FixItPhil thanks bro , it really helped me out . I have kecut telur

[@MrNikola41]

Hello. Do you need to disconnect and remove the battery before installing the new drive or new ram?

[@FixItPhil]

No, that's usually not necessary because the process is quick and straight forward. I know some folks recommend it as a precaution, but the risk is really very small if you don't do anything weird while you're in there. You know, like don't poke around other screws and components or try to turn the laptop on before closing it up etc.

[@prakharsachan]

can we add 8gb ram in slot 2 with 2400Mhz becoz pre installed ram has only 1333Mhz which means less speed so as to increase it can we add ram with 2400Mhz or only 1333Mhz ram addition is supported..

[@FixItPhil]

While you technically can add a higher MHz RAM to your setup, you will be limited by the lowest MHz in your system and won't get any benefit from the faster speed, so adding a 2400 MHz RAM to pair with a 1333 MHz RAM means that both sticks will run at 1333MHz, in which case, you could save some money buy simply getting a second 1333 MHz RAM. The only way to take advantage of the faster speed would be to change both sticks to faster chips. The AN515-54 supports a maximum of 32 GB RAM at 2400/2666 MHz.

[@kirubeldesalgean357]

bro tnx for the tutorial . am new at this i bought the anti static wrist starp and i put it in my hand and what should i do with the end part i mean the hook thing where should i clip it

[@FixItPhil]

It should be attached to something grounded, like a a piece of metal that is touching bare ground. This is usually something like a radiator or exposed plumbing, but some folks also use the ground pin of their household outlets. Any piece of metal or wire stuck in the earth will do as well.

[@kirubeldesalgean357]

@@FixItPhil ok tnx for the help but can i actually clip it on the metal part of the pc some people say you can ?

[@mikamas1]

Question when you added the ssd, how do you take what's in the existing HD that came with the laptop and boot it from new ssd (windows 10)? Fyi I don't care if I have to wipe clean I. Order to boot my windows 10 from new ssd

[@FixItPhil]

You can clone the old drive's contents over to the new one. It's pretty easy once they're both installed in the same system. Boot from the old one first, use your cloning software of choice (you can try Clonezilla, it's free) Then once the drive is copied over to the new one, you can remove/wipe the old one.

[@dondig2617]

very good video sir I've been impressed with all your videos make me feel like I could do the upgrade but probably won't.

[@FixItPhil]

Thanks!

[@artemossyn1254]

Hello! I apologize if this seems a bit needy of me, but I haven't found a video that shows my model, as well as explains the pcie sticks! Mine has two slots, I think, but the 2nd one looks too small to fit an equally sized storage. I think mine is the An515-55, and I added my own SSD, thanks to you! But the stick PCIE/SATA slot is confusing...

[@FixItPhil]

I looked at a diagram of the internals of your model and it appears both m.2 slots can accommodate an m.2 drive with a 2280 form factor (22mm wide and 80mm long). While it *appears* the one marked Slot 2 is shorter because there are several components off to the side the drive will go on, it's not, because the hold down screw for the SSD is positioned 80mm from the connector. The drive there will simply overlap a few components/connectors in its path, which feels "weird" to do, but actually looks like it is designed to do so. Hope this info helps!

[@bonepoor1888]

When installing ssd its required to remove the battery?

[@Kubo1800]

Nice and clear

[@FixItPhil]

Thank you

[@UrBoyyyy52]

Installing another SSD is like increase your storage right?

[@MrTommyOnTour]

Hi I have an acer an517-51 what kind of m.2 should I be getting I'm very new to upgrading and need help. Thank you.

[@FixItPhil]

For M.2s in your model laptop, you have two slots. One is PCIe only and the other is PCIe/SATA, so it can support either interface type (NVMe or SATA). If you already have an M.2 SSD installed as the primary drive, you'll need to check to see which slot is already being taken up in order to determine which interface type you'll need for the remaining open slot. It'll be marked on the motherboard next to the slot.

[@MixedMuscleArts]

Hi, while you're in there, have you looked add re-pasting the CPU & GPU with better thermal grease?

[@FixItPhil]

No, but I've read other posts where other owners decided to do that mod/upgrade. There is a slight benefit in terms of cooling performance, but I'm not really gaming on this laptop. I use it mostly for work rendering video in 4K. It doesn't tax the CPU/GPU enough to make me want to go back in and change anything.

[@MixedMuscleArts]

@@FixItPhil I ended up opening mine and doing the repaste...BUT would not recommend it. The 2019 model uses a gap filling thermal putty, not pads (as is commonly shown in other videos), between the VRAM chips and heatsink. Also, the thermal grease between the CPU and GPU looked fine, good contact and coverage. In the end, because I had the heat sink lifted, I went ahead and replaced with MX-4, and the VRAM chips got 1mm thermal pads (after much cleaning) but they really needed 1.25mm pads, which are hard to come by. I may do a video to share these findings.

[@ellenra27]

Hey! Great video! Is the link in the description the exact M.2 for the Nitro 5? I need order one and don't know how to verify the size i need.

[@FixItPhil]

You can use any size (capacity) drive up to 2 TB and the physical dimensions should be 22mm wide and 80mm in length, typically denoted as 2280 in the specs or product name.

[@FantasyHawkeye]

Just now finding this video and it's very good! My question is when you talk about the hard drive slot in the bottom left, are you saying 2.5 edge hard drive? Or am I misunderstanding. Thanks!

[@FixItPhil]

Yes, the bay at the bottom fits a 2.5" form factor drive (you can use either an HDD or SSD up to 7mm thick) and it requires the SATA adapter ribbon cable to connect to the motherboard.

[@FantasyHawkeye]

@@FixItPhil Awesome thank you!

[@DuckTape058]

Hope you reply my comment I want to upgrade my ssd but i still concern that the m2 nvme already installed on the laptop can be upgrade to the new one with PICE gen 4.0? Second, does the empty m2 slot support m2 nvme or just m2, and if it does support m2 nvme then it would be gen 3 or gen 4 ? My model is AN515-57

[@KeiFresh]

Hey, i have a 517-51-56 and installed a 250gb NVMe and its not showing up in disk management

[@FixItPhil]

Hm, does the drive show up in your BIOS and or Device Manager (under disk drives)?

[@Domin17maru]

Nice video broth, liked and subscribed, btw do you have a video opening the sink fan from this specific model? I'm planning to repaste and also add a hdd

[@FixItPhil]

Thanks! I appreciate the compliment and sub. Sorry, I don't have a video of removing the heat sink fan or repasting of the CPU. These are mods that I haven't performed on this laptop. I did do one on adding the HDD, which is the same disassembly process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXW9l4CAosSeaMk

[@Domin17maru]

@@FixItPhil I see, thanks, i'll check out this video

[@mattwith2tsss295]

what is the max ssd you can put in a nitro 5. Like the max storage

[@gb-wo9gs]

if i changed the ram during the warranty period will it void the warranty of the laptop.

[@ashish_sh]

Bro i have the same laptop? Can you tell me which video editing software you use on this machine

[@FixItPhil]

I use Adobe Premiere CC. It's a monthly paid subscription.

[@angrylyrics103]

Will it be able to run both storages simultaneously??

[@tech_paul4822]

Cam we install m.2 nvme ssd in Acer niro 5

[@solarifymc]

Hi, I did this with the Crucial P2 and I can't get it detected. I have AN515-43, and i'm not sure which slot i should put it in. Please help!

[@FixItPhil]

Your model has two m.2 slots for SSDs. The first supports NVMe/PCIe and the second only SATA. Since the Crucial P2 is NVMe, it must go into the NVMe slot. If your original drive is also NVMe, you won't be able to install both drives since the second one must be SATA type. To check the slot compatibility, it will be marked on the motherboard next to the m.2 slot. To see an example of this, pause the video at 1:19 and you'll see "PCIE" on the motherboard next to the M.2 slot I'm working on.

[@solarifymc]

@@FixItPhil Thank you! I asked someone tech savvy and he said it needed to be formatted, thank you tthough!

[@_insertname_gaming507]

Thank you for the guide. But what are the upgrade options for AN515-54-53RN?

[@_insertname_gaming507]

@@ReviewedByPhil it only supports NVMe M.2 SSD? what about sata based M.2?

[@FixItPhil]

Yes, on your model both M.2 slots support NVMe and SATA III interfaces.

[@_insertname_gaming507]

@@FixItPhil Oh ok. Thank you for the reply :)

[@wevsky]

sorry to bring up an old post..just got this model of laptop with a sata ssd installed, i am at some point going to instal an nvme so the wife has more storage. im assuming as with any desktop pc i will be able to use the nvme as secondary storage with no fiddling about in bios?

[@AngelGarcia-qd8yc]

Hello sir thank you for the video I’m a novice at this but trying so here’s my question... what’s the difference between the ssd and the 2.5 drive.... I’d like to run more games on it

[@FixItPhil]

SSD vs HDD refers to the physical structure of the data storage. SSD (solid state drive) stores your data on flash memory, a non-moving chip, whereas HDD (hard disk drive) stores your data on a series of stacked platters (disks) that spin in order to be read and written to. A 2.5" drive refers to the physical dimensions (form factor) of the drive, that is, it is about two and a half inches wide; a 2.5" drive can be either SSD or HDD as both storage structures exist in this form factor. There are other form factors as well, like M.2 which is sometimes called a "gumstick" drive because it is roughly the size and shape of a stick of gum.

[@AngelGarcia-qd8yc]

@@FixItPhil so does it matter which one i install to have more space for games

[@deagle2yadome696]

I opened my laptop. This model. But there is not two slots. Only one and it doesn’t have a silver door over it. Should I return the SSD I bought🥺

[@sergeypromarketing9101]

Thanks man!

[@FixItPhil]

You bet!

[@MikesHackYT]

hi phil, thanks for your informative video. I have: AN515-54-76FH with 12G ram, i want to upgrade it to 16G ram and 1xM.2 SSD (250G). what specific tech details i need to buy? both are plug and play? thanks a lot.

[@FixItPhil]

Hi Michael, I can't tell from the specs whether or not your build has one stick of 12GB RAM or one 8GB and one 4GB. If the former, your best bet is to pair it with another 12GB stick of the same speed and bring the total to 24GB, (e.g. 2666GHz) as RAM works most efficiently when the pairs are identical. You can use a 4GB stick in the extra slot to get to 16GB, but you won't get the same performance as you would if you had two identical 8GB sticks. If you have the latter configuration, you can replace the 4GB stick with an identical 8GB stick to get to 16GB. When choosing an M.2 SSD, just make sure to get an NVMe (PCIe x4) with M-key socket connector. Both should be plug and play but you'll need to allocate and format the space on the new SSD before it'll work.

[@MikesHackYT]

@@FixItPhil thanks a lot Phil. will update onto this.