Predator 7000 Desktop - Can I use M2_3 slot for second SSD? and heatsink advice needed

JayDubPoDo
JayDubPoDo Member Posts: 2 New User
edited August 22 in Predator Desktops

I'm uncertain looking at the manual if I can just add a new SSD in the M2_3 slot, as I believe I only have one existing SSD in the M2_2 slot (haven't added any add'l SSDs). Is this the case?

Also, I'm guessing I don't need a heat sink on an SSD since there is a thermal pad. Is this correct?

Newbie to upgrading here - appreciate any advice anyone has. Thanks!

From the manual:

SSD replacement pg 1.png SSD replacement.png

Best Answer

  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 18,831 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓

    Hi @JayDubPoDo

    The Predator 7000’s M.2 slots support PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe SSDs (also backwards‑compatible with Gen 3), so you can add a high‑performance model like the Samsung 990 Pro in the empty M2_3 slot without disturbing the OS drive.

    Install steps:

    1. Power off and unplug the desktop.
    2. Remove the side panel for motherboard access.
    3. Locate the empty M2_3 slot.
    4. If present, peel back the protective film from the thermal pad.
    5. Insert the NVMe SSD at a ~30° angle, gold contacts first.
    6. Press it down gently and secure with the M.2 screw.
    7. Refit the panel, reconnect power, and boot into Windows.
    8. Open Disk Management → initialise the new drive → create and format a new volume.

    The Samsung 990pro Gen4 SSD is very powerful that comes with a large heatsink.

Answers

  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 18,831 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓

    Hi @JayDubPoDo

    The Predator 7000’s M.2 slots support PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe SSDs (also backwards‑compatible with Gen 3), so you can add a high‑performance model like the Samsung 990 Pro in the empty M2_3 slot without disturbing the OS drive.

    Install steps:

    1. Power off and unplug the desktop.
    2. Remove the side panel for motherboard access.
    3. Locate the empty M2_3 slot.
    4. If present, peel back the protective film from the thermal pad.
    5. Insert the NVMe SSD at a ~30° angle, gold contacts first.
    6. Press it down gently and secure with the M.2 screw.
    7. Refit the panel, reconnect power, and boot into Windows.
    8. Open Disk Management → initialise the new drive → create and format a new volume.

    The Samsung 990pro Gen4 SSD is very powerful that comes with a large heatsink.

  • JayDubPoDo
    JayDubPoDo Member Posts: 2 New User

    @Puraw thank you so much! I figured as much, but wanted to make sure I wasn't assuming wrong and would run into issues. This helps tremendously.

    Would you happen to know if I do require a heatsink or not? I was actually looking at the 4TB Samsung Pro and I see models both with and without the heatsink. The one with the heatsink is $100 off where I'm looking, but I was concerned it may not fit properly.

  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 18,831 Trailblazer

    Hi @JayDubPoDo

    The Predator 7000’s M.2 slots support PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe SSDs (also backwards‑compatible with Gen 3), so you can install a 4 TB Samsung 990 Pro in the empty M2_3 slot without disturbing the OS drive.

    On the heatsink question:

    • The Samsung 990 Pro with factory heatsink is standard 2280 size. It fits in much tighter spaces like the PHN16‑71 laptop, so there’s no obstruction risk in the 7000’s M2_3 slot under stock layout.
    • The only time clearance could be an issue is if a very large triple‑slot GPU overhangs the slot — in the stock 7000 configuration, it does not.
    • The motherboard’s M.2 cover/thermal pad can be used if you buy the bare drive. If you choose the heatsink version, remove the cover and secure the SSD directly.
    • The Samsung heatsink offers better sustained‑load cooling than the stock pad, but it’s not strictly required unless you expect long, heavy write workloads.

    Install steps:

    1. Power off and unplug the desktop.
    2. Remove the side panel for motherboard access.
    3. Locate the empty M2_3 slot.
    4. If using the bare SSD, peel the protective film from the thermal pad. If using the heatsink version, remove the M.2 cover instead.
    5. Insert the SSD at a ~30° angle, gold contacts first.
    6. Press down gently and secure with the M.2 screw.
    7. Refit the panel, reconnect power, and boot into Windows.
    8. Open Disk Management → initialise the new drive → create and format a new volume.

    Either version will work — the heatsink model will fit and run cool in the Predator 7000.

Categories