Upgrading your 12th Gen Intel desktop PC with an NVMe PCIe SSD is one of the best ways to boost performance. NVMe SSDs are much faster than SATA SSDs and HDDs, giving you lightning-fast boot times, quicker file transfers, and smoother overall performance.
This guide will show you exactly how to install and set up an NVMe PCIe SSD in a 12th Gen PC — even if you’re a beginner. 👍
🔍 What Is an NVMe PCIe SSD?
An NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSD is a high-speed storage device that connects directly to your motherboard via an M.2 slot using the PCIe interface.
🚀 Benefits of NVMe SSD:
✅ Up to 7× faster than SATA SSD
✅ Instant Windows boot
✅ Faster gaming & software loading
✅ No cables required
✅ Compact & modern design
Perfect for 12th Gen Intel systems.
🧰 Things You Need Before Installation
Make sure you have:
✔ NVMe PCIe SSD (M.2 2280 recommended)
✔ 12th Gen compatible motherboard (B660, Z690, B760, Z790, etc.)
✔ Small Phillips screwdriver
✔ Desktop PC powered off
✔ Anti-static precautions (touch metal surface)
🛠️ Step 1: Power Off & Open the PC Case
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Shut down your PC completely
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Turn off the power supply switch
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Unplug all cables
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Open the side panel of your CPU cabinet
⚠️ Avoid static electricity — touch a metal part of the case before starting.
🔎 Step 2: Locate the M.2 NVMe Slot
On 12th Gen motherboards, the M.2 slot is usually:
📍 Near the CPU socket
📍 Under a heatsink cover
📍 Labeled as M.2 / NVMe / PCIe
Some boards have multiple M.2 slots — use the primary one (usually M.2_1).
💽 Step 3: Install the NVMe SSD
👉 Installation Steps:
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Remove the M.2 heatsink (if present)
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Insert the NVMe SSD at a 30° angle
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Gently push it down flat
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Secure it with the small screw
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Re-attach the heatsink (recommended)
✔ No cables needed — it locks directly into the motherboard.
🔌 Step 4: Close the Case & Power On
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Close the cabinet side panel
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Reconnect power cable & monitor
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Turn on the power supply
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Start your PC
Your hardware installation is complete! 🎉
⚙️ Step 5: Check NVMe SSD in BIOS (Very Important)
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Restart PC
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Press DEL or F2 to enter BIOS
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Go to Storage / NVMe Configuration
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Confirm your NVMe SSD is detected
If visible → ✅ Installation successful
🖥️ Step 6: Initialize NVMe SSD in Windows
If Windows doesn’t show the drive automatically:
📌 Steps:
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Press Windows + X
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Click Disk Management
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Find the unallocated NVMe disk
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Right-click → Initialize Disk
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Choose GPT (Recommended)
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Create New Simple Volume
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Assign drive letter & format (NTFS)
Now your SSD is ready to use 💥
🚀 Step 7: Install Windows on NVMe (Optional but Recommended)
For best performance:
✔ Install Windows directly on NVMe SSD
Basic Steps:
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Create Windows bootable USB
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Boot from USB
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Select NVMe SSD during installation
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Install Windows
Result:
⚡ Super-fast boot
⚡ Smooth multitasking
⚡ Maximum performance
🧠 Tips for Best NVMe Performance
✔ Enable XMP in BIOS
✔ Keep BIOS updated
✔ Use motherboard heatsink
✔ Leave 10–15% free space
✔ Use NVMe as OS drive
🎯 Compatible PCIe Versions in 12th Gen PCs
| PCIe Version | Speed | Supported |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe 3.0 | Good | ✅ Yes |
| PCIe 4.0 | Very Fast | ✅ Yes |
| PCIe 5.0 | Ultra Fast | ⚠️ Limited |
👉 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs are the best value choice.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Can I install NVMe SSD in any 12th Gen PC?
Yes, most 12th Gen motherboards support NVMe SSDs via M.2 slots.
Q2. Do I need cables for NVMe SSD?
No. NVMe SSDs connect directly to the motherboard.
Q3. My NVMe SSD is not showing in Windows — why?
You need to initialize and format it using Disk Management.
Q4. Is NVMe faster than SATA SSD?
Yes — NVMe is 5–7 times faster.
Q5. Can I use NVMe SSD for gaming?
Absolutely! It improves load times and performance.
🏁 Conclusion
Installing an NVMe PCIe SSD in a 12th Gen desktop PC is:
✔ Easy
✔ Cable-free
✔ Extremely fast
✔ Worth every upgrade
Whether you’re upgrading storage or installing a fresh OS, NVMe SSD is the best choice for modern PCs
