You can add an SSD to the Beelink EQ13 by opening the bottom panel, locating the M.2 slot, and inserting a compatible drive

The Beelink EQ13 has one empty M.2 slot that accepts NVMe SSDs — the small, rectangular drives that look nothing like traditional hard drives. The process takes about five minutes and requires only a Phillips screwdriver. You do not need to remove the existing storage or touch any other components.

The EQ13 ships with either 256GB or 512GB of built-in storage depending on your model. Adding a second drive gives you more space without replacing what you have. Both drives will work together, and you can choose which one holds your operating system and programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The Beelink EQ13 has one M.2 slot on the motherboard that accepts NVMe SSDs up to 2280 size (22mm wide, 80mm long).
  • You need a Phillips screwdriver and an anti-static wrist strap or mat to avoid damaging the drive during installation.
  • Power off the computer completely, unplug it, and wait a few minutes before opening the case to let components cool and discharge static.
  • The drive installs at a 30-degree angle, then you press down and secure it with a single screw — forcing it flat will break the connector.

What SSD size and type the EQ13 accepts

The Beelink EQ13 uses an M.2 NVMe slot, which is the modern standard for small computers. This slot accepts drives in the 2280 size, which means 22 millimeters wide and 80 millimeters long. Most NVMe SSDs sold today are this size, so you have many options.

The slot supports both PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 4.0 drives. A PCIe 4.0 drive is faster but also more expensive. For most uses — web browsing, documents, video playback, light gaming — a PCIe 3.0 drive performs identically. If you edit video or work with large files regularly, PCIe 4.0 makes a noticeable difference.

Avoid drives larger than 2280 (such as 22110) because they will not fit in the slot. Check the product listing or manual before buying to confirm the size. Common brands that work include Samsung, Crucial, Kingston, and WD Blue, but any 2280 NVMe drive will work.

Tools and preparation you need before opening the case

Gather a Phillips screwdriver (size #0 or #1), your new NVMe SSD, and ideally an anti-static wrist strap. The strap clips to your wrist and grounds you to the case, preventing static electricity from damaging the drive. If you do not have a strap, touch a metal part of the case frequently while working, or work on a non-carpeted surface.

Power off the Beelink EQ13 completely using the shutdown menu — do not just put it to sleep. Unplug the power cable from the back of the unit and wait two to three minutes. This allows the components to cool and any residual electrical charge to dissipate.

Set up your workspace on a clean, flat surface with good lighting. Lay out the screwdriver and SSD where you can reach them easily. Do not work on carpet if possible, as it generates static. If you must work on carpet, touch the metal case frame frequently.

Step-by-step installation of the NVMe drive

Flip the Beelink EQ13 upside down so the bottom panel faces you. You will see four rubber feet at the corners and several screws underneath. Remove all visible screws using your Phillips screwdriver — typically there are four to six. Keep the screws in a small container so you do not lose them.

Gently lift the bottom panel away from the case. It may require a little wiggling, but it should come free without force. Set it aside in a safe place. You will now see the motherboard, cooling fan, and the M.2 slot, which is a thin rectangular opening near the center or edge of the board.

Locate the M.2 slot — it is a narrow horizontal slot with a small screw hole at one end. If you see two slots, use the one that is not already occupied. Remove the protective cap or sticker if one is present. Take your new NVMe drive and hold it at a 30-degree angle, with the gold connector end pointing toward the slot.

Insert the drive into the slot at that angle, pushing gently until you feel it seat. Do not force it — it should slide in smoothly. Once seated, press the drive down flat against the motherboard. You will hear or feel a small click as it locks into place. Secure it with the single screw provided with the drive, or use a screw from the bottom panel if no screw came with the drive.

Reassembling the case and checking the drive in Windows

Replace the bottom panel by aligning it with the case edges and pressing down until it sits flush. Screw all the screws back in — do not overtighten them, as this can crack the plastic. Flip the unit right-side up and plug the power cable back in.

Power on the Beelink EQ13 and let it boot into Windows. Open File Explorer and look at the left sidebar under "This PC." You should see two drives listed: your original storage and the new SSD. If the new drive does not appear, shut down, open the case again, and reseat the drive by removing and reinserting it at the 30-degree angle.

If the drive still does not appear, open Disk Management by right-clicking the Start button and selecting "Disk Management." Look for an uninitialized disk in the list. Right-click it and select "Initialize Disk," then choose MBR or GPT (GPT is the modern standard). After initialization, the drive will appear in File Explorer and you can begin using it.

Choosing which drive to use for your operating system and programs

Once both drives are recognized, you can decide how to use them. The simplest approach is to leave Windows and your programs on the original drive and use the new SSD for files, photos, and videos. This requires no changes to your current setup.

If you want to move Windows to the new drive for a fresh start, you can reinstall Windows on the new SSD and leave the old drive as secondary storage. This is more involved but gives you a clean system. You will need a Windows installation USB, which you can create on another computer using the Windows Media Creation Tool.

You can also clone your existing Windows installation to the new drive using free software like Macrium Reflect or EaseUS Todo Backup. This copies everything — programs, settings, files — to the new drive without reinstalling. After cloning, you change the boot order in BIOS to start from the new drive first.

Troubleshooting if the drive does not appear

If Windows does not recognize the new drive after installation, the most common cause is that the drive is not fully seated. Power off, open the case, and gently remove the drive by pressing down on the end opposite the connector. Wait a few seconds, then reinsert it at the 30-degree angle and press down firmly until it clicks.

If the drive appears in Disk Management but not in File Explorer, it needs to be initialized and formatted. Right-click the uninitialized disk in Disk Management, select "Initialize Disk," choose GPT, then right-click again and select "New Simple Volume." Follow the wizard to format it as NTFS, and it will appear in File Explorer.

If the drive does not appear anywhere, check that you are using a compatible M.2 NVMe drive in the 2280 size. Some older or specialty drives use different connectors. You can also try the drive in the other M.2 slot if the EQ13 has two, though most models have only one. If you still have no luck, the drive itself may be defective — contact the manufacturer for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to remove the existing drive to add a new one?

No. The Beelink EQ13 has one empty M.2 slot, so you can add a second drive without touching the original storage. Both drives will work at the same time, and you can choose which one holds your operating system.

Will adding an SSD void my warranty?

Opening the case to add storage may void the warranty depending on Beelink's policy. Check your warranty documentation or contact Beelink support before opening the unit if warranty coverage is important to you. Most manufacturers allow internal upgrades, but policies vary.

What speed SSD should I buy?

For everyday use, a PCIe 3.0 NVMe drive is sufficient and costs less. PCIe 4.0 is faster but more expensive and only makes a noticeable difference if you regularly transfer large files or edit video. Both work in the EQ13, so choose based on your budget and what you do with the computer.

Can I use a SATA SSD instead of NVMe?

No. The Beelink EQ13 has only an M.2 NVMe slot, not a SATA slot. SATA drives are older and larger, and they will not fit. You must use an M.2 NVMe drive in the 2280 size.

How much storage should I add?

That depends on what you store. For basic use, 256GB or 512GB is plenty. If you keep large video files, game libraries, or photo collections, consider 1TB or larger. Prices have dropped significantly, so a 1TB NVMe drive is often only slightly more expensive than a 512GB model.