The Beelink EQ13 has an empty M.2 slot you can use for storage without opening the case

The Beelink EQ13 comes with one M.2 NVMe slot already populated with a drive, and one empty slot waiting for you to add a second drive. You do not need to disassemble the machine — the second slot is accessible from the bottom panel, which lifts off with four screws. The whole process takes about five minutes and requires only a Phillips screwdriver and an M.2 NVMe SSD that matches the 2280 form factor (that is, 22 millimeters wide and 80 millimeters long).

Before you buy, check what you already have. The EQ13 ships with either a 256GB or 512GB drive depending on the model. Adding a second drive does not replace the first — both will work together, and your system will see the total combined storage. If you want to upgrade the existing drive instead of adding a second one, that requires opening the case fully, which is more involved.

Key Takeaways

  • The Beelink EQ13 has one empty M.2 NVMe slot accessible from the bottom without full disassembly.
  • You need an M.2 NVMe SSD in the 2280 form factor — the same size as the drive already inside.
  • The installation takes about five minutes: remove four screws from the bottom panel, insert the drive at a 30-degree angle, and press down until it clicks.
  • After installation, the drive may not appear in Windows when ready — you may need to initialize it in Disk Management before you can use it.
  • Both drives will work at the same time, so you gain storage without losing what you already have.

What you need before you start

Gather a Phillips screwdriver (size #0 or #1 works fine), the new M.2 NVMe SSD, and a small static-safe workspace. You do not need thermal pads or heatsinks for the second slot — the EQ13 does not use them on the secondary drive. Power off the machine completely and unplug it from the wall, then wait a minute before you touch anything inside.

Check the specifications of any SSD you are considering. The EQ13 accepts only M.2 NVMe drives in the 2280 size — that means 22mm wide by 80mm long. SATA SSDs (which look different and have a different connector) will not fit. Most modern SSDs sold today are NVMe, but older or very cheap drives may still be SATA, so verify before you buy.

How to access the second M.2 slot

Flip the EQ13 upside down and look at the bottom panel. You will see four Phillips screws holding a metal or plastic cover in place. Remove all four screws and set them somewhere you will not lose them — they are small and straightforward to misplace. Lift the bottom panel straight up and set it aside. You should now see the motherboard and the empty M.2 slot, which looks like a thin rectangular socket with a small notch at one end.

The slot is usually located near the edge of the board, away from the existing drive. If you see two M.2 slots and one already has a drive in it, the empty one is your target. Do not touch any other components on the board — just focus on the empty slot.

Installing the new drive

Hold the new SSD at a shallow angle — about 30 degrees from flat — and align the notch on the drive with the key in the slot. Slide the drive into the socket gently until it stops. You should feel slight resistance, which is normal. Once the drive is fully inserted, press down on the end of the drive until you hear or feel a click. The drive should now sit flat against the board, held in place by a small clip at the end of the slot.

Do not force the drive. If it does not slide in smoothly, remove it and check the alignment. The notch and key must line up exactly, or the drive will not fit. Once the drive is seated and clicked into place, replace the bottom panel and tighten all four screws. Do not overtighten — snug is enough.

Making Windows recognize the new drive

Power the machine back on and let Windows boot normally. Open File Explorer and check if the new drive appears in the list on the left side. If it does, you are done — Windows has already initialized it and you can start using it when ready.

If the drive does not appear in File Explorer, it may be present but uninitialized. Right-click the Start button and select "Disk Management." You should see the new drive listed at the bottom of the window, marked as "Unknown" or "Not Initialized." Right-click on it and select "Initialize Disk." Choose "MBR" or "GPT" — for most users, GPT is the better choice for new drives. Once initialized, right-click the unallocated space and select "New straightforward Volume," then follow the wizard to create a partition. After that, the drive will appear in File Explorer and you can use it.

Checking that both drives are working

Open File Explorer and look at the left sidebar. You should see two drives listed — usually labeled as "C:" (your original drive with Windows) and "D:" or another letter (your new drive). Both should show their capacity and available space. You can also check in Disk Management to see both drives listed with their full capacity.

Run a quick test by copying a file to the new drive and reading it back. This confirms that both the write and read speeds are working normally. If you want to check the actual speed of the new drive, you can use free tools like CrystalDiskInfo to see the drive model and basic performance data.

Troubleshooting if the drive does not appear

If the drive still does not show up after initialization, power off the machine, remove the bottom panel again, and reseat the drive. Sometimes a drive that is not fully clicked into place will not be detected. Remove it completely, wait a few seconds, and reinsert it, making sure you hear the click. Power back on and check again.

If the drive appears in Disk Management but not in File Explorer, it may need a drive letter assigned. Right-click the drive in Disk Management, select "Properties," and look for the "General" tab. If no drive letter is shown, right-click the drive again and select "Properties" from the context menu, then assign a letter from the dropdown. After that, it should appear in File Explorer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a 2242 or 2260 SSD instead of 2280?

No. The EQ13 is designed for 2280 drives only. Shorter drives like 2242 or 2260 will not fit properly in the slot, even though they use the same connector. Stick with 2280 to avoid compatibility problems.

Do I need to install drivers for the new SSD?

No. Windows recognizes NVMe drives automatically and loads the necessary drivers on its own. You do not need to read or install anything. Just insert the drive, initialize it in Disk Management if needed, and it will work.

Will adding a second drive slow down the first one?

No. Both drives connect to separate M.2 slots on the motherboard and operate independently. Adding a second drive does not affect the speed or performance of the existing drive.

What happens to my files if I add a new drive?

Nothing. Your existing drive and all files on it remain untouched. The new drive appears as a separate drive letter in Windows, and you choose which files go where. Your original Windows installation and all existing programs stay on the original drive.

Can I use the new drive to move Windows to it?

You can, but it requires cloning software and is more complex than a fresh install. Most users find it simpler to keep Windows on the original drive and use the new drive for storage, games, or programs. If you want to move Windows, research cloning tools like Macrium Reflect or Acronis True Image first.