Framework Laptop 16 Dual M.2 Adapter Installation

Flip over your Dual M.2 Adapter and locate the marked section where you'll place the 1.75 mm thermal pad.

Remove the clear liner from the thermal pad labeled 1.75 mm to expose one side of it.

Place the thermal pad over its spot on the back of the adapter.

Use your finger to gently press the thermal pad onto the adapter.

Remove the blue liner to expose its top side.

Flip over the adapter and place it into its spot in the Expansion Bay Shell, making sure it slots into its alignment pegs.

Before continuing, make sure the fan cables aren't trapped under the adapter.

Use your Framework Screwdriver to partially install the four 3.6 mm‑long screws securing the Dual M.2 Adapter—only screw them in a few turns.

Tighten the four screws in an "X" pattern starting with the top left screw.

Use your fingers to grip the brown pull tab and slide the right fan cable straight into its socket.

Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver, or a clean fingernail, to press down the locking tab on the right fan ZIF connector.

Repeat the previous step for the left fan.

Refer to the markings on the adapter to figure out where your SSD will go:

2230 SSDs → H1 or H5

2242 SSDs → H2 or H6

2260 SSDs → H3 or H7

2280 SSDs → H4 or H8

Use your Framework Screwdriver to remove one or both of the 6.7 mm‑long T5 Torx SSD screws, depending on how many SSDs you're installing.

If you're installing a single‑sided SSD (chips on only one side), grab the 2.25 mm thermal pad.

If you're installing a double‑sided SSD (chips on both sides), grab the 1.25 mm thermal pad.

Without removing any liners, place the thermal pad over the slot where you want to install your SSD.

Orient the thermal pad so it sits between the small components next to the SSD's socket and the screw hole—including the gold ring around it.

When you're confident in how your thermal pad should be oriented, remove it and continue to the next step.

Remove the clear liner from the thermal pad to expose one side of it.

Place the thermal pad over its spot on the adapter.

Use your finger to gently press the thermal pad onto the adapter.

Remove the blue liner to expose its top side.

Insert the SSD into the socket at a shallow angle. The gold contacts should mostly be covered by the socket.

While lightly pressing the SSD into the thermal pad, guide the gap in the SSD screw into the notch on back of the SSD

Use your Framework Screwdriver to install the 6.7 mm‑long screw securing the SSD.

If you're installing a single‑sided SSD (chips on only one side), grab the 2.25 mm thermal pad.

If you're installing a double‑sided SSD (chips on both sides), grab the 1.25 mm thermal pad.

Without removing any liners, place the thermal pad over the slot where you want to install your SSD.

Orient the thermal pad so it sits near the small components next to the SSD's socket.

Use a marker to indicate where you need to cut the thermal pad so it fits between the socket and your SSD's screw hole—including the gold ring around it.

When you're confident in how your thermal pad should be oriented, remove it and continue to the next step.

Use scissors to cut the thermal pad to your desired length.

Remove the clear liner from the thermal pad to expose one side of it.

Place the thermal pad over its spot on the adapter.

Use your finger to gently press the thermal pad onto the adapter.

Remove the blue liner to expose its top side.

Insert the SSD into the socket at a shallow angle. The gold contacts should mostly be covered by the socket.

While lightly pressing the SSD into the thermal pad, guide the gap in the SSD screw into the notch on back of the SSD

Use your Framework Screwdriver to install the 6.7 mm‑long screw securing the SSD.