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Using an M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure

This guide explains how to use an M.2 NVMe SSD with an external SSD enclosure to install the system on the M.2 NVMe SSD.

warning

Installing the system will format the M.2 NVMe SSD. Please back up any important data before proceeding!

Booting from an M.2 NVMe SSD requires using it with a PCIe to M.2 M Key HAT expansion board.

Hardware Requirements​

Prepare the following hardware in advance:

  • Boot media: M.2 NVMe SSD
  • SSD enclosure: M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure
  • Expansion board: PCIe to M.2 M Key HAT

Hardware Connection​

Install the M.2 NVMe SSD into the SSD enclosure, then connect the enclosure to your PC's USB port.

Software Preparation​

Use the open-source image flashing tool Etcher to write the system image to the M.2 NVMe SSD.

Download System Image​

Go to the Downloads page to download and extract the system image file to your PC.

Download Etcher​

Download the appropriate version of Etcher for your operating system from the balenaEtcher website.

Download the correct software package for your system platform and architecture.

Using Etcher​

After downloading, double-click to open the Etcher application.

tip

  • Windows The downloaded file is an *.exe installer. Double-click to run the program.

  • Linux Download the *.zip archive, extract it, then double-click the program to run it.

  • macOS Download the appropriate *.dmg file for your system architecture. After opening, drag the application to your Applications folder to install. Then double-click the app icon to run it.

Installing the System Image​

  1. Select the system image: Click the Flash from file button and choose the system image file you downloaded and extracted earlier.
  1. Select the target device: Click Select target and choose the disk device corresponding to your connected SSD enclosure.
danger

Be extremely careful to select the correct disk! Selecting the wrong disk will result in data loss as Etcher will format the selected disk.

① : Select the disk device where you want to install the system image

② : Click Select 1 to confirm your device selection

  1. Start writing the system image: Click the Flash button and wait for the software to automatically write and verify the system image.

Writing system image, please wait...

Verifying system image, please wait...

  1. After successfully writing the system image, close the Etcher software!

System Information​

When using our provided system image for the first time, you'll need to log in with the following default credentials:

  • Username: radxa
  • Password: radxa