TEAMGROUP T-FORCE A440 NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 2280 SSD Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The TEAMGROUP T-FORCE A440 is a high-performance M.2 2280 Internal SSD designed for demanding applications. It utilizes PCIe Gen4x4 interface and the NVMe 1.4 standard, offering sequential read/write speeds up to 7,000/6,900 MB/s. This SSD includes two heat sinks (aluminum and graphene) for effective thermal management.

Image 1: TEAMGROUP T-FORCE A440 NVMe SSD with its aluminum heatsink.

2. Package Contents

• 1 x TEAMGROUP T-FORCE A440 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD
• 1 x Aluminum Heatsink
• 1 x Graphene Heatsink

3. Setup and Installation

Before installation, ensure your motherboard/laptop, processor (CPU), and BIOS support the NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 2280 SSD to avoid incompatibility issues. Refer to your system's manual for M.2 slot locations and specifications.

3.1 Heatsink Installation

The T-FORCE A440 SSD comes with two heatsink options: an aluminum heatsink and a graphene heatsink. Choose the appropriate heatsink based on your system's clearance and thermal requirements. The graphene heatsink has a height of 3.7mm, making it suitable for devices like the Sony PlayStation 5.

Image 2: TEAMGROUP T-FORCE A440 SSD with the aluminum heatsink installed.

3.2 M.2 SSD Installation Steps

1. Power Off System: Completely shut down your computer and disconnect the power cable.
2. Open Case: Open your computer case or laptop chassis to access the motherboard.
3. Locate M.2 Slot: Identify an available M.2 slot on your motherboard. It is typically labeled 'M.2' or 'PCIe M.2'.
4. Remove Standoff/Screw: If present, remove the screw and standoff from the M.2 slot.
5. Insert SSD: Gently insert the T-FORCE A440 SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle. Ensure the gold contacts are fully seated.
6. Secure SSD: Push the SSD down until it is parallel with the motherboard. Secure it with the screw you removed earlier.
7. Close Case: Reassemble your computer case or laptop chassis.
8. Power On: Connect the power cable and power on your system.

For visual guidance on installing an M.2 SSD and other PC components, refer to the following video:

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Initializing and Formatting the SSD

After physical installation, the SSD needs to be initialized and formatted before it can be used by your operating system. This process typically involves:

1. Accessing Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS/Linux).
2. Initializing the new SSD (usually as GPT for modern systems).
3. Creating a new simple volume and formatting it with a suitable file system (e.g., NTFS for Windows).

Refer to your operating system's documentation for detailed steps on disk initialization and formatting.

4.2 Performance Expectations

The T-FORCE A440 SSD is designed for high-speed data transfer, leveraging PCIe Gen4x4 and NVMe 1.4. Actual performance may vary based on your system's hardware, software configuration, and workload. The SSD features 3D NAND TLC with DRAM SLC Cache for optimized speed and endurance.

Image 3: Illustrates the high read and write speeds of the T-FORCE A440 SSD.

Image 4: Highlights the internal architecture and standards of the T-FORCE A440 SSD.

5. Maintenance

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your SSD, consider the following maintenance practices:

• Firmware Updates: Periodically check the TEAMGROUP official website for any available firmware updates for your SSD. Firmware updates can improve performance, stability, and compatibility.
• TRIM Command: Ensure your operating system has the TRIM command enabled. TRIM helps the SSD manage its storage space efficiently, maintaining performance over time.
• Avoid Defragmentation: Unlike traditional hard drives, SSDs do not benefit from defragmentation. Defragmenting an SSD can reduce its lifespan without improving performance.
• Thermal Management: The included heatsinks are crucial for managing the high temperatures generated during high-speed operations. Ensure proper airflow within your system to maximize heatsink effectiveness.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your T-FORCE A440 SSD, consider the following:

• SSD Not Detected: Verify that the SSD is correctly seated in the M.2 slot. Check your system's BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure the M.2 slot is enabled and configured correctly (e.g., PCIe mode).
• System Fails to Boot or Runs Unstably: Ensure your BIOS is updated to the latest version. Incompatibility with older BIOS versions can cause instability.
• Performance Lower Than Stated: Confirm that your motherboard supports PCIe Gen4x4. Older motherboards or incorrect BIOS settings may limit performance to Gen3 speeds. Ensure proper heatsink installation and adequate system cooling.
• Displayed Capacity Lower Than Actual: This is normal for all storage products. The discrepancy arises from the difference in how flash memory manufacturers (decimal) and computers (binary) calculate storage capacity. For example, a 2TB drive will display approximately 1.81 TB in the operating system.

7. Specifications

Key technical specifications for the TEAMGROUP T-FORCE A440 NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 2280 SSD:

Image 5: Details the Terabytes Written (TBW) endurance rating of the SSD.

8. Warranty Information

The TEAMGROUP T-FORCE A440 SSD comes with a 5-year limited warranty or a warranty based on its Terabytes Written (TBW) rating, whichever comes first. The definition and conditions of TBW are based on the JEDEC standard. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

9. Support

For additional technical support, customer service, or to check for the latest drivers and firmware updates, please visit the official TEAMGROUP website. You can also find further information regarding product compatibility and performance details there.

For a visual overview of the T-FORCE CARDEA A440 SSD, including its features and design, please watch the official product video: