I'm just trying to figure out how this works.
I just installed a new SSD in my Macbook Air, it's one of these. Have a look at what the pins look like:
When I put it into the slot, for the life of me, as hard as I pushed, I could not get the pins to go all the way in. They're about 75% of the way in.
Now, the way I understand how this works, this doesn't matter, does it? In theory, if only a small part of each pin was touching the connector, it would work, right?
Also, when pushing it hard to get the pins to go in all the way, the SSD board kept bending and flexing. I hoped this was OK.
My two main questions are:
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Is it okay if the pins for an SSD drive only go in 75% of the way? (bonus: explain why…I'm just curious…is that really how it works…it doesn't matter how long the pins are, only that some of the metal is touching the metal? Just enough to make a circuit?)
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Is it okay if the SSD drive flexed a bit when I was trying to push it hard into the socket? (bonus: explain why…what is in there that allows it to flex, I wouldn't think it would be ok?)
Best Answer
Sure. The further in it is, the lower the resistance across the connection will be, and if the resistance is too high then there may be a problem with the circuitry on the other side picking up the signal. But 75% should be enough.
Yes, provided no solder joints separated and no components were damaged. Thinner PCBs may bend under strain, and some are even designed to be flexible.