The screw is not coming out due to a tight fit or possible damage.
The screw is not coming out due to a tight fit or possible damage.
You're facing an issue with the M.2 screw not moving on your B550M Aorus Elite motherboard. It seems the problem might be specific to this model, as you had success with another board. You have a couple of options: either leave the NVMe in but without screws or use the recommended slot for better compatibility. Check the manufacturer's guidelines for your exact model to confirm the correct procedure.
It's removed. Seems like it was originally hex/allen encoded. You have various techniques based on your preferred method. I'd retrieve your multi-bit set and identify the best bit to use, checking if you can apply enough downward force to prevent the bit from popping out of the screw. Keep in mind that applying pressure might damage the board the screw is attached to, so proceed carefully. I also discovered this video to be helpful.
Attempt to grab just the screw head using pliers. You may need to remove the standoff first, then try extracting the screw with two pairs of pliers. If the screw is far from the electronics, a hacksaw or Dremel can help cut a new slot in the head. (Avoid doing this while it's in place—you'll generate conductive metal dust!) In the worst case, you might need to replace the standoff as well. You'll still have to replace the screw. You can purchase a variety online and keep multiple for future use. Replacement could be the best option; if removal is extremely difficult, it likely has cross-threaded fasteners.
It seems the usual advice isn’t helping you hold the screw properly. There’s no danger of damaging the motherboard by trying to grab and twist the standoff. Stripped screw extractors can be useful if you need to remove stuck screws. If you’re planning to remove your CPU fan, it’s best to do that carefully to avoid any issues.
No way, that’s a really simple fix. Pliers are the best choice. And we need a fresh screw.
Dear God, if you must include that on an M.2 screw, you’re likely going to damage the standoff. For smaller screws, I usually opt for flush cutters since they’re designed for gentle removal rather than applying pressure.