Guide
ASUS ROG Flow Z13 2230 2TB Upgraded SSD Install Guide
Hey, fans and subscribers, this is your host, Joe, from the GamingForInsight channel with a written guide (below) nd a video to upgrade your storage capacity on the 2230 SSD in the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025). My initiative was to have more than 1TB of internal local storage for further work to make this device my desktop replacement.
The SSD of choice to upgrade to is the 2TB Timetek M.2, and it is a 2230 form factor like the default/stock one installed that comes with the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025); however, we have more storage with the upgrade. My tests did not uncover better temperatures or higher read/write speeds with the upgraded SSD, so based on my test results, the only upgraded feature you will experience is the upgraded local storage (2TB versus 1TB). I will refer to the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) as the Z13 in this guide.
What You Need
ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) (NON-AFFILIATE link: https://rog.asus.com/us/laptops/rog-flow/rog-flow-z13-2025/wtb/)
ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) power cord (or supported power cord; NOTE: connecting via USB-C for power is sufficient for this guide as you are demanding the wattage you would require pushing the APU to its maximum capacity).
ASUS ROG Flow Z13 attachable magnetic keyboard (that comes with it) or a supporting keyboard.
Timetec 2TB M.2 2230 SSD NVMe PCIe Gen3x4, Solid State Drive, Compatible with Steam Deck, Microsoft Surface, Mini PCs (NON-AFFILIATE Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDNPVCYC?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1)
A screwdriver (NON-AFFILIATE link: https://www.ifixit.com/products/mako-driver-kit-64-precision-bits) that supports two bits: Torx T5 bit for removing the SSD enclosure case and J000 bit for removing the SSD screw that keeps it fastened to the Z13.
Testing
A Note on Testing…
My objective in my testing was to understand if read/write speeds improved by upgrading the SSD. To test, I used two programs: CrystalDiskMark to determine read/write speeds for file transfer(s) and HWiNFO to determine the minimum and maximum temperatures of the SSDs. Measuring temperatures was to determine to what extent temperatures would change despite an updated SSD supporting higher read and write speeds.
I used CrystalDiskMark for Windows, which has a version available for free to download on the Free Software Download CNET Download page (reference: https://download.cnet.com/crystaldiskmark/3000-2094_4-75330576.html). The tests I ran were 1) the transfer of five 1GB files and 2) the transfer of nine 2GB files. There are other test parameters one can apply. If you are interested in learning more about these other test parameters or CrystalDiskMark, consult the link in the Additional Resources section of this guide.
I used HWiNFO with a free version available on its website to download (reference: https://www.hwinfo.com/). After opening the program, you must pull the sensor information and scroll down to the SSD metrics.
Temperatures and Read/Write Speeds
Tests were done for each set of parameters three times; therefore, the read/write speeds and the hundredth and thousandth decimal places changed across the tests. The video recorded shows one of those tests for each set of parameters. Read/Write speeds close to match the initial stock drive when testing. However, unexpectedly, the SEQ1M Q8T1 measurement for the 2Gib test exceeded the maximum write speed for the stock SSD (KBG50ZNS1T02 KIOXIA).
Read/Write speeds were not improved with the upgraded SSD (i.e., TimeTec) and, instead, close to match the read/write speed of the stock SSD (i.e., KIOXIA), and this circumstance is not caused by temperature throttling. The max temperature remained consistent across the tests. NOTE: the CrystalDiskMark test did not definitively define the max temp you will ever see on the upgraded SSD. In conclusion, when upgrading to the new SSD (i.e., TimeTec) based on the test data, you would only experience the benefit of the larger storage available (i.e., 2TB compared to 1TB). More details are below that I recorded.
CrystalDiskMark Benchmark:
- Default/Stock SSD (KBG50ZNS1T02 KIOXIA)
- Settings: 5x, 1GiB, drive C, GB/s
- Read: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 3.456, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 2.212, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.325, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.047
- Write: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 3.331, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 1.954, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.339, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.087
Corresponding HW Info Stats for KBG50ZNS1T02 KIOXIA (YE6CT1PAZ143):
- Degrees (Celsius): Min 30, Max 43
Conclusion: Read Speed is up to 3500 MB/s and Write Speed is up to 2900 MB/s for the KBG50ZNS1T02 KIOXIA. Benchmark shows no evidence of temp throttling to have impacted read and write speeds. Temp does not exceed 70 degrees Celsius, which prolonged exposure can damage drive. Throttling would occur at 80 degrees Celsius. SEQ1M Q8T1 benchmark scores are close to read and write speed for this drive. However, the SEQ1M Write Speed measurement exceeds the maximum write speed specified for the drive.
CrystalDiskMark Benchmark:
- Timetec PCIe SSD (PH240411F2T0717)
- Settings: 5x, 1GiB, drive C, GB/s
- Read: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 3.483, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 2.041, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.364, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.042
- Write: (SEQ1M Q8T1) , (SEQ1M Q8T1) , (RND4K Q32T1) , (RND4K Q1T1)
Corresponding HW Info Stats for Timetec PCIe SSD (PH240411F2T0717):
- Degrees (Celsius): Min 31, Max 44
Conclusion: The 2TB Timetec SSD has up to 7,000/5,600MB/s (Read/Write, respectively). No presence of temp throttling for read and write speeds not reaching maximum. The test did not show an improvement across read/write speeds with the Timetec SSD compared to the stock SSD (used in previous test) with these settings.
CrystalDiskMark Benchmark:
- Default/Stock SSD (KBG50ZNS1T02 KIOXIA)
- Settings: 9x, 2GiB, drive C, GB/s
- Read: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 3.421, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 2.060, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.324, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.0497
- Write: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 3.320, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 2.041, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.340, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.091
Corresponding HW Info Stats for KBG50ZNS1T02 KIOXIA (YE6CT1PAZ143):
- Degrees (Celsius): Min 29, Max 44
Conclusion: Read Speed is up to 3500 MB/s and Write Speed is up to 2900 MB/s for the KBG50ZNS1T02 KIOXIA. Benchmark shows no evidence of temp throttling to have impacted read and write speeds. Temp does not exceed 70 degrees Celsius, which prolonged exposure can damage drive. Throttling would occur at 80 degrees Celsius. SEQ1M Q8T1 benchmark scores are close to read and write speed for this drive. However, the SEQ1M Write Speed measurement exceeds the maximum write speed specified for the drive.
CrystalDiskMark Benchmark:
- Timetec PCIe SSD (PH240411F2T0717)
- Settings: 9x, 2GiB, drive C, GB/s
- Read: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 3.469, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 2.028, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.361, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.041
- Write: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 3.288, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 2.016, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.388, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.090
Corresponding HW Info Stats for Timetec PCIe SSD (PH240411F2T0717):
- Degrees (Celsius): Min 31, Max 45
Conclusion: The 2TB Timetec SSD has up to 7,000/5,600MB/s (Read/Write, respectively). No presence of temp throttling for read and write speeds not reaching maximum. The test did not show an improvement across read/write speeds with the Timetec SSD compared to the stock SSD (used in previous test) with these settings.
Part 1 - SSD Removal and Installation
We are replacing the SSD in the Z13 and are using ASUS Cloud Recovery to restore the Operating System (OS); therefore, you will need to restore any saved or sensitive files on your device already stored. I recommend using a separate stick drive or external storage device to back up your files. You may want to note any settings you have designed in Armory Crate, such as fan curves, manual power modes, or RGB effects, as you will need to set those up again. Think of this process as starting again from when you first purchased the device, but you will have more local storage to work with than 1TB (and have 2TB local storage instead).
Power down the device. You can keep the magnetic keyboard attached to the Z13 and close it over the display. Rotate the Z13 so that you are facing the back of the device. If you are facing the device with the kickstand at the bottom from your perspective, then you are best set to do the SSD install. If not, turn the device so the kickstand is at the bottom from your perspective. Lift the kickstand upward (you can lift it to a 90-degree angle).
The M.2 2230 SSD enclosure is to the left, directly below the kickstand's hinge. There is a screw that fastens the enclosure to the left of the surface of it. Use the Torx T5 bit on your screwdriver to remove the screw and place it in a safe place for keeping. Remove the lid of the enclosure. Fortunately, my fingernail was not too short to lift the closure (or lid) up, so consider having a very thin item to wedge it open if need be (without scratching the device). Once you lift the enclosure (lid), place the lid to the side for safekeeping. Looking inside the enclosure (now that it is exposed), you will see the SSD and a screw that keeps it fastened. Use the J000 bit on your screwdriver to unfasten the screw and place it in a safe place for keeping. Don't confuse the two screws that you have in a safe place for keeping at this point.
Slide the SSD from right to left. I had to use my finger to slide the SSD. I could lift the SSD very slightly, but you must slide it left to remove it. Once you place the stock SSD on the side, you can insert the upgraded Timetec SSD (i.e., the upgraded SSD). You will need to remove the upgraded SSD from the packaging. I kept the tape on the SSD instead of removing it since we are not applying a heatsink in this case.
Use the J000 bit on your screwdriver to fasten the screw on the newly installed SSD. Next, place the enclosure (lid) over the SSD slot (that you originally removed). Place the screw in where to fasten the enclosure (lid) and use the Torx T5 bit on your screwdriver to do so.
Rotate the Z13 for the next part.
Part 2 - Accessing ASUS Cloud Recovery
I recommend keeping the keyboard connected to your Z13. Turn the device on by pressing the power button on the upper right area on the side of the Z13. Once you do, press F9 on the keyboard as soon as you see the ASUS logo. You will enter into the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) (referred to in some cases as the BIOS, though UEFI is a modern firmware that replaced what is known as the older BIOS).
Press F7 to enter into Advanced Mode of the UEFI (you will be in Basic Mode prior). You will see the Main settings. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Advanced settings (look at the tabs below the Republic of Gamers logo on the upper left-hand side). The first option listed in the settings/options is Cloud Recovery. Confirm it is highlighted, and use the Enter key on the keyboard to select it. Cloud Recovery will launch.
Reference Additional Resources for a walkthrough provided of the ASUS Cloud Recovery Process. Ensure your Z13 is plugged into power for this (or a means of supported power). Do prepare yourself, also, for a long process with this step.
If Cloud Recovery stalls for you at any point, including during the installation of the OS image itself from ASUS server(s), then consult the following recommendations.
Network connectivity – consider using a wired connection to your gateway/router using an ethernet cord and a dock (connected to the Z13) or another WiFi network.
System Clock and Time Zones in UEFI – return to the Basic Mode of the UEFI and confirm that your clock and time zone match where you are, as a mismatch can cause the issue to occur during the recovery.
Restarting Cloud Recovery – sometimes, restarting the process can resolve the initial issue.
Dated UEFI Firmware- not using the latest firmware for the UEFI (BIOS) can cause an issue; however, the version 306 update for the UEFI (BIOS) caused a screen-related issue on the Z13, so if you find that available to download in Armory Crate, then I recommend refraining. I did not find this one available to download for an update.
Faulty SSD – the SSD could have been damaged. Check the shipping box and the box that the SSD came in to look for signs of damage. You can also try a different SSD or an identical one that is new. If you are using a used SSD, then there is the probability that an unknown factor (like the use of a BitLocker-enabled drive) is at play or the SSD is in disrepair.
Once ASUS Cloud Recovery is complete, you will be ready for the initial Windows 11 setup process (reference Additional Resources).