Introduction

Follow this guide through the process of removing and replacing the Solid State Drive (SSD) in your Thinkpad T490s. A common use of this process is to upgrade the SSD. Note that a thermal pad helps the SSD dissipate heat more effectively. Remember to keep the original thermal pad, or have a replacement ready.

Before you perform this repair, back up your existing SSD if possible. If you’re replacing the SSD where your operating system is installed, familiarize yourself with a disk cloning utility so you’ll be ready to migrate your data to the new SSD.

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    • For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% and power down your device before disassembly.

    • Use your Phillips #1 screwdriver to fully loosen the five screws on the back cover.

    • These screws are captive—they won't come out after being unscrewed.

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    • Orient your laptop so that the screen's silver hinges are closest to you.

    • Insert an opening pick between the back cover and the device body near a hinge corner.

    • Pry upward to release the clips holding the cover. Listen for a loud click when each clip releases.

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    • Insert your opening pick between the cover and the device body at the other hinge corner.

    • Pry upward to release additional retaining clips.

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    • Grab the front edge of the cover and lift it away from you.

    • There may be additional clips holding the cover in place. These remaining clips will release easily as you remove the cover.

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    • Grab the battery pull-tab at the head of the connector.

    • Pull the connector out of its socket in the direction of the cable.

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    • Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the 3.7 mm-long screw holding down the SSD.

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    • Pull the SSD out and away from its socket.

    • If this motion requires excessive force, walk the SSD side to side as you pull.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Lenovo ThinkPad answers community for help.

Clay Eickemeyer

Member since: 19/09/22

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