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Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement

What you need

  1. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Power down your Desktop: step 1, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Power down your Desktop: step 1, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Power down your Desktop: step 1, image 3 of 3
    • Before you begin repairs, shut down your Desktop from the operating system and unplug it.

    • Wait one minute before continuing to allow your Desktop to fully power down.

    • Make sure your Framework Desktop Screwdriver has the T5 Torx bit (labeled as T5) facing outwards. If it's not, pull the bit out and flip it.

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  2. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the Handle: step 2, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the Handle: step 2, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the Handle: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • If you installed the Handle on your Desktop, follow this step. Otherwise, skip it.

    • Rotate the Handle's screw threads counterclockwise on both sides until it comes free.

    • Remove the Handle.

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  3. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the Top Panel screws: step 3, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the Top Panel screws: step 3, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the Top Panel screws: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • Use your finger to lift up the two D-rings on the Top Panel screws.

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  4. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Use your fingers to twist the screw counter-clockwise and loosen it.

    • Remove the Top Panel screw.

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  5. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Repeat the same procedure for the other Top Panel screw.

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  6. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the Top Panel: step 6, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the Top Panel: step 6, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the Top Panel: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the Top Panel towards the rear of the computer to release the clips securing it to the chassis.

    • If you're having a hard time gripping the Top Panel, use the screw holes to get a better handhold.

    • Lift the Top Panel off the chassis and remove it.

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  7. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the Right Panel: step 7, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the Right Panel: step 7, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the Right Panel: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • Use your fingers to grip the top of the Right Panel and slide it upward to release its clips.

    • Remove the Right Panel.

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  8. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Reposition the Desktop: step 8, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Reposition the Desktop: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Lay the left side of the Desktop on your work surface so the underside of the Mainboard is facing upward.

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  9. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Loosen the SSD screw: step 9, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Loosen the SSD screw: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to loosen the captive T5 Torx screw securing the SSD.

    • The SSD and its heat spreader will pop up to an angle when its screw is fully loosened.

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  10. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 10, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 10, image 2 of 2
    • While holding the heat spreader upright, grab the SSD by its edges and pull it out of its socket.

    • Remove the SSD.

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  11. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the secondary storage heat spreader screw: step 11, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the secondary storage heat spreader screw: step 11, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the secondary storage heat spreader screw: step 11, image 3 of 3
    • If your SSD comes with a pre-installed heat spreader, follow the next two steps. Otherwise skip here.

    • While securing the secondary storage heat spreader with one hand, use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to remove the 4.5 mm‑long T5 Torx screw securing it.

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  12. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Remove the secondary storage heat spreader: step 12, image 1 of 1
    • Lift the secondary storage heat spreader out of the Desktop and remove it.

    • Follow the guide normally, making sure to ignore instructions that involve the secondary storage heat spreader.

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  13. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Disassembly complete: step 13, image 1 of 1
    • Congratulations on completing disassembly! The remaining steps will show how to reassemble your Framework Desktop.

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  14. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Install the SSD: step 14, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Install the SSD: step 14, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Install the SSD: step 14, image 3 of 3
    • Hold the SSD by its edges. Don't touch the gold contacts with your fingers. If you do, wipe the contacts with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove any finger oils.

    • While holding the SSD heat spreader upright, align the SSD's gold contacts with its socket.

    • Insert the SSD into the socket at a shallow angle. The gold contacts should mostly be covered by the socket.

    • The SSD fits into the socket in one orientation. If it doesn't feel like it fits, try flipping the module.

    • Lay the heat spreader back onto the SSD.

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  15. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 1
    • Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to tighten the captive T5 Torx screw securing the SSD.

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  16. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Reposition the Desktop: step 16, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Reposition the Desktop: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • Lift the Desktop so it sits upright on your work surface.

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  17. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Install the Right Panel: step 17, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Install the Right Panel: step 17, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Install the Right Panel: step 17, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the Right Panel onto the right edge of the chassis, from top to bottom, and press it flat to ensure its clips are slotted into place.

    • There should be a small gap between the bottom of the Right Panel and the silver base.

    • Push the Right Panel towards the base of the computer to engage the clips.

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  18. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Install the Top Panel: step 18, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Install the Top Panel: step 18, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Install the Top Panel: step 18, image 3 of 3
    • Orient the Top Panel so its arrow is pointing towards the rear of the computer.

    • While holding the Top Panel at a slight downward angle, slide it across the top of the chassis (from rear to front) until you feel its clips catch.

    • There should be a small gap between the Top Panel and the front of the Desktop.

    • Lay the Top Panel flat on the chassis to align the remaining clips.

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  19. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 2
    • While securing the computer with one hand, use the other hand to slide the Top Panel towards the front of the computer to close the gap and engage the clips.

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  20. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Install the Handle: step 20, image 1 of 2 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Install the Handle: step 20, image 2 of 2
    • If you're installing the Handle on your Desktop, follow this step. Otherwise, skip it.

    • Place the Handle over the Top Panel screw holes.

    • While holding the Handle in place, twist the screw threads on both sides clockwise until they're snug on the Top Panel.

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  21. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Install the top panel screws: step 21, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Install the top panel screws: step 21, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement, Install the top panel screws: step 21, image 3 of 3
    • Insert the top panel screw into its hole and twist clockwise until it feels snug.

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  22. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 22, image 3 of 3
    • Repeat the same procedure for the other top panel screw.

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  23. Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 3 Framework Desktop Secondary Storage Replacement: step 23, image 3 of 3
    • Use your finger to close the two D-rings on the top panel screws.

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Conclusion

You finished fixing your Framework Desktop!

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

If you need help, contact Framework support.

Cancel: I did not complete this guide.

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

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