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Lenovo ThinkPad T490 SSD Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to help you remove and replace the Solid State Drive (SSD) in your ThinkPad T490. This process is often done to upgrade the SSD when your computer starts running at a slower capacity, allowing for better overall running performance. Keep in mind that a thermal pad helps the SSD manage heat more efficiently. Be sure to save the original thermal pad or have a new one on hand.

Before starting this repair, back up the data on your current SSD if possible. If you’re replacing the SSD that has your operating system installed, consider using a disk cloning unit to easily transfer your data to the new SSD.

What you need

  1. Lenovo ThinkPad T490 SSD Replacement, Base Plate: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Loosen the screws from the base plate.

    • Using a Philips #1 screwdriver fully loosen the six screws on the back cover.

    • These screws are captive - they will not fully come out after being unscrewed.

    Edit

  2. Lenovo ThinkPad T490 SSD Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Once the screws have been loosened, start to remove the base plate.

    • Insert the iFixit opening tool into the space between the base plate and the chassis.

    • Glide the tool along the perimeter of the case in order to release the clips holding the case and chassis together.

    Edit

  4. Lenovo ThinkPad T490 SSD Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Fully remove the base .

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

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

    Edit

  5. Lenovo ThinkPad T490 SSD Replacement, SSD: step 4, image 1 of 2 Lenovo ThinkPad T490 SSD Replacement, SSD: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Grab the battery pull-tab at the top of the connector plugin.

    • Pull the connector straight out in the direction toward the cable.

    Edit

  6. Lenovo ThinkPad T490 SSD Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the 3.7 mm Phillips screw securing the SSD.

    Edit

  7. Lenovo ThinkPad T490 SSD Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • Disconnect the SSD from its socket.

    • If it requires excess force to remove, wiggle side to side while pulling.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps 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 Answers community for help.

Author

with 1 other contributor

Brenden.Welling

Member since: 09/23/24

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1 Guide authored

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Team

University of North Texas, Team 3-4, Coppersmith Fall 2024 Member of University of North Texas, Team 3-4, Coppersmith Fall 2024

UNT-COPPERSMITH-F24S3G4

4 Members

4 Guides authored

1 Guide Comment

Strongly recommend reading Lenovo's own "T490 and P43s Hardware Maintenance Manual", particularly section "1020 Base cover assembly" which gives a recommended order for prying open the clips. It's pretty easy to apply too much pressure in the wrong place and snap a clip, especially now the plastics in these laptops are getting older.

(It's also possible to remove power by changing a setting in the BIOS instead of unplugging the battery, Lenovo's guide also explains how to do this.)

projectgus - Reply

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