In this video we will demonstrate how to remove and install the solid state drive, or SSD. Before removing the SSD, read through the safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and ensure your personal safety. For more information about safety guidelines, see the Service Manual at the Dell support site.
Before you begin, ensure that you turn off your computer and all attached peripherals. Remove the base cover and disconnect the battery cable. To remove the base cover, loosen the eight captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer. Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover at the indents near the left and right hinges and continue to work on the sides to open the base cover. Lift and remove the base cover away from the computer.
Disconnect the battery cable from the connector on the system board. Turn the computer over and open the display. Press and hold the power button for five seconds to ground the computer and drain the flea power. After draining the power, close the display and turn the computer over.
Now, let’s remove the SSD. Remove the two screws that secure the SSD and SSD thermal plate to the system board. You can now remove the SSD thermal plate that secures the SSD to the system board. Now, slide and lift the SSD away from the SSD slot on the system board. You have now successfully removed the SSD. Now, let’s see how to install the SSD. To begin, insert the SSD into the dedicated SSD slot on the system board. Align and place the SSD thermal plate over the SSD so that the arrow on the thermal plate aligns perfectly in its position.
Now replace and tighten the two screws to secure the SSD thermal plate to the system board. Once the SSD has been installed ensure to connect the battery cable and install the base cover back to the computer. Now, connect the battery cables to the connector on the system board.
To install the base cover, align and place the base cover on the computer. You can press the edges and sides of the base cover until it snaps into place. Now, tighten the eight captive screws to secure the base cover to the computer. You’ve now successfully installed the SSD. For more information, see the Dell Service Manual document at Dell.com/Support.
