Replacement of obsolete DVD drive on the expressway SSD - one of the most effective upgrades for a laptop, which will extend the life of the device by 3-5 years. This modification allows you to increase the storage capacity without losing portability, speed up system loading by 2-3 times and get rid of the noisy mechanical drive, which has long become an anachronism. However, the process requires caution: the wrong choice of adapter or connection errors can lead to drive inoperability or even damage to the motherboard.

In this article we will look at all stages of replacement - from choosing a compatible adapter to transferring the operating system and optimizing the operation of the SSD under Windows/Linux. We will pay special attention to typical errors (for example, why the BIOS does not recognize the new disk) and nuances for specific laptop models Lenovo ThinkPad, HP EliteBook, Dell Latitude and others. If you've never disassembled a laptop, don't worry: the process is simpler than it seems, and our step-by-step photos and video inserts will help you avoid mistakes.

1. Compatibility check: is an SSD suitable instead of a disk drive?

Before purchasing an adapter and drive, make sure that your laptop supports this modification. Main criteria:

  • 🔍 Drive connection type: 99% of laptops use SATA interface, but in ultrabooks (for example, MacBook Pro before 2015) can stand proprietary connector (not compatible with standard adapters).
  • 📏 Drive thickness: Most drives are height 12.7 mm (standard), but in thin laptops (for example, Sony VAIO S) meet 9.5 mm.
  • 🔌 Availability of a free SATA port: some budget models (for example, Acer Aspire E15) have only one port occupied by the HDD.

How to check?

  1. Remove the bottom cover of the laptop and inspect the drive. It should have a sticker with the model (for example, HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GU90N).
  2. Enter the model into a search engine - on the manufacturer’s website or NotebookCheck The thickness and type of interface will be indicated.
  3. Use the utility HWiNFO (tab Drives) to see the current SATA port configuration.
📊 What brand is your laptop?
  • Lenovo
  • HP
  • Dell
  • Asus
  • Acer
  • Apple
  • Other
⚠️ Attention: In laptops Apple (until 2012) and some Sony VAIO the drive is connected via PATA (IDE), not SATA. They require a special adapter mSATA-to-IDE, which is harder to find and more expensive.

2. Selecting an adapter and SSD: which models are better?

To replace the drive with an SSD you will need adapter-sled (also called caddy or optibay). It is inserted into the drive bay and connected to the motherboard via the same connector. Key parameters when choosing:

Parameter Recommendations Examples of models
Thickness 12.7 mm (standard) or 9.5 mm (for thin laptops) KingSpec 12.7mm, ORICO 9.5mm
Interface SATA III (6 Gb/s) for maximum speed Sabrent EC-SSHD, Delock 89356
Material Aluminum (better heat dissipation) or plastic Nzxt USB (aluminum), Inateck HB4007 (plastic)
Additionally The presence of a hole for the activity indicator (if important) KingSpec with LED

The recommendations for SSDs are simple:

  • 💾 Form factor: 2.5" (standard for laptops). Avoid M.2 - it will not fit the disk drive adapter.
  • ⚡ Interface: SATA III (even if the motherboard only supports SATA II, backward compatibility is maintained).
  • 📊 Capacity: From 240 GB (Windows minimum) up to 2 TB (For example, Samsung 870 QVO or Crucial MX500).

Tip: if you plan to use an SSD as a system drive, choose models with DRAM cache (For example, Samsung 860 EVO or WD Black SN750) - they process small files faster.

💡

Before buying an adapter, measure the length of the drive with a ruler - some Chinese models may not match the fasteners, even if the correct thickness is indicated.

3. Preparing the laptop: what needs to be done before disassembling

To avoid data loss or hardware damage, follow these steps:

Turn off the laptop and remove the battery (if removable)

Unplug the charger

Back up your important data (to an external drive or to the cloud)

Prepare your work area: antistatic mat, screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)

Download utilities for system cloning (Acronis True Image, Macrium Reflect)-->

Pay special attention backup. If you are planning to migrate your system from HDD to SSD, use:

  • 🖥️ Acronis True Image (paid, but supports all file systems).
  • 🆓 Macrium Reflect Free (free, but requires registration).
  • 🐧 Clonezilla (for Linux or advanced users).

If you are installing a clean system, prepare a bootable USB flash drive with Windows/Linux. For Windows use Media Creation Tool from Microsoft, for Linux - Rufus or BalenaEtcher.

⚠️ Attention: In laptops with Secure Boot (For example, HP Spectre or Dell XPS) After replacing the drive, you may need to disable this feature in the BIOS, otherwise the system will not boot from the new SSD. Write down your current BIOS settings (take a photo of the screen) before making changes!

4. Step-by-step instructions: how to physically install an SSD

Now let's move on to the process itself. You will need:

  • 🔧 Screwdriver (usually Phillips #0 or #1).
  • 🧲 Magnetic backing or tray for screws.
  • 📱 Smartphone for photographing disassembly stages.

Step 1: Removing the Drive

  1. Turn the laptop over and locate the drive cover (usually secured with 1-2 screws).
  2. Gently pull the special loop or press the latch (in some models, for example Lenovo T480, the drive ejects after pressing the button next to USB port).
  3. Disconnect the SATA cable by pulling the plastic connector (do not pull the wires!).

Step 2: Install the SSD into the adapter

  1. Disassemble the adapter (usually it consists of two parts: a sled and an SSD mount).
  2. Secure the SSD to the mount with screws (included). Pay attention to the direction of the SATA connector - it should “look” towards the future connection to the motherboard.
  3. Assemble the adapter and check that the SSD is not loose (this can damage the contacts).

Step 3: Connecting the Adapter

  1. Insert the SSD adapter into the drive bay until it clicks into place.
  2. Connect the SATA cable to the connector on the adapter. Make sure the contacts are not bent.
  3. Secure the adapter with screws (use the same ones that held the drive).
What should I do if the adapter does not fit into the bay?

If the adapter is stuck and cannot be inserted all the way, check:

1. Correct orientation (SATA connector must be on the motherboard side).

2. The presence of plastic latches on the compartment itself (sometimes they need to be bent).

3. The height of the adapter and the compartment match (if the adapter 12.7 mm, and the compartment 9.5 mm, will need replacement).

After assembly, turn on the laptop and check if the new disk is recognized in the BIOS (F2, Del or Esc when loading). If the SSD is not visible, go to the "Troubleshooting" section.

5. Setting up the BIOS and transferring the system to an SSD

If the SSD is detected in the BIOS, but is not visible in Windows, you must:

  1. Initialize the disk via Disk management (Win + X → Disk Management).
  2. Create a new volume (if the disk is not partitioned).
  3. Transfer the system from HDD to SSD using the cloning utility (see section 3).

For cloning:

  1. Connect the SSD and HDD to the laptop (if there is no second bay, use USB-SATA adapter).
  2. Run Macrium Reflect or Acronis, select the source disk (HDD) and destination disk (SSD).
  3. Configure cloning options:
    • 🔄 Sector-by-sector (if SSD capacity ≥ HDD).
    • 📦 Only occupied sectors (if the SSD is smaller than the HDD).
  • Wait for completion (may take 1-3 hours depending on the amount of data).

    • After cloning:

    • Disable the HDD (physically or in the BIOS).
    • Make sure the laptop boots from the SSD.
    • B Disk Management check that the system partition (C:) now on SSD.
    ⚠️ Attention: If after cloning Windows gives an error 0xc000000e (“No boot device”), which means it was not transferred boot record (MBR/GPT). Solution: use bootrec /fixmbr And bootrec /fixboot on the command line (Win + X → Command Prompt (Administrator)).
    💡

    If the SSD is detected in the BIOS, but is not visible in Windows, check the SATA operating mode in the BIOS: it should be AHCI, not IDE or RAID.

    6. SSD optimization after installation

    To extend the life of your SSD and get the most out of its speed, make these adjustments:

    For Windows 10/11:

    1. Disable defragmentation for SSD: 
      fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0

      (check the status with the command fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify - must be 0).

    2. Disable indexing:
      • Open Disk Properties (C:).
      • Uncheck Allow indexing....
  • Activate TRIM (automatically enabled in Windows 10+, but check with the command): 
    fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify

    (should return 0).

    • For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

    1. Check if TRIM is enabled: 
      sudo systemctl status fstrim.timer

      (if not, activate: sudo systemctl enable fstrim.timer).

    2. Disable swap on SSD (if RAM ≥ 8 GB): 
      sudo swapoff -a

      sudo nano /etc/fstab

      (comment out the line with swap).

    Additional tips:

    • 🔋 Do not fill the SSD more than 80% - this reduces speed and shortens service life.
    • 🧹 Use SSD-optimized cleaning utilities (for example, CCleaner with free space erasing disabled).
    • 🔄 Update the SSD firmware through the manufacturer’s official utilities (for example, Samsung Magician or Crucial Storage Executive).

    7. Typical problems and their solutions

    Even with proper installation, difficulties may arise. Let's look at the most common ones:

    Problem Possible reason Solution
    BIOS doesn't see SSD Incorrect cable connection or incompatible adapter Check the contact density, try a different cable. If the adapter is cheap (for example, no-name from AliExpress), replace it with ORICO or KingSpec.
    SSD is detected but does not boot Boot record not transferred (MBR/GPT) Recover bootloader via bootrec or reclone the disk with the "MBR Transfer" option.
    Laptop overheats after replacement The adapter is blocking the ventilation holes or the SSD is getting hot Install an adapter with an aluminum case or add a thermal pad between the SSD and the adapter.
    Low SSD speed (<300 MB/s) SATA mode in BIOS is set as IDE or the cable is damaged Set in BIOS AHCI. Check the cable for bends.

    If after replacement the laptop becomes battery life longer - this is normal: SSD consumes 2-3 times less energy than HDD + disk drive. However, if the battery life fell, check whether the adapter is blocking the cooling system (especially important for Dell XPS 13/15).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing a drive with an SSD

    ❓ Is it possible to put an SSD in the drive if the laptop already has an M.2 slot?

    Yes, but the feasibility depends on the task:

    • If M.2 slot is free — it’s better to install an SSD there (for example, Samsung 980 Pro), since the speed NVMe 5-6 times higher than that SATA SSD.
    • If M.2 is occupied by the Wi-Fi module or you want to keep it for a future upgrade, replacing the drive remains a good option.

    Example: in Lenovo ThinkPad T490 there are both slots - M.2 2280 (for NVMe) and drive bay (for SATA SSD).

    ❓ How to transfer the system from HDD to SSD if the SSD is smaller in volume?

    Use utilities that support selective cloning:

    1. B Macrium Reflect select option Clone this disk → Select partitions to clone and mark only the system partition (C:).
    2. B Acronis use mode Manual and manually specify which sections to copy.
    3. If there were several partitions on the HDD, transfer only the necessary ones, and copy the rest of the data manually.

    Important: After cloning, check partition alignment (must be a multiple 4K). For this purpose in Disk Management see if the start of the volume is divisible by 4096 bytes.

    ❓ Is it possible to return the drive back after replacement?

    Yes, the process is reversible:

    • Save all data from the SSD (if it was used as a system one).
    • Remove the SSD from the adapter and reinstall the original drive.
    • In the BIOS, return the boot settings (if you changed the priority).

    However, keep in mind:

    • If you deleted recovery partition with HDD, returning factory Windows will be more difficult.
    • Some laptops (eg. HP EliteBook 840 G3) after replacing the drive with an SSD it may go wrong Motherboard UUID, which will lead to Windows deactivation. In this case, reactivation by phone will be required.
    ❓ Which SSD is better to choose for a laptop of 2015-2018?

    For laptops of this generation (with interface SATA III) optimal options:

    Model Capacity Read/write speed Features
    Samsung 870 EVO 250 GB – 4 TB 560/530 MB/s 5-Year Warranty, DRAM Cache, Best Choice for Reliability
    Crucial MX500 250 GB – 2 TB 560/510 MB/s Budget option with good performance
    WD Blue SA510 250 GB – 2 TB 560/530 MB/s Good price/quality ratio, low power consumption

    Avoid cheap SSDs without DRAM cache (for example, Kingston A400) - they slow down a lot when filled to more than 70%.

    ❓ What to do if after replacing the laptop began to make loud noise?

    Noise after installing an SSD can occur for two reasons:

    1. Adapter vibration: If the adapter is not securely fastened, it may resonate with the body. Solution: Add rubber pads between the adapter and the laptop body.
    2. Problems with the cooling system: On some laptops (eg Dell Inspiron 15) the disk drive participates in air exchange. If the adapter blocks the air flow, the coolers begin to operate at higher speeds. Solution: Use a perforated adapter or install an additional temperature sensor.

    Check the SSD temperature using CrystalDiskInfo - if it exceeds 60°C under load, this may indicate overheating.