Disk drives in modern laptops Lenovo They have long become an anachronism - they have been replaced by cloud storage, flash drives and external drives. However, many users are still faced with the need to remove the DVD drive: to free up a slot for a second hard drive (HDD/SSD), replace with adapter-caddy or simply remove an unnecessary part to make the device lighter. In this article we will look at how to properly remove the drive in laptops. Lenovo different series - from budget Ideapad to business line ThinkPad.

The process seems simple, but there are pitfalls: from hidden latches to the risk of damaging the cable or case. We will describe each stage in detail, indicate the necessary tools and warn against common mistakes. And if you plan to install a second drive instead of a disk drive, you will find tips on choosing at the end of the article caddy adapter and compatibility with your model Lenovo.

Preparation: What you need to know before removing the drive

Before using a screwdriver, make sure that removing the drive is really necessary. Some models Lenovo (For example, ThinkPad T480 or Legion Y540) the drive is integrated into the housing in such a way that its removal may disrupt the rigidity of the structure. Check:

  • 🔍 Laptop series and model - in Lenovo V14 or Ideapad 330 The drive can be easily removed, and ThinkPad P53 complete disassembly may be required.
  • 📄 Official documentation - on the website Lenovo look for Hardware Maintenance Manual for your model (for example, for ThinkPad E590 there are detailed diagrams).
  • 🔧 Availability of guarantee — if the laptop is under warranty, opening the case will void it. In this case, it is better to contact a service center.

Also prepare your work area: a table with good lighting, an antistatic mat (or at least a wooden surface), containers for screws. In laptops Lenovo screws of different lengths are often used - mixing them up during assembly means the risk of a short circuit.

⚠️ Attention: If your laptop Lenovo equipped with a disk drive with function M-DISC (for example, in models ThinkPad L480), its cable can be connected to the motherboard using a non-standard connector. An attempt to pull it out by force will lead to a break in the contacts.

Necessary tools: what you need for work

To remove the drive from a laptop Lenovo You don't need a professional kit - just basic tools are enough. Here's the full list:

Tool Purpose Notes
Phillips screwdriver PH00 or PH0 For unscrewing the case screws and securing the drive B ThinkPad five-point head screws can be used (Torx T5)
Plastic paddle or pick For neatly prying the case latches Metal tools scratch plastic
Tweezers Convenient to remove small screws from hard-to-reach places It is better to use anti-magnetic
Antistatic wrist strap Protecting components from static electricity Can be replaced by grounding (touch the radiator)

If you plan to install a second drive instead of a drive, you will additionally need:

  • 🛒 Adapter caddy - selected according to thickness (usually 9.5 mm or 12.7 mm).
  • 💾 HDD/SSD — check the supported interface (SATA III or mSATA).
📊 What tool do you already have?
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Plastic spatula
  • Tweezers
  • Antistatic wrist strap
  • None of the above

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the disk drive in Lenovo laptops

The dismantling algorithm depends on the design of the laptop. We will look at the two most common options: with external access to the drive (as in Ideapad 320) and with hidden fastening (as in ThinkPad E490).

Option 1: The drive is mounted on a separate panel (Ideapad, Legion, V-series)

In most budget and gaming laptops Lenovo the drive is located under a separate cover. To extract it:

  1. Turn off the laptop, disconnect the charger and remove the battery (if it is removable).

  2. Turn the laptop over and look for the drive panel - it's usually marked with a DVD or has a different color.

  3. Unscrew 1-2 screws holding the panel (in Legion Y540 they may be hidden under the rubber feet).

  4. Carefully pry the panel with a plastic spatula and remove it. Below it you will see a disk drive secured with 2-4 screws.

  5. Unscrew the screws securing the drive, then pull it towards you using a special loop or plastic latch.

☑️ Preparing to remove the drive

Done: 0 / 5

Option 2: The drive is integrated into the case (ThinkPad, Yoga, some Ideapads)

On business laptops Lenovo ThinkPad (For example, T490 or X1 Carbon) the drive is often hidden under the keyboard or top panel. Here the algorithm is more complicated:

  1. Remove the battery (in ThinkPad it is usually secured with two latches).

  2. Unscrew all the screws on the bottom (in ThinkPad P53 there can be up to 15 of them!). Pay attention to the screws of different lengths - remember where each one was.

  3. Carefully pry up the keyboard from the top side (usually it is held in place by latches). B ThinkPad The keyboard is connected to the motherboard with a cable - do not pull it sharply!

  4. Below the keyboard you will see a disk drive. Disconnect its cable from the motherboard (pull the plastic tab, not the wires!).

  5. Unscrew the screws securing the drive to the case and remove it.

⚠️ Attention: In laptops Lenovo Yoga with a rotating screen (for example, Yoga C940) the disk drive can be part of a unified module along with a cooler. Trying to remove it without completely disassembling it will damage the cooling system.
What to do if the drive cannot be removed?

If the drive is jammed, do not pull it by force - check:

1. Are all the fastening screws unscrewed (sometimes one screw is hidden under a sticker).

2. Is the cable caught on the case (carefully rock the drive left and right).

3. Are there any additional latches on the side walls (in ThinkPad L490 they can be hidden under rubber inserts).

What should I do after removing the drive?

When the drive is finally removed, you are presented with several options:

  • 🗄️ Install a second drive - you need an adapter for this caddy, which is inserted into the vacant slot. Select it according to thickness (in Lenovo V15 usually used 9.5 mm, and in ThinkPad T590 — 12.7 mm).
  • 🔄 Replace with external drive — if the drive is still working, you can connect it via USB using box adapter (costs about 500–1000 rubles).
  • ♻️ Recycle — if the drive is broken, take it to an electronics collection point (it contains precious metals).

If you choose to install a second drive, consider the following nuances:

  • 🔌 Interface - majority Lenovo support SATA III, but in some models (for example, ThinkPad X1 Extreme) may be required M.2 NVMe-adapter
  • 📏 Thickness - measure the slot with a caliper. B Ideapad S340 often used 7 mm-disk drive, and in Legion Y740 — 12.7 mm.
  • 🔧 Fastening - some adapters require additional screws that come with the laptop (look for them in the box or on the bottom under the stickers).
💡

Before purchasing caddy adapter check reviews for your model Lenovo — some Chinese adapters do not fit the length of the cable or have an upside-down connector.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when removing a drive. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

Error Consequences How to avoid
Unscrewing screws with the wrong screwdriver The splines are torn off, the screw cannot be unscrewed Use a screwdriver with a magnetic tip and the appropriate size (PH00 for the majority Lenovo)
Sharp pulling of the cable Broken contacts, non-functioning disk drive or SATA port First, press the plastic latch on the connector, then gently pull the cable
Lost or confused screws Incorrect assembly, short circuit Place screws in labeled containers or take photographs of their locations
Ignoring antistatic measures Failure of the motherboard or drive Use an antistatic wrist strap or regularly touch a grounded object

Another common problem is adapter incompatibility caddy. For example, in Lenovo ThinkPad P52 Some adapters do not fit in height, which is why the laptop case does not close. Before purchasing please check:

  • 📏 Slot thickness (measure the stock drive).
  • 🔌 Connector type - in older models (ThinkPad T420) maybe PATA instead of SATA.
  • 🔧 Availability of additional fastenings - in some Lenovo The adapter is fixed not only with screws, but also with latches.

1. Is the cable connected correctly (try reconnecting).

2. Is the mode enabled? AHCI in BIOS (in Lenovo it may be hidden in the section Advanced → SATA Mode).

3. Is the adapter compatible with your model (some cheap caddy don't support hot-swap).-->

Lenovo models with non-standard drive mount

Some laptops Lenovo have a unique design where the drive is removed in a non-standard way. Let's look at the most difficult cases:

1. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (5th–7th generation)

These ultrabooks do not have a disk drive as a class, but in some modifications (X1 Carbon 6th Gen) there is a slot for WWAN module, which can be adapted to M.2 SSD. To do this you will need:

  • Buy an adapter M.2 NGFF → SATA (For example, Sabrent EC-SSHD).
  • Remove the bottom cover (it is held on by latches, there are no screws!).
  • Disconnect the antennas of the WWAN module and remove it.
  • Install the adapter with the SSD into the vacant slot.

2. Lenovo Legion Y7000 / Y740

In gaming laptops, the disk drive is often hidden under a metal plate that is attached to the cooling system. To extract it:

  1. Remove the bottom cover (at Legion Y740 it is fixed with 12 screws).
  2. Disconnect the cooler from the motherboard (clean it of dust first!).
  3. Unscrew the drive from the metal frame.
  4. Carefully remove it without touching the radiator.

3. Lenovo Yoga 730 / 920

In Transformers Yoga The disk drive is integrated into the rotating mechanism of the screen. Removing it requires complete disassembly, including:

  • Removing the screen panel (risk of damage to the touchscreen cable!).
  • Disconnecting the battery (in Yoga 920 it is glued to the body).
  • Dismantling the hinge mechanism.

In this case, it is better to contact a service center - disassembling it yourself is fraught loss of touch screen functionality.

What should I do if my laptop does not turn on after removing the drive?

If, after removing the drive, the laptop Lenovo stopped responding to the power button, don't panic. The reasons may be as follows:

  • 🔌 Unconnected loop - in some models (for example, ThinkPad T480s) the drive is connected to the motherboard via an additional power connector. Check to see if it has come off.
  • 🔋 Broken BIOS settings - if you disconnected the battery, it could reset EC controller. Try resetting the BIOS by removing the battery CMOS for 10 seconds.
  • ⚡ Short circuit - if you lost a screw or assembled the case incorrectly, a short circuit could occur. Inspect the motherboard for blackened components.

Diagnostic algorithm:

  1. Disconnect the battery and power supply, hold down the power button for 30 seconds (discharging capacitors).
  2. Remove the bottom cover and check that all cables are connected.
  3. If the laptop turns on without a disk drive, but does not see the new SSD, update the BIOS (on the website Lenovo look for the firmware for your model).
⚠️ Attention: In laptops Lenovo with dual graphics (For example, Legion Y540 with NVIDIA Optimus) Improper removal of the drive may result in the discrete video card being disabled. This is due to the fact that some models use one cable to power both the drive and the GPU. Before starting work, disable the option in the BIOS Optimus or Hybrid Graphics.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the drive from Lenovo

Is it possible to remove the drive without disassembling the entire laptop?

Most models Lenovo Ideapad And Legion - yes, the drive is located under a separate cover. But in ThinkPad And Yoga Partial or complete disassembly is often required. Check Hardware Maintenance Manual for your model on the website Lenovo.

Which adapter caddy suitable for my Lenovo ThinkPad T490?

For ThinkPad T490 need adapter thickness 7 mm or 9.5 mm (depending on modification) with interface SATA III. Recommended models:

  • ORICO 2.5" HDD/SSD Caddy (for 9.5 mm)
  • Sabrent EC-SSHD (universal, but requires size checking)

Please note: in T490 with processor i7-8665U there may not be enough power for the second SSD - check the load in HWMonitor.

What to do if after installation caddy Laptop doesn't see second drive?

The reasons may be as follows:

  1. Incorrect cable connection - reconnect it.
  2. Lack of food - in some Lenovo (For example, Ideapad 530S) for the second disk you need to enable the option SATA Power in BIOS.
  3. Incompatible adapter - try another one caddy or test it on another laptop.
  4. BIOS failure - update the firmware to the latest version from the website Lenovo.

If the drive is detected in the BIOS but not visible in Windows, initialize it via Disk management (diskmgmt.msc).

Is it possible to install a second battery instead of a disk drive?

Technically yes, but only on some models Lenovo ThinkPad (For example, T480 or X280), where there is a slot for internal battery. This requires a special adapter ThinkPad Battery Caddy (for example, from NewmodeUS). However, please note:

  • The service life of such a battery will be lower than that of the main one.
  • B Lenovo with USB-C Power Delivery (For example, ThinkPad X1 Extreme) the second battery may not charge.
  • The adapter occupies a slot SATA, so you won’t be able to install an SSD at the same time.

How to recycle an old drive from Lenovo?

The drive contains valuable metals (copper, aluminum) and hazardous substances (lead solder, plastic with bromine). Do not throw it in regular trash! Disposal options:

  • Take it to a collection point for electronics (in Moscow - Ecosystem, Megaphone accepts equipment for free).
  • If the drive is working, sell it to Avito or Yule - some users buy them for retro PCs or servers.
  • Disassemble it yourself (carefully!) and remove the magnet from the drive - it will be useful for experiments or crafts.

B Lenovo the program is in effect Lenovo Recycle — you can hand over old equipment in company stores.