Removing the hard drive (HDD) or SSD from laptop Acer may be needed to replace it with a more capacious drive, transfer data, or repair. The process seems simple, but for each series - Aspire, Swift, Nitro or TravelMate - its own nuances: from the location of fasteners to the type of compartment. Errors here can result in damage to the connectors, loss of warranty, or even failure of the motherboard.

In this article you will find unique disassembly diagrams for popular Acer models 2018–2026, a list of necessary tools (including little-known devices for “latches”), as well as tips for working with M.2 SSD and traditional 2.5-inch disks. We'll look at how to avoid common mistakes - for example, why you shouldn't pull the cable or ignore the antistatic bracelet.

Preparation: Tools and Safety Precautions

Before you begin disassembling, make sure you have everything you need. For most models Acer you will need:

  • ✅ Phillips screwdriver (usually PH0 or PH1 - check the marks on the screws).
  • ✅ Plastic pick (for models with latches, e.g. Aspire 5 A515).
  • ✅ Antistatic wrist strap or an alternative is to touch the metal case of the system unit every 10 minutes.
  • ✅ Container for screws (use magnetic backing or labeled bags).

Pay special attention electrostatic safety. Even if you work on a wooden table, static electricity can damage the disk controller. In humid climates the risk is lower, but not zero. If you don't have a wristband, touch a grounded metal object (such as a radiator) before touching internal components.

⚠️ Attention: In laptops Acer Nitro 5 And Predator Helios Some disk mounting screws are hidden under rubber feet. By tearing them off without preparation, you risk damaging the body. Use flat screwdriver or plastic spatulato gently lift the legs.
📊 Which Acer model are you disassembling?
  • Aspire (3, 5, 7)
  • Swift (1, 3, 5)
  • Nitro (5, 7)
  • TravelMate
  • Other model

Determining the type of drive in your laptop

In laptops Acer Three types of drives are used:

  1. 2.5-inch HDD/SSD — standard form factor, mounted in a compartment with a slide.
  2. M.2 SATA SSD - a thin drive that is inserted into a slot on the motherboard (often under a cover).
  3. M.2 NVMe SSD - the fastest option, looks similar to SATA, but with a different connector (key M or B+M).

To find out which drive is installed in your model:

  1. Run Disk management (Win + X → Disk Management).
  2. Look at model number in the list of volumes (for example, ST1000LM035 - this is HDD, KXG60ZNV256G — NVMe).
  3. Check the compatibility table:
Laptop model Drive type Connector Max. capacity
Acer Aspire 3 (A315-56) 2.5" HDD + M.2 SATA SATA III 2 TB (HDD), 1 TB (SSD)
Acer Swift 3 (SF314-59) M.2 NVMe (2280) PCIe 3.0 x4 2 TB
Acer Nitro 5 (AN515-55) 2.5" HDD + M.2 NVMe SATA + PCIe 3.0 2 TB + 1 TB
Acer TravelMate P2 (TMP214-53) M.2 SATA or NVMe Depends on revision 1 TB

If your model is not in the table, check the documentation on the website Acer by number SNID (serial number on the sticker below). For Nitro And Predator Often two drives are required: HDD for storage And SSD for system.

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If you are not sure about the type of M.2 connector, take a photo of the slot on the motherboard. Key B (two cutouts) - SATA, key M (one cutout) - NVMe.

Step-by-step instructions for 2.5-inch HDD/SSD

This type of drive is found in Aspire 5, TravelMate and budget series. Extraction algorithm:

☑️ Preparing to remove the 2.5" drive

Done: 0 / 5

1. Removing the compartment cover: In most models (eg Acer Aspire E5-575) Unscrew the cross screws on the rear panel. The cover can be held on by plastic latches - use a pick to pry it off from the edge where there are no connectors.

2. Removing the disc: The HDD/SSD is mounted in a metal slide. Unscrew the screws on the sides (usually 4 pieces), then pull the plastic tab. If there is no tongue (as in Acer Extensa), carefully pry the disc from the side plastic spatula.

3. Disconnecting the cable: In some models (for example, Acer TravelMate P2) the disk is connected via SATA cable, and not directly. Do not pull the wires - first unclip the connector by pressing the latch on the side.

⚠️ Attention: In laptops Acer Aspire 1 And Swift 1 Unscrewing the compartment screws may loosen the motherboard. After removing the drive, check to see if any other components are loose.

If the disk is “jammed” and does not come out of the slide, do not apply force. Lubricate the guides silicone grease (For example, WD-40 Specialist) and wait 5 minutes. In 90% of cases, this helps to avoid damage to the connector.

What to do if the screws are “licked”

Use a rubber band: Pull it over the head of the screw and slowly turn the screwdriver counterclockwise. Suitable for stubborn screws extractor (broken bolt removal kit).

Working with M.2 SSD: nuances for Acer Nitro and Swift

Drives M.2 more compact, but their removal requires greater care. In episodes Swift 3/5 And Nitro 5/7 the slot is often covered with a metal plate with a thermal pad.

1. Removing the back cover: B Acer Swift 3 (SF314) The cover is held on by 8 screws and latches. Start by removing the screws around the perimeter, then use plastic card to separate the body. Press the center of the lid - you will hear characteristic clicks.

2. M.2 slot access: B Nitro 5 the slot can be hidden under the heatsink. If you see a copper tube, do not touch it so as not to damage the thermal interface. The SSD is secured with one screw with stand up (don't lose it!).

3. Extract: Gently pull the SSD by the edge at an angle of 30°. If the drive “sits” tightly, check whether it is caught on the Wi-Fi antennas (in Acer Predator Helios 300 they pass next to the slot).

Model M.2 slot location Features
Swift 3 (SF314-57) Under the cover, next to the battery Thermal pad on SSD - don't damage it!
Nitro 5 (AN515-45) Under the metal plate Fastening screw with spring washer
TravelMate P6 (TMP614-51) Separate compartment with rubber plug The slot only supports NVMe
⚠️ Attention: B Acer Swift 5 (SF514) The M.2 slot can be soldered to the motherboard. Before removing, check for the presence of a fastening screw; if it is not there, the drive non-removable!

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In Acer laptops with two M.2 slots, the top one is usually for the SSD, and the bottom is for the WWAN module (4G). Don't confuse them!

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users make mistakes when working with drives Acer. Here are the most common:

  • ❌ Ignoring hidden screws: B Acer Aspire 7 One HDD mounting screw is hidden under the warranty label. By tearing it down, you lose the right to service.
  • ❌ Strong pressure on the connector: B Swift 1 The SATA connector is fragile - if you pull the drive at an angle, you can tear off the contacts.
  • ❌ Forget about the battery: B TravelMate When the battery is connected, the motherboard remains energized. This is a risk of short circuit.
  • ❌ Incorrect SSD installation: Inserting an M.2 drive into Nitro 5, make sure he completely entered the slot until it clicks. Otherwise, the system will not see it.

Another common problem is loss of screws. B Acer Predator screws of different lengths are used: for HDD - 3 mm, for SSD - 2.5 mm. If you mix them up, you risk damaging the board. Store screws in marked containers or take photographs of their locations before disassembling.

If after ejecting the disk is not detected on another device, check:

  • 🔍 Connector contacts for dirt (wipe alcohol swab).
  • 🔍 Loop integrity (in Aspire E15 it often frays).
  • 🔍 BIOS Settings - sometimes the M.2 slot is disabled in Advanced → SATA Configuration.

What to do after removing the disc

Once the disk is removed, follow this checklist:

☑️ Actions after extraction

Done: 0 / 5

If you removed the disc for replacements, before installing a new one:

  1. Update BIOS laptop (on the website Acer look for the firmware for the exact model).
  2. Check the compatibility of the new SSD with your motherboard (for example, Nitro 5 2020 does not support PCIe 4.0).
  3. For cloning system use Macrium Reflect or Clonezilla - they work correctly with markup GPT.

If the disc is removed for diagnostics (for example, it cannot be detected or makes a grinding noise), do not shake it. Place on a flat surface and connect via USB-SATA adapter. Programs like CrystalDiskInfo will show the state of health (SMART parameters).

⚠️ Attention: In laptops Acer with Optane Memory (For example, Aspire 5 A515-54G) when replacing the SSD, you will have to disable the Optane module in the BIOS (Advanced → VMD Configuration), otherwise the new disk will not boot.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing a disk from Acer

Is it possible to remove the disk without turning off the laptop?

No. Even in sleep mode, voltage is applied to the motherboard, which may cause short circuit when extracting. Exception - hot-swap compartments (found in server models TravelMate P6), but they require support at the BIOS level.

How can you tell if an M.2 slot supports NVMe and not just SATA?

Visually: connector with one cutout (key M) - NVMe, with two (key B+M) — universal (supports both types). Also check the model specifications on the website Acer or use the utility HWiNFO.

What should I do if the laptop does not turn on after replacing the disk?

The reasons may be different:

  • 🔌 Unconnected battery (in some models, the laptop will not start without it).
  • 🔌 Damaged connector — check if the contacts are bent.
  • 🔌 Incompatible SSD - for example, PCIe 4.0 in a PCIe 3.0 slot.
  • 🔌 Reset BIOS - Remove the CMOS battery for 10 seconds.

If the problem persists, connect an external monitor - the image output settings may be incorrect.

How to transfer a system from an HDD to a new SSD without reinstalling?

Use Macrium Reflect Free:

  1. Connect the new SSD via USB adapter.
  2. In the program, select Clone this disk and specify the target drive.
  3. After cloning, disconnect the old HDD and boot from the SSD.

For laptops with UEFI (most models Acer after 2018) enable in BIOS CSM Support, if the new disk is not detected as bootable.

Is it possible to use SSD and HDD at the same time?

Yes, if the laptop has both slots. For example, in Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55:

  • 📥 M.2 NVMe - for the system and programs.
  • 📥 2.5" HDD — for files (movies, games).

In BIOS (F2 when loading) check the boot priority (Boot Order) so that the system boots from the SSD.