Upgrades to M5 481T 6642

greywing

I recently acquired an M5-481T-6642 and am going to add an appropriate 4GB Crucial stick to the unused slot.  I am contemplating replacing the HDD with a 256G SSD mostly for the improved shock resistance, lower power consumption as well as the increased access times.

 

I understand the SSD needs to be the thin variety (7mm) to fit properly.  Before I delve in this replacement, are there any caveats regarding the back removal (other than a bazillion screws) or other cautions I should be aware of?  Since this is probably not a procedure that is blessed by Acer, any inputs from those that have boldly gone before me would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

freeza

Good day

 

Its actually complicated. I will give you the steps on how to do so, but remember that if you damage anything, you have voided the warranty. I will suggest that yout get Acer to do it and rather pay labour so that in the event that they break anything, then they can replace whatever is broken under warranty. Follow the below steps to get to the hard drive.

 

1. Remove the screw that is securing the ODD module on the lower cover.

2. Pull to remove the ODD module out from the slot

3. Proceed to remove all the 15 screws from the lower cover.

4. Open the notebook lid to its maximum angle

5. While holding the lower case with one hand, insert the screwdriver into the screw hole and push the uppercase to release the latch

6. Pry by the left hinge to release the latch.

7. Continue to pry the top side of the upper case to release more latches.

8. Release the bottom side latches (CAUTION: Cables are still connected under the upper case, DO NOT completely lift the upper case

9. From the bottom side, partially lifet the upper case to locate the connected cables:

    - Microphone cable (front left)

    - Keyboard flat flexicable cable

    - Backlight

    - Touchpad

10. Push the connector clips up to disconnect the keyboard cable connector from the mainboard connector

11. Remove the battery connector

12. Remove the 4 screws that hold the HDD

 

And thats how you get to the HDD

Regards,

Freeza

greywing

Thanks for that Freeza.

 

Yes it sounds complicated.  I assume that same process is required for accessing the upgrade RAM slot.

 

I would consider having Acer perform the upgrade but it appears from the support website they don't provide upgrade services.  In fact it is not apparent where to go even for battery replacement. Do you know how these non-warranty repairs are handled?

freeza

Yes same process for ram, its just that it gets more complicated because you have to remove the mainboard and turn it upside down to get to the ram slot. The warranty repair centre should be able to help you, but will charge you for labour.

 

Regards,

Freeza