hard drive - How do I replace the HDD in a ASUS Q550L?
2014-07
user283731
I just bought a ASUS Q550L for my son for Christmas and before I open it up I want to be sure I can replace the HDD with an SSD.
Is this model compatible with standard laptop SSDs? If so how do I replace the existing HDD?
Synetech
All you have to worry about is the interface, the actual type of the drive is irrelevant. As long as they support the same plug in the back of the drive, it should be fine (though the OS will need to load new drivers).
As for physically replacing it, you’ll have to check the manual, and if you are not comfortable doing it, then you’ll want to have someone who is do it.
Mrsonord
Generally any laptop has 1 or two panels on bottom that are easily removed after unfastening a screw or two. The harddrive is usually one and the ram is the other.
The drive will come right out just make sure you slide it toward whatever open area is available before tilting it or you risk damaging the interface. Generally there's a plastic pull tab.
If there's no obviously removable panels on bottom check along the sides. It may be mounted kinda like a cd drive with it's back end exposed to the edge.
Barring those two possibilities I'd recommend not opening it but if you feel confident and want to try it will be held together with little tabs along the edge seams all the way around the base. Start just off the corners with a small knife or tab tool. Once you get a couple it should come pretty easy.
Carl B
before I open it up I want to be sure I can replace the HDD with an SSD.
Yes you can.
You remove the eight screws around the perimeter, separate the bottom single access panel from the main body.
This laptop will have a SATA hard drive so you can replace the old HDD with the new SSD.
ASUS is not very well documented on this piece of equipment swap and instead directs the user to an "Authorized ASUS tech" and to be sure to use "Approved Hard drives"...
You noted in a comment "Wanting to know how safe it is". If you are asking and not feeling confident, do not risk the task yourself, follow ASUS recommendation to seek a qualified tech.
Komdiv
Here's how you do it. http://www.insidemylaptop.com/taking-apart-asus-q550lf-bbi7t07/
Steps 8-11 explain how to remove the hard drive.
Andrew Gunn
I want to replace the HDD in my Sony VAIO SB laptop, but I'm not sure if it's even possible. I know that the ODD can be replaced with an SSD (via a caddy) so that's my alternative.
Are there any advice/tutorials on this matter?
Melikoth
The easiest way to know may be to just take the hard drive out and look at it. If the drive is a standard 2.5" drive, and has a normal SATA connector, then there is a good chance that a 2.5" SSD can be used as a drop in replacement.
It will look like the one in this image at the top:
