top of page
Search

Upgrade Surface Laptop Studio to 2TB or 4TB using standard SSD

Writer: goldenstateservicesj
goldenstateservicesj
Oct 3, 2021
5 min read

Introduction

Getting ready to order a Surface Laptop Studio? To save money, consider ordering a model with a smaller SSD and upgrade it later. Unlike prior Surface models, the Laptop Studio is compatible with both 2230 and 2280 form factor M.2 NVME SSDs.

SSD Costs

So you can get a brand new 2TB SSD for less than Microsoft charges for the 256GB->512GB upgrade!

Popular M.2 NVME 2280 SSD upgrade options

Thermal pad note

Most 2280 4GB and 8GB models are double-sided. Fitment in the Laptop Studio requires removal of the pre-installed metal bracket for the factory SSD (256/512GB models). It may also require removal of pre-applied thermal pads. Fitting replacement thermal pads inside the Laptop Studio may be difficult and without the appropriate thickness thermal pads, SSD performance may suffer due to thermal throttling under certain workloads.

SSD Swap DIY

Tools/Materials

Preparation

  • Backup your data – do it now!

  • If Bitlocker in enabled, save the decryption key

  • You have a choice to either transfer your data or start fresh:

    • To start fresh, download the Microsoft Surface recovery image for your system and follow the directions to prepare a bootable USB recovery drive

    • To transfer data, advanced users can clone their existing SSD to the new SSD

  • Shut down PC

  • Disconnect PC from AC/Mains power

  • Ensure work surface is clean – lay down a soft, clean towel or cloth if needed

Opening the Laptop Studio

  • Close display and flip laptop upside down

  • Recommended: Heat up two rubber pads with a hairdryer or heatgun on low setting for 15-30 seconds making sure to move constantly so one spot does not get overheated

  • Pull the edge of each rubber pad away from the chassis and set aside. If the adhesive sticks to the Surface, heat it up a bit more.

  • Loosen 7 Torx T3 (Torx Plus IP3) screws and set aside

  • Recommended: Use a hairdryer or heatgun on low setting for 15-30 seconds to heat up the “landing” area of the laptop bottom starting from the corners of the LCD display hinge around the sides – don’t heat the bottom panel itself, just heat the “landing” area (highlighted in red)

  • Near each corner of the display hinge, use a plastic spudger tool or guitar pick to peel up the strip of silver tape – continue peeling around the corner until a T3 screw is visible

  • Loosen both of the newly exposed T3 screws and set aside

  • Recommended: Use a hairdryer or heatgun on low setting for 15-30 seconds to heat up the remaining “landing” area opposite the display hinge where the stylus attaches – don’t heat the bottom panel itself, just heat the “landing” area

  • Lift up the edge of the tape – it can remain attached to the bottom panel but if it dislodges, set it aside so that the adhesive is not sticking to anything so it can be reused

  • With the tape peeled, slowly pull the bottom panel away from the main chassis

  • Important Update: Skip below and remove the SSD before disconnecting the battery cable per Microsoft’s instructions.

  • Once open, pull the release tab of the battery ribbon cable attached to the bottom panel

Replacing the SSD

  • If replacing a 2230 SSD (256GB and 512GB models) with another 2230 SSD

    • Loosen 1 T5 Torx screw securing the original SSD to the metal bracket and set aside

    • Remove the SSD pulling straight out of the M.2 slot

    • Optional: remove the metal sheath from the original SSD and transfer it to the new SSD (guide for SPX SSD) applying new heatsink paste as needed

    • Install new SSD and secure with the same screw

  • If replacing a 2230 SSD with a 2280 SSD

    • Loosen 1 T5 Torx screw securing the original SSD to the metal bracket and set aside

    • Remove the SSD pulling straight out of the M.2 slot

    • Loosen 2 Torx T5 screws holding the metal bar in place and set aside

    • Remove the metal bar – you will NOT be re-using it

    • Install the 2280 SSD and secure with one screw (Optional: you can place a fiber washer under the SSD so that the screw passes through it for better alignment and to minimize vibration)

    • Store the metal bar and spare screws in a plastic bag

    • Test fit the bottom cover – remove SSD heat-spreader(s) as necessary for clearance

  • If replacing a 2280 SSD (1TB and 2TB models) with another 2280 SSD


    • Loosen both T5 Torx screws securing the original SSD (circled in red) and set aside

    • Remove the SSD pulling straight out of the M.2 slot

    • Optional but not recommended: remove the metal sheath and metal bar from the original SSD and transfer it to the new SSD applying new heatsink paste as needed

    • Install new 2280 SSD and secure with one screw (or 2 screws if re-using the MS sheath)

  • Optional: if not re-using the MS SSD sheath and there is additional clearance, add 1mm thermal pads to fill in the gap between the SSD and main PCB/chassis

Closing Up

  • Plug in the battery ribbon cable applying even pressure on the left and right sides of the connector

  • Turning on the PC and ensure the SSD is recognized.

  • Replace bottom panel

  • Install and tighten 9 T3 screws in a criss-cross pattern to evenly tighten the panel

  • Recommended: Use hairdryer or heatgun on low setting for 15-30 seconds to warm up the “landing” area of the laptop where the tape strip will be re-installed

  • Install and smooth out the tape strip

  • Replace the rubber pads

  • Recommended: Use a hairdryer or heatgun on low setting for 15-30 seconds to apply heat to rubber pads and tape strips and smooth out with your fingers as needed

Starting up after the swap

References and more info

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page