Installing SSD in Thinkpad w520

Hi all,

I just got a new thinkpad w520 and am wondering how I can install both my SSD and keep the stock HDD without having to remove the optical drive? Can anyone reference an article or a how to webpage on it? I can't seem to find one all the guides show you how to remove your optical drive which I don't want to do?

Thanks!!

 

you can install msata ssd and keep hdd and odd, but if you want to use another 2.5" device (ssd od hdd, whatever), you'll have to sacrifice your odd.

options you have are explained here

 

Actually, i think you could install a msata SSD in that particular laptop which would let you keep the HDD and ODD. msata SSDs will mean that your options are limited though.

 

Thanks, that guide is great....I think I'm going to look into putting it under the keyboard in the msata slot (not very familiar with what that means)....Will I still be able to put programs on the SSD if I put it into the MSATA slot?

All I want to be able to do is be able to put my work files/music on my 500gb HDD and my OS/Programs on my SSD....

 

Yes, you can install your OS and programs into the msata ssd. Keep your data on the hdd.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

 

If you already have a SATA SSD, that won't fit on the msata of course, but you'll probably be able to sell it for a decent price and get a msata SSD. There is a thread dedicated to msata SSDs on the forum.

Too bad they don't make mcpi-e SSDs though.

 

O Ok, I'm glad you clarified that, I was thinking my OCZ Agility drive would fit in that slot....I'm just a little nervous about taking off the keyboard, I've already had to return a Dell XPS 17 bc of a crappy screen and Samsung Series 7 bc of blue screen issues, and I just don't want to mess this one up.

I think my best bet is to sell this SSD and save up for a 250 or 320gb SSD to just replace the HDD and save the hastle.

 

I installed Mushkin mSATA III SSD 240GB on my T520 which i am typing from. I used Partition tool software to do cloning and stuff. I love the speed of this mSATA SSD.

T520, Win 7 64, i7 2.7g, 8GB RAM, 15.4. machine

 

Taking off the keyboard is pretty easy to do on the W520. Just unscrew the two keyboard screws (one under the RAM slot door, one next to it), slide up the keyboard towards the display, and lift. Lenovo has a PDF service manual that'll show you how to pretty much do anything to the W520, including keyboard removal.

Anyway, if you want to have a large 2.5" SSD, keep a look out for the Crucial M4. There's been a stupid amount of sales going on with it at really low prices (for a SATAIII SSD). Just lurk on the Notebook Tech Bargins subforum and you'll see what I mean.

 

If you already have an SSD simply buy the Series 3 Ultrabay drive adapter and use both together. Carry the Ultrabay optical drive caddy with you and use it when you need. You cannot use all 3 together but you can use 2 at a time.

Perry