Expanding Laptop Storage

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rwnz

48 posts

Geek

#268087 27-Feb-2020 11:41

I have a Lenovo Thinkpad Carbon with 256GB SSD but I now need at least twice that storage. However this version has an SSD that is not possible to replace so I've tried adding external storage so that the OS is on the SSD and my documents are on the external device. I ran into hurdles:

USB (USB 2 port as the USB 3 port is used for my dock): Protrudes so is easily knocked out when travelling
SD (ADATA V30): Suffered loss of a working file from time to time, and experienced delays when accessing
External portable HD: Is fast enough and reliable, bit each time I hibernate Explorer loses its place and reverts to the default view, open Excel files get permanently corrupted, and it stays running and thus consuming battery so I need to disconnect it when mobile.

As I have shortcuts and programs that refer to the file locations of some documents I have to always use the same device and port once I have installed the external storage, and it is a significant effort to change devices so I only want to do so with reasonable assurance it will work.

Can anyone please advise whether an external SSD would overcome the issues I have with the portable HD, or perhaps if another SD card might perform better?

tehgerbil

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#2428153 27-Feb-2020 12:29

hey, what's the model there mate, have you cracked the bastard open to take a look?

What kind of files are your accessing that requires large storage?

lxsw20

3531 posts

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#2428169 27-Feb-2020 12:35

What generation X1 carbon is it? Most i've had apart have m2 SSD.

1101

3121 posts

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#2428171 27-Feb-2020 12:37

Expect to have possible ongoing issues doing that.

To try & minimize issues
I would set the USB's drive name to be U: . Everytime its connected it will allways be U:
disable all USB power saving (in device manager) , disable hyberate if that causes issues
Disable write cache on the USB
DONT move the default mydocs folder to it . Use it for external storage
Have a backup plan for that USB drive

Or use a NAS instead

Whats the reason the laptops HD cant be upgraded ? Is it chips soldered onto the board . Or is it just RAM that cant be upgraded ?

rwnz

48 posts

Geek

#2428172 27-Feb-2020 12:37

Hi there

I've been told twice (some time after the first appraisal I got frustrated and tried again) by professional service outfits that this particular model version has non-replaceable SSD but that later ones do. FYI, it is a 3444-BZM. I just have lots of docs, spreadsheets, pdfs photos and videos. As I sometimes work without internet access it is simply handy to have them on local storage, and the way they are filed it is easier to have all in one place (rather than some on external storage that I only connect when required).

rwnz

48 posts

Geek

#2428244 27-Feb-2020 13:43

I work on the laptop when flying hence no cloud and no NAS (I sync and/or backup to cloud and NAS when I'm in the office). I expect the SSD can't be upgraded as it is soldered in.

lxsw20

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#2428254 27-Feb-2020 13:48

The ram/memory is soldered on and can not be upgraded. But looking here: https://store.emprgroup.com.au/lenovo-528155-thinkpad-x-series-laptops-thinkpad-x1-carbon-type-34xx-3444bzm.aspx behind the SD card slot looks to be the M2 where the storage would be. Take the bottom off the laptop and post a photo.

gehenna

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#2428264 27-Feb-2020 13:59

See if you can find your model here: https://www.ifixit.com/Device/ThinkPad_X1_Carbon

E.G. this model has user replaceable M.2 SSD: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Lenovo+ThinkPad+X1+Yoga+Hard+Drive+Replacement/126756

Mighty Ape

Shop now on Mighty Ape (affiliate link).

1101

3121 posts

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#2428658 28-Feb-2020 10:35

rwnz:

I've been told twice (some time after the first appraisal I got frustrated and tried again) by professional service outfits that this particular model version has non-replaceable SSD but that later ones do.

Didi they actually open it up & have a look.
If so that may well be true then.

Specs on websites can be wrong, as there are sometimes submodels & revised models & different production runs etc . So it may actually be non-upgradable.
Hard to believe that 2 IT companies could both be wrong, assuming they actually tried .

If non upgradable
I would seriously consider replacing the laptop now , while is still OK . If the HD fails & it cant be replaced, then the notebook becomes completely worthless (with zero resale value).

Otherwise for storage, for your requirements, you only have 1 good option : SSD USB HD . And live with the issues from using an external HD .

engedib

254 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2428668 28-Feb-2020 10:54

Based on the model number it is a standard M2 SSD which can be easily upgraded to a larger one.

yitz

2054 posts

Uber Geek

#2428680 28-Feb-2020 11:03

It's not a standard M.2 2280 B+M key though. There will be limited options including capacities.

See discussion here:

https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/ThinkPad-X-Series-Laptops/512-gb-SSD-upgrade-options-for-1st-gen-X1-Carbon/td-p/3270652

engedib

254 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2428729 28-Feb-2020 11:14

yitz:

It's not a standard M.2 2280 B+M key though. There will be limited options including capacities.

See discussion here:

https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/ThinkPad-X-Series-Laptops/512-gb-SSD-upgrade-options-for-1st-gen-X1-Carbon/td-p/3270652

Yeah, just read a bit more about it and seems like the mSATA adapter and the 1TB Samsung or other mSATA drive is the best idea. Doesn't look that cheap:

https://www.newegg.com/samsung-860-evo-series-1tb/p/N82E16820147687

Dugimodo

168 posts

Master Geek

#2428737 28-Feb-2020 11:25

You can also get extremely small USB flash drives that barely stick out at all looking more like a wireless mouse receiver. Just another option. I use one in the car permanently attached to the head unit and don't want it sticking out.

With SD cards you need to get at least a class 10 or better card or they are too slow for regular use IMHO.

rwnz

48 posts

Geek

#2430445 2-Mar-2020 20:42

Thanks for your comments. Have opened it up and see that it appears to be a proprietary SSD, but I've read that that an M.2 SSD could be used in conjunction with an adapter. The pins om my SSD have the same profile and number as the adapter so it looks OK but the M.2 SSD will sit higher than the existing SSD as it will be on the adapter, so I hope there will be enough room.

M.2 NGFF SSD to 26 Pin Adapter for Lenovo X1 Carbon Ultrabook
https://www.u-buy.co.nz/search/index/view/product/B014LZ2FYS/s/toptekits-m-2-ngff-ssd-to-26-pin-adapter-for-lenovo-x1-carbon-ultrabook-by-toptekits/store/store
(if I can get it)

M.2 SSDs
https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/HDDKIN21500/Kingston-A2000-500GB-M2-NVMe-Gen-3-X-4-Internal-So
https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/HDDCRU31600/Crucial-MX500-1TB-M2-2280-560MBs-reading--510MBs-W

A photo of my SSD: