A Simple Guide to Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H SSD Replacement

For tech enthusiasts who yearn to dive deeper into the realm of modifying and upgrading their laptops, embarking on the journey of replacing the Solid State Disk (SSD) of a Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H could be a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Garnering a thorough understanding of the anatomy of this specific model, being well-versed in the type of SSD compatible with it, having the necessary tools at hand, and scrutinizing the intricacies of the replacement process are inevitable steps on this path.

Related: Lenovo Legion 5 Answer Guide

Contents

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Understanding the parts and tools required

Understanding the Parts of Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H

Before you can replace an SSD, you must first understand what an SSD is and what parts of the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H it interacts with.

An SSD, or solid-state drive, is a storage device that uses integrated circuit assemblies to store data persistently.

The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H supports up to two M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe solid-state drives, a type of SSD that uses the PCIe interface on the laptop’s motherboard.

With this understanding, you can identify the SSD drive’s exact location on the laptop’s motherboard.

Type and Specifications of SSD Compatible with Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H

Before beginning your SSD replacement, you’ll need to ensure that you have a compatible SSD to install in your device.

As mentioned, this model of Lenovo Legion supports M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0×4 NVMe solid-state drives.

This type of SSD provides excellent performance and reliability. Be sure to verify that your replacement SSD meets these specifications.

The size available in your laptop is typically 1TB, but you can opt for a larger capacity if your usage needs demand it. Remember that larger capacity SSDs may also increase the overall cost.

Tools Required for SSD Replacement

Several basic tools will aid you in replacing your SSD safely and efficiently.

A standard #0 Phillips screwdriver is necessary for removing and reinstalling the small screws on the back of the laptop chassis. This size of screwdriver is perfectly designed to handle the tiny screws typically found in laptop assemblies.
An anti-static wrist strap is also recommended. This tool reduces the risk of damaging your laptop’s sensitive electronic components due to static electricity. While the probability of static damage is low, it’s a risk you shouldn’t take when working with expensive and delicate electronics.
A spudger can also be handy. A spudger is a small, thin instrument, typically plastic or nylon, used for manipulating small parts and for disconnecting electronic connectors. You can use a spudger to gently remove the old SSD from its slot and to guide the new SSD into place.
Lastly, a clean, well-lit, and flat working area is essential. Keeping your workspace organized will help ensure that no small parts get lost.

Additional Considerations

Before starting any repair, make sure that the laptop is powered off and unplugged to avoid potential electrical shocks. It’s also recommended to backup any important data from your SSD to another storage device, as replacing it will erase all the data currently stored on it.

Mastering the process of SSD replacement

Prepare Your Tools and Workspace

Before you start the SSD replacement process, ensure you have the necessary tools.

You will need a Phillips-head screwdriver and optionally, an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge, which can damage your laptop’s electronic components.

Make sure you’re working on a clean, flat surface with good lighting, ideally an anti-static mat.

Open the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

The first step in SSD replacement is to shut down the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and unplug the power adapter.

Once the laptop is off, use your screwdriver to remove the screws from the laptop’s back panel. Store the removed screws in a safe place.

Disconnect The Battery

After opening the back cover, locate the battery.

You’ll see a thick black or red cable connected to the laptop’s motherboard which is the battery connector.

Disconnect this cable by carefully pulling it out. It’s crucial to disconnect the battery to prevent accidental power-on during the replacement process.

Locate The Existing SSD

Once the battery is disconnected, locate the current SSD.

In Lenovo Legion 5 Pro, there are two NVMe M.2 slots for SSDs on the motherboard. The existing SSD should be in one of these slots.

Removing the Existing SSD

To remove the SSD, first unscrew the retaining screw at the end of the SSD. Once the screw is out, the SSD will lift up at a slight angle. Carefully pull it out of the slot.

Install the New SSD

Take your new SSD and align it with the NVMe M.2 slot just like the old one that you removed. Slide the SSD into the slot at the same angle that the old one lifted up at.

Once it’s fully in, push it down gently, replace the retaining screw, and tighten it.

Reassemble the Laptop

After the new SSD is securely installed, reconnect the battery cable to the motherboard.

Then replace the laptop’s back cover, ensuring all the clips are secure and everything aligns correctly. Replace and tighten all the screws you removed earlier.

Finalize The Installation

Turn on your laptop. The BIOS should automatically register the new SSD, but you might need to manually configure it through the BIOS settings.

You’ll also have to format the SSD and install a new operating system if it’s the primary drive.

Understanding potential problems and solutions

Data Transfer Issues

One of the first potential problems you might encounter while replacing the SSD on your Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H is data transfer.

Before you proceed with the replacement, it’s essential to back up all the files stored on your existing SSD. Use an external hard drive or cloud storage to transfer and secure all your data.

If you run into issues during this process, it’s often due to the SSD being close to full capacity or the data containing viruses. Freeing up some space or running a virus scan can resolve these data transfer issues.

BIOS Configuration

Once the new SSD is installed, the Lenovo Legion may not immediately recognize it. This is typically due to the BIOS configuration.

Boot up your device and press the necessary key to access your system’s BIOS (usually the F1, F2, F12, or DELETE key).
Look for storage, boot, or similar options in the BIOS menu and ensure that your new SSD is listed and set as the primary boot device.

If the BIOS doesn’t recognize your new SSD, it could be due to a loose connection, the SSD being faulty, or a compatibility issue.

Double-check the connections and, if necessary, try installing the SSD in another system to test its functionality.

SSD Alignment and Fitting

Another potential issue during SSD replacement is alignment and fitting. The Lenovo Legion’s structure is notably tight, not offering much room.

The SSD must be aligned correctly to fit into the system.

Place the notched side of the SSD in alignment with the ridged side of the slot.
Then, gently slide it in at an angle of about 30 degrees. If it goes into place without resistance, it is correctly aligned.

If you face issues fitting the SSD, avoid forcing it, as doing so could damage the SSD or the laptop. Double-check if you have the right size SSD (2280 in size for this model) and ensure you are inserting it correctly.

SSD Driver Problems

On connecting a new SSD to your Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H, you might encounter driver issues that prevent the device from operating correctly.

You may need to install a driver for the SSD to be fully functional.

Visit the SSD manufacturer’s website to download and install the proper driver.

If you continue to experience issues despite installing the driver, the SSD may be incompatible with your system, faulty, or there could be a problem with your laptop’s SSD slot.

Loss of Existing Data

A major concern with SSD replacement is the loss of existing data. Ensure you back up all your important data before you proceed with the SSD replacement process.

This backup can be on an external hard drive, another SSD, or cloud storage.

After replacing the SSD, it’s a good practice to reinstall your operating system and restore your backed data to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Operating System Boot Issues

After installing the new SSD, if your laptop does not boot up or displays error messages related to booting, it could be because your system’s boot order in the BIOS is incorrect, or the operating system is not properly installed on the SSD.

Access the BIOS settings and verify that the boot order is set correctly, with the new SSD as the primary boot device. If this does not solve the problem, you may need to install your operating system on the SSD.

However, it is also pivotal to be cognizant of potential problems that one might encounter during the SSD replacement process.

Data transfer issues, setting up the BIOS, or ensuring flawless alignment and fitting of the new SSD could pose obstacles.

But with the will to learn, passion for technology, and equip yourself with a solution-oriented mindset these troubles would appear surmountable. The world of tech awaits those who dare to take on challenges such as these, enhancing not only their skills but also transforming their Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H into a more efficient machine, tailored to their needs.

J.S. is the owner, content creator, and editor at Upgrades-and-Options.com. I’ve worked in the IT and Computer Support field for over 20 years. The server hardware in my computer labs has mostly been IBM, but I’ve supported Dell, HP, and various other hardware. In addition, as part of my lab administrator responsibilities, I’ve learned, supported, and repaired/upgraded network hardware such as Cisco routers and switches. READ FULL BIO >>