Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
🔧 Swapping out the NVMe SSD in a Lenovo ThinkPad T490s, powered by an Intel Core i5 or i7 8th Gen processor, is a simple yet impactful upgrade that boosts both storage capacity and system performance. This laptop supports an M.2 2280 SSD with a PCIe NVMe, PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, allowing compatibility with storage sizes up to 1TB. Before you start, gather a compatible M.2 2280 NVMe SSD, a precision screwdriver set, and an anti-static wrist strap to avoid electrostatic damage. Don’t forget to back up your data, disable the built-in battery from the BIOS (as shown in the guide), and ensure the laptop is completely powered down and unplugged.
⚙️ To kick off the upgrade, flip the laptop over and locate the screws securing the bottom cover. Use a precision screwdriver to carefully remove them, placing them somewhere safe. Slowly lift off the bottom panel, starting at the edges to prevent damaging the clips. Once inside, find the M.2 SSD slot, remove the securing screw, and slide the old SSD out at a slight angle.
🔄 Insert the new M.2 2280 NVMe SSD at about a 30-degree angle, making sure the connector aligns properly. Press it down gently until it sits flush with the motherboard, then secure it with the provided screw. Verify that the SSD is seated correctly and the screw is tightened just enough—avoid over-tightening. Reattach the bottom panel, ensuring all clips snap into place, and reinstall the screws.
🚀 After putting the laptop back together, power it on and enter ThinkPad diagnostics by pressing Enter and F10. Check that the new SSD appears in the storage section and run a quick test. This upgrade not only increases storage but also fully utilizes the PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, delivering faster data transfers, shorter boot times, and an overall snappier system performance.
📚 Useful Links
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psref.lenovo.com/syspool/Sys/PDF/ThinkPad/ThinkPad_T490s/ThinkPad_T490s_Spec.pdf
🔧 Swapping out the NVMe SSD in a Lenovo ThinkPad T490s, powered by an Intel Core i5 or i7 8th Gen processor, is a simple yet impactful upgrade that boosts both storage capacity and system performance. This laptop supports an M.2 2280 SSD with a PCIe NVMe, PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, allowing compatibility with storage sizes up to 1TB. Before you start, gather a compatible M.2 2280 NVMe SSD, a precision screwdriver set, and an anti-static wrist strap to avoid electrostatic damage. Don’t forget to back up your data, disable the built-in battery from the BIOS (as shown in the guide), and ensure the laptop is completely powered down and unplugged.
⚙️ To kick off the upgrade, flip the laptop over and locate the screws securing the bottom cover. Use a precision screwdriver to carefully remove them, placing them somewhere safe. Slowly lift off the bottom panel, starting at the edges to prevent damaging the clips. Once inside, find the M.2 SSD slot, remove the securing screw, and slide the old SSD out at a slight angle.
🔄 Insert the new M.2 2280 NVMe SSD at about a 30-degree angle, making sure the connector aligns properly. Press it down gently until it sits flush with the motherboard, then secure it with the provided screw. Verify that the SSD is seated correctly and the screw is tightened just enough—avoid over-tightening. Reattach the bottom panel, ensuring all clips snap into place, and reinstall the screws.
🚀 After putting the laptop back together, power it on and enter ThinkPad diagnostics by pressing Enter and F10. Check that the new SSD appears in the storage section and run a quick test. This upgrade not only increases storage but also fully utilizes the PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, delivering faster data transfers, shorter boot times, and an overall snappier system performance.
📚 Useful Links
===
psref.lenovo.com/syspool/Sys/PDF/ThinkPad/ThinkPad_T490s/ThinkPad_T490s_Spec.pdf
