Thinkpads Forum

Hi everyone,

I bought a 256G mSata SSD and tried to install it. It was my first time opening my X220t... When I tried to insert the SSD into the mini PCI-e slot, I found it so hard to make it in its expected position. Then I had a close look at the slot, some metal pins inside the slot seem to be off where they should be... I don't know whether this is due to my wrong way of inserting, or it came in this way... Because I am pretty sure I followed the instruction, both from the user manual and the videos on youtube.

Now my question is, is there a way to fix this? Or is there a way to make the mSata SSD work in this situation?

Thanks a lot guys...

lznhello wrote:Hi everyone,

I bought a 256G mSata SSD and tried to install it. It was my first time opening my X220t... When I tried to insert the SSD into the mini PCI-e slot, I found it so hard to make it in its expected position. Then I had a close look at the slot, some metal pins inside the slot seem to be off where they should be... I don't know whether this is due to my wrong way of inserting, or it came in this way... Because I am pretty sure I followed the instruction, both from the user manual and the videos on youtube.

Now my question is, is there a way to fix this? Or is there a way to make the mSata SSD work in this situation?

Thanks a lot guys...

If you are talking about the pins on the computer side, then you might get lucky and be able to straighten them out with tweezers or something similar. Remove ALL POWER from the laptop (except CMOS battery). I have repaired damaged pins on PCMCIA slots before. PCIe is smaller and slightly different, but the idea is the same.
When you get them straightened, insert the SSD very carefully. Alignment is everything. If the .p[ins are broken, then replacing the connector or motherboard are your options. Component level replacements are very tricky especially with toady's SMT technology. IF you need to go that route, make sure you have the skills and required equipment or hire someone who can do it for you. Locating replacement components can be tricky too, but with determination you can find just about anything.