Thinkpad X390 Thermalpad for M.2 SSD - Please Help....

[LouG]

Hi TP Forum -

I'm admittedly a long time looker and not much of a poster. I'm a longtime TP user (since 1998) and I'm running into a problem that I can't figure out. I just purchased a new/refurbished X390 with 32 GB RAM but with a 128 SSD HD. I had Crucial run a system scan and I purchased a Crucial 1TB MX500 M.2 2280 SSDMX500 SATA M.@ 2280SS SSD drive. The problem is when I go to install the new SSD the OEM 128 SSD is half the length of the new SSD (it's attached via screw to a metal plate that makes up the difference in the SSD slot). There's a (what I think is called a) thermal pad underneath the OEM SSD, but when I install the new SSD (3.25" long) it bends down when screwed in b/c of the thermal pad. Plus, the new SSD seems to have to be installed upside down in order to fit into the slot.

So based on the above, A) I'm not sure if I need to remove the current thermal pad or add another to make up the space, and B) I'm not even sure if Crucial told me the correct SSD to install.

Link to three pics of OEM SSD and thermal pad can be found here: https://link.shutterfly.com/5sicd2Z1X3 ?

Many thanks for reading......

Lou G.

[RealBlackStuff]

You could upload your pictures to e.g. Imgur and then post a link to them here.

According to the X390 HMM, the short M.2 SSD also has a bracket that needs to be removed as well.
The long M.2 SSD goes in without bracket.

[LouG]

Good Call -

Here's a link to pics:

https://link.shutterfly.com/5sicd2Z1X3

[LouG]

According to the X390 HMM, the short M.2 SSD also has a bracket that needs to be removed as well.
The long M.2 SSD goes in without bracket.

Excellent. I looked at the x390 HMM and found where it's discussed. Many thanks for that.

So the last question is, do I just need to add an additional thermal pad for under the longer SSD? And will that require a longer M2 screw ?

[RealBlackStuff]

According to this, you don't want/need that rubber 'cushion' underneath the long SSD.
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-upgr ... nkpad-x390