How to upgrade the SSD in the ASUS VivoBook 15

Upgrading the SSD in the ASUS VivoBook fifteen is a great manner to brand one of the best budget laptops on the marketplace even better. Considering this model of the VivoBook xv (F512JA) comes with only upward to a 128GB Chiliad.2 SATA SSD from the factory, y'all can add gigabytes and speed with ane of the best SSDs out there. I'll guide y'all through the entire SSD upgrade procedure and advise some worthwhile hardware to make sure the upgrade is worth your time.

Be certain to check out our guide on how to upgrade RAM in the VivoBook 15 if you demand more memory.

How to upgrade the SSD in the ASUS VivoBook 15

Note: Before beginning whatever upgrades on a PC, it's a skilful idea to back up your data in the unlikely event something should go wrong. You'll also want to ensure you lot're not working in a static-filled environment since it can cause damage to a PC's internal hardware.

The ASUS VivoBook 15 (F512JA) that I'thou upgrading in this guide comes with a 128GB Chiliad.2 SATA SSD. While this slower technology helps keep the price of the laptop less than $500, it too might not be speedy enough for anyone used to M.2 PCIe NVMe technology. Since the laptop is compatible with a PCIe NVMe drive, upgrading to the faster tech is recommended. There'south besides space inside the laptop for a 2.5-inch SSD or HDD, but the laptop does not come with the proper connections if one isn't installed at the manufactory level.

In whatsoever case, nosotros recommend going with the speedier M.two technology. Something like the SK hynix Gilt P31 combines a cheap price, long-lasting durability, and high-finish performance. Yous can pick upwardly a 500GB SSD for about $lxx, with 1TB and 2TB models costing $130 and $245, respectively.

Since at that place's just the one M.ii slot for an SSD within the VivoBook fifteen, you'll accept to make up one's mind whether or not yous desire to keep all your information or start fresh with a new Windows 10 install. If yous want to keep everything the verbal same equally it was before the upgrade, cloning the one-time SSD to the new SSD is a great pick. An external SSD enclosure will be required, and our guide on how to close an SSD can walk you through the specific steps.

If you lot recently received the laptop or but don't mind losing the information that'south currently saved on the older SATA SSD, you lot can go forth with a clean install of Windows once the drive has been swapped out. There are a few things to take care of earlier the upgrade if you exercise decide to become this route, then be sure to check out our guide on how to practice a clean install of Windows 10 before continuing with the steps below.

Later cloning the onetime SSD or preparing the PC for a clean install of Windows x, yous should be clear to continue with the SSD upgrade process. Power downwards your VivoBook xv, clear out a well-lit workspace, and follow these steps.

Unscrew the 10 fasteners on the bottom panel of the laptop using a Philips-caput screwdriver. Annotation that the screws along the front are shorter than the others.

Source: Windows Cardinal
Pry up the lesser panel using a pry tool. I plant it easiest to start along the hinge and work my mode around to the front.

Source: Windows Cardinal
Unscrew the fastener at the end of the SSD.

Source: Windows Central
Pull the old SSD away from the M.2 slot. To prevent impairment, do non lift directly up.

Source: Windows Central
Insert the new SSD at virtually a 25-caste angle. The drive and slot are both keyed and will simply fit in one way.

Source: Windows Primal
Screw in the fastener at the end of the SSD. Be careful not to overtighten, but exist sure the SSD is secure.

Source: Windows Key
Replace the bottom panel. Apply pressure effectually the edges and in the middle until it clicks into place.

Source: Windows Fundamental
Screw in the 10 fasteners to secure the bottom panel.

If you opted for a clean Windows 10 install subsequently the upgrade, you can get alee with information technology now. And if y'all chose to clone your old SSD to the new SSD, yous should be able to boot up the VivoBook 15 and continue as before.

Our pinnacle hardware and software picks

Nosotros recommend checking out either the SK hynix Aureate P31 or the Samsung 970 EVO Plus as an upgrade. They're both fast and affordable, with big sizes available for more storage.

128-layer 4D NAND Grand.2 SSD

SK hynix Gold P31

The SK hynix Gold P31 cuts the cost out from a lot of the contest, yet it offers stronger endurance and faster operation. It'due south an excellent option for anyone looking to upgrade their PCIe 3 storage.

Blazing SSD speeds

Samsung 970 EVO Plus

Samsung'south 970 EVO Plus brings blistering read and write speeds, a competitive cost, and a five-year warranty, which altogether is an impressive parcel. Sizes start at 250GB and go up to 2TB.

Ane of the best budget laptops

Asus Vivobook 15

ASUS VivoBook 15

The ASUS VivoBook fifteen does it meliorate than many other upkeep laptops. It has a comfy keyboard and touchpad, fingerprint reader, FHD display, upgradeable RAM and SSD, and tons of ports with USB-C. Battery life is disappointing, and the display isn't particularly powerful, but I would recommend this over the IdeaPad 3 fifteen and Acer Aspire 5.

Additional equipment

To make the upgrade process easier and less risky, consider investing in some of these affordable PC tools, and don't forget almost Macrium Reverberate and an external enclosure if you want to clone drives.

SSK M.2 enclosure

SSK M.2 enclosure ($19 at Amazon)

This affordable aluminum enclosure works with M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs like the Samsung 970 EVO Plus and SK hynix Aureate P31 for cloning. Connect to the Swift 3 with USB-C.

Macrium Reflect 7 (Free at Macrium)

We've had success cloning drives with Macrium Reflect 7, and have even written a complete guide on how to use information technology properly. A free edition is available, but you can purchase a full edition with a bunch more features for those who truly take backups seriously.

ORIA PC toolkit ($29 at Amazon)

Having the proper gear to work on your PC volition ever make the job much easier. Hither you get a plethora of tools contained in a portable case.

Rosewill anti-static wristband ($vii at Amazon)

Static electricity can damage sensitive PC parts, and so remove the risk with an anti-static wristband. Fasten information technology around your wrist and clip information technology onto your PC for peace of mind.

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