Lenovo ThinkPad T530 Upgrade (mSATA SSD, HDD, RAM, Win10) 

That's awesome. Thanks for sharing, that's good to know. I haven't tried GTA V on this, so if people ask me I can refer to this comment. Much appreciated. If you ever record a video of this, let me know and I will link to it :)

There's some vids I saw earlier; Crysis on W530, and External GPU playing various games on T530 and "lower end models". Cool stuff.

Awesome, I recently published a video on upgrading the panel to a 1080 display and CPU to a quad core i7. More ideas to keep the T530 relevant!

Nice! I was just setting up a few more of these and I tried out Windows 11. I am looking at upgrading one with a 1920x1080 display, quad core i7, and 16GB RAM. I only wish it was possible to improve the integrated graphics (I mean, without a PCIe cable adapter for a graphics card)

I got mine from my employer too. I love people's reaction when they see it and ask how old it is. LoL.

Is it possible to run W11?

I did record removing a stripped screw from a laptop here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-M8vdp9ua-eo.htmlsi=Q0E_ybIRE3tOVA9o&t=156 Be careful, though. Lucky your screw is just going into the keyboard, but it is a longer one.

Yes absolutely you can send me any questions. I haven't worked on any W530's, but perhaps they are relative to the thinkpads I have worked on. I may be able to help. I haven't sold off eBay in a few months. Thanks for the nice comment :)

Some people and manufacturers say it's uncommon to install an operating system on a mSATA SSD. I think that is because they were meaning to use them for fast tracking software or a process related to IT. Or, because it was once common to have mSATA SSD's with 8-16GB capacities, which would not run Windows. I think it's perfectly reasonable and my daily use work laptop has the same 128GB mSATA drive running Windows 10. Works just fine. I don't prefer either option, but having the mSATA as boot drive opens up more storage space in the 2.5" bay. You could even install an SSD there for storage to get a performance boost.

The mSATA will run at SATA II speeds, but acting as a Windows (or whatever OS) boot drive is still pretty fast. Especially for the T530's generation. You can install a 2.5" SSD in the HDD bay and that will run at SATA III speeds. I have done both and had dual mSATA and 2.5" SSD's running and performance is good. Thanks for watching :)

1. Yes, you can install any 2.5" SSD where the HDD goes. Easy to install. 2. The fan just might need to be cleaned. Try this video to follow instructions to get to the fan: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uKiZbaRHzCs.html Hope that helps! If you do need to replace the fan/fan assembly, there should be a small sticker or specs you can enter into an eBay search for part replacement.

For sure. I am certain you can install any size capacity you like. I buy 128GB because it's cost effective. I make budget setups and the more I spend the more I have to make back, so unless someone asks for a custom I generally stick to the 128GB + storage HDD

Are you actively using OneDrive? If you are, I would bet that you can change the settings in OneDrive to have a different source folder, then you can migrate the Documents folder, and put settings back in place. I don't use OneDrive myself. Let me know if this is the case and we can go from there.

@@HaisteComputerRepair Thanks for the hint. Unchecked "Documents" on OneDrive and than was able to redirect to the "D Drive" :) There were a couple of sub-folders that I didn't redirect. "Office Lens" & "Outlook Files" Next time. :)

​@@pingme1x You bet, feel free to reach out here if you need any help with troubleshooting.

Unfortunately you have to stick with SATA III m.2 SSD's. Not NVME.

I installed 1 x 4GB under the keyboard and 1 x 4GB under the panel on the bottom of the laptop. Definitely recommend at least 8GB dual channel for the T530.

Yep it looks like you can install an mSATA SSD. It's underneath the keyboard just like the T530. I have a 128GB mSATA Toshiba SSD if you would like me to ship it to you. Small cost+shipping. If you live in North America, overseas is quite expensive to ship. Check out this guide: helgeklein.com/blog/tuning-the-lenovo-t520-upgrading-memory-and-installing-an-msata-ssd/

It looks like the mSATA slot is in the exact same spot as it is on the T530. Also, from a quick Google search it appears that it will take an mSATA drive just fine. Thinking about installing one?

You can only install a mSATA SSD under the keyboard and a 2.5" SSD or HDD in the bay on the bottom of the case. Any capacity should work fine.

@@HaisteComputerRepair Thank you so much!

@@kangxu8547My pleasure!

;)

Just like the T530 in this video, you can install an mSATA SSD for a boot drive and just keep your HDD where it is now. I find it easier to reinstall Windows as cloning can get a bit complicated and lead to further troubleshooting. Not always, but can happen. If you have the time to dedicate, do it for the learning experience alone. Using cloning software will be the best option. If you need help, I can look for a good video tutorial to send to you. Backup your data first, always, so long as you have something to keep. A reinstall will be faster, you just have to load up a min 6GB USB drive with a Win 10 .iso, use the Win 7 Product Key label on your device, and follow the steps outlined in my video. A good question: why do you want to clone as opposed to reinstall? What is the pro/con?

@@HaisteComputerRepair I want to keep my system mainly because i have programs installed that were a bit difficult to install and a lot of headaches till i install all. It's not a problem though even if i can't clone my current windows but i though it would be faster as some of the programs are heavy ones and take time to personalize again. The cloning is not a problem i found nice software and good tutorial to do it. But still if you could also send me one i would appreciate it. I would like summarize though: if i get mSATA SSD- i put it under the keyboard and turn on my laptop, then i clone my system to the ssd then reboot and set my ssd as boot drive(if i want to clone, if new system then just put it and reboot and set as boot drive and install); if i get the SSD 2"5 and move my hdd in adapter it works the same way? Are there any differences in the way it works? Also if i add mSATA under the keyboard, keep my hard disk in place, can i add adapter with another ssd or hdd? Meaning three disks.

@@graciie77 That's a good question. I would assume that as long as the mSATA SSD is recognized by the motherboard, then it will be detected as an option in the software. In the event the mSATA is not showing up, try going into BIOS, navigate to Security, Go to I/O port access, and activate the WWAN port. Another thing to keep in mind is the capacity of the SSD as compared to the HDD. You would want to make sure you have enough space on the SSD. I usually only purchase 128GB or 256GB mSATA SSD's for my work, but there are larger capacities available. For a third drive, you could find an adapter to fit into the cd/dvd-rw optical drive.

I believe you can go up to 16GB DDR3 RAM. 2 x 8GB RAM sticks. As for the SSD, you could install an mSATA like in this video and install Windows to it. If you just want to back up your important files from your current HDD, you can do something similar to this: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1_1DBwhP46Q.html It would help to be able to back up your important files to an external HDD or via the method in my video I linked to. Then, you can simply transfer the files to your 500GB HDD. Does that answer your question? Do you want to keep software(programs, applications, etc) from your HDD as well? That will be a different answer. Let me know and I can try to help.

@@HaisteComputerRepair I dont wanna lose my downloaded Softwares, I dont wanna re-install neither windows, nor office, again, is it possible to maybe do a clonation or whatever to keep my softwares untouched. Sorry for my english I'm from Peru?

@@CJdelgado4ever It's definitely possible to clone a drive. You would need to use an SSD equal or near the same size as your HDD. There is software that will perform the clone process for you. It's quite detailed, but doable. Is there a computer shop you could bring it to, that might be able to help out?

Check this out: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-aM3D3cZmqn0.html

Awesome, I installed that i7 in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LSiwp-rmWe0.html Good luck!

There is no slot there, just empty space. It might be an area to provide some passive cooling being that there is ventilation on the cover.

@@HaisteComputerRepair okay thanks 🙌

It is more than likely a keyboard hardware issue. There are drivers that allow your keyboard to interact with Windows and the laptop, but not exactly "software." The T530 keyboard is pretty easy to remove if you follow this video. Try reseating the connection first. As in, unplug and then plug back in the cable connection from the keyboard to the motherboard. Let me know how it goes.

Do you have access to or own a drill? Check out my video here that shows how to remove a stripped screw: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-M8vdp9ua-eo.html Being that the screw on the T530 is on the motherboard, be very careful if you do this. Only drill where the screw is and make sure your hands are steady. If you don't have the tools or can't afford a slip up, maybe give a repair shop a call to see if this is something they can do.

@@HaisteComputerRepair I'll look and see, thank you!

@@TheHutch1138 No problem :)

You bet. In the WWAN slot. I am typing on an X220T with an mSATA SSD installed. Just be aware that it will run at SATA II Speeds (still pretty fast). So, I usually just set it up as a boot drive for Windows and install an SSD or Hard Drive in the 2.5" bay. I honestly don't notice a difference between speeds, even used as a daily driver. You can also set it up as a cache device, but I don't personally think the boost in performance is that grand.

@@HaisteComputerRepair yeah i know mSATA isn't faster, just the extra potential storage sounds awesome, also just found out they make ssd caddy for the optical drive so you can have 3 ssd's total.. crazy

@@winnipegmbcanada yeah, that's pretty cool. It would be fun to do that, just for the novelty alone.

Well, it might depend on what video editing software you use and the budget you are working with. The W530 has a better integrated GPU (Intel HD 4000 as opposed to 3000, NVIDIA Quadro K2000M in some cases - not sure about Win 10 drivers for that one). So, what are you using to edit and is there a large price difference between the two? They have the same CPU socket type, so not much difference there. RAM capacity/config the same as well.

W530 -> W for Workstation laptop (Core i7, more ram, better video card) for engineering and media production - T = Business laptop (everyone else)

@@phiux Thanks!

Well, it would depend on which CPU shipped with the L540. T530 cold be comparable with the best CPU option installed. Generally speaking, the L540 is slightly better, but I also haven't used one or done much research on one. Are you thinking about buying either one? What is the price for either one and which CPU is installed?

@@HaisteComputerRepair Ey thanks man. Yes I'm planning to buy L540 but I was confused which these two are better. But since u said L540 is better, I will go to L540 with 8gb ram and 128 SSD. Maybe it will cost about $200 dollars if pre owned I think. Thanks for the answer man👍

@@joemarpontillo7257 That's a pretty good deal. To give you an idea of difference in price from where I'm at, I'm currently selling some of these for ~$295 CAD w/ 128GB mSATA SSD, storage HDD of various capacity, 8GB RAM. Laptop prices and wholesale prices have gone up during the pandemic.

@@HaisteComputerRepair Look like I did good for a T530 I5 3320M 4gb 512 SSD for 175$ cad then :) 225 if I add the cost of a stick of 8gb ddr3.

@@phiux That is definitely a good deal. Go for 8GB RAM or more if you can. Prices went up so much during the pandemic, I had to sell these at close to $300 with the same specs.

Yes it is. Try to find some matching 2 x 8GB 1600MHz DDR3 RAM. I have 2 x 8GB 1333MHz in a slightly older model X220T Thinkpad and paired with an SSD, it's very nice.

You found a treasure in the wild!

Can you explain what happens when you are trying to boot from the drive? What do you see on the display?

@@HaisteComputerRepair pxe-e61 media test failure check cable fix. Do I need a flash drive with windows 10 or 7 cuz idk how to fix this

@@Doge-BlitzOk, so you haven't installed Windows yet from a USB drive?

@@HaisteComputerRepair yes but i have a USB with 16gb but idk how to install windows 10 on it

@@Doge-Blitz First, make sure you are ok with formatting the USB drive. If you do format, right click the drive in File Explorer, click Format, and change type to FAT32. Then go here and click on Download Tool. It will walk you through making Windows install media www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10

I believe so, yes

Same answer: Laptops will have integrated GPU's soldered onto the motherboard. People have installed custom setups to accommodate external graphics cards, but it looks to involve some troubleshooting (I've never done it). Here's one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GDyL2tPyXFA.html

Some models, correct me if I'm wrong - I'm a novice/noob at the moment, can use the... PCIE(?) connection to run a desktop graphics card (like a desktop GPU)aand play more demanding games, I think P50? W530?

Not at all, especially if you need it. Try a third party battery, but make sure there is a return policy in place. I have run into the problem of third party batteries not working in T530's. I would get an error message stating that it is unrecognized as a Lenovo product. This is not always the case, though, and there was a rather extensive work around I found online. Other than that, good luck! Nothing left to do but try it out.

Very nice, I would get so much more satisfaction having that run on the T530. I commend the effort!

I'd like to try a hackintosh sometime. Cool man.

I have only tested up to 16GB. With the ThinkPad W530 there are four RAM slots and paired with a quad core i7 CPU you could install 32GB RAM. With the T530 having only two slots, I would have to guess 16GB RAM would be the max.

@@HaisteComputerRepair Is it possible to install a hard drive type SSD M.2 SATA of SSD NVMe on this laptop?

@@marekkowalski3814 No, sorry the T530 can only have an mSATA Solid State Drive or a 2.5" Solid State Drive. The mSATA SSD is a great boot drive, but be mindful it is limited to SATA II. Not the end of the world by a long shot, but if you want the better speed for whatever reason, use the 2.5" bay for the SATA III SSD.

@@HaisteComputerRepair Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-76E1T0B/AM)

@@marekkowalski3814 That would be an excellent choice.

New battery experience is just fine. This model was originally released in 2012, so you largely be buying used and refurbished. You'll just have to trust the seller on battery life expectancy.

Most excellent!

@@HaisteComputerRepair yes :)))