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I bought an msata SSD disk to replace the U100 that comes with this laptop.

Now I can't figure out how to disassemble and install it.

Usually Google is very generous with hints, but not this time.

After removing all the bottom screws (I'm not sure if there is one hidden under a squared rubber pad), I don't know how to proceed to expose the motherboard.

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    There is no need for bad language
    – Dave
    Aug 27, 2013 at 13:27
  • @DaveRook you're right: I should pay more attention (swear words are not as apparent to non native speakers). Is there something else wong with the question? Even after your edit, it has one downvote I don't understand.
    – silviot
    Aug 28, 2013 at 6:40
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    No worries. I did the downvote due to the swearing and just forgot to take it off, have now removed it. You didn't explain what is puzzling you. I mean, did you try to unscrew it (are there even screws), or did you take it apart and something else stop you? A question of "how do I do everything" is too broad typically for this website. If you are not confident / comfortable about this update, I would suggest you take it to a shop to have them do it but usually this change does effect your warranty.
    – Dave
    Aug 28, 2013 at 7:14

2 Answers 2

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You can find it on the Asus site ("Asus S56CB Ultrabook User Manual"), or looking for "User Manual" on several documentation sites. The disk replacement instructions are at page 64.

There are two screws on the bottom front panel, and once removed, the hard disk is exposed. It is locked with four other screws and can be lifted by gently pulling on its front tab.

The procedure for mSATA should be here (with pictures), with some caveats:

There is only one screw holding the 24GB mSATA SSD to the motherboard. Once removed, set the screw aside and the mSATA SSD will pop up, just like a stick of ram.

Test fitting the 128GB Crucial mSATA SSD, a problem arose. The standoff used to secure the 24GB integrated SSD is getting in the way! The standoff will need to be removed.

The bad news:

** WARNING ** Removing the standoff that secures the OEM 24GB mSATA SSD to the PCB will instantly void the warranty. It won't damage the computer, as long as you are careful, but you can consider your warranty gone once you do this. To remove the standoff, I used a pair of bent nose pliers to firmly grasp the aluminum standoff, taking GREAT CARE not to scrape, contact, or otherwise disturb any part of the PCB or motherboard circuitry; once the standoff is grasped, twist clockwise or counterclockwise (again, CAREFULLY), and it should come off, relatively easily. You don't need herculean strength to twist it off, just firmness, and finesse.

The good news:

The guy apparently has now a Crucial 128GB instead of the original mSATA accelerator.

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  • This will expose the 2.5 sata disk, but not the msata connector. The disk I want to replace is connected to the latter.
    – silviot
    Aug 28, 2013 at 10:39
  • (Updated answer)
    – LSerni
    Aug 28, 2013 at 17:04
  • Thanks! Tomorrow I'll buy a couple of bent nose pliers. I couldn't remove the standoff with my straight ones.
    – silviot
    Aug 28, 2013 at 17:41
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The S46 models look very similar to the S56 series.

This video shows an already disassembled S46CM. Using a guitar pick to separate the two components of the shell as showed here on a x301 should work.

The warranty will much likely be voided by the disk replacement.

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