I'm looking for advice on whether I can move my SSD and RAM from my old Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 (with an Intel i7) to a new Lenovo ThinkPad E15 2nd Gen (with a Ryzen 5). My E14 has issues with the charging port, and the E15 has less RAM and storage. From what I've seen, the insides look almost identical, except for the processor. I want to avoid backing up my data onto an adapter if possible. Is it feasible to just swap the SSD and RAM directly? Also, is it okay to store the removed RAM and SSD in Ziploc bags without damaging them? Thanks for any help!
2 Answers
Based on the specs, your E14 and E15 do use the same RAM type (DDR4-2666), but keep in mind that the first 8GB of RAM on the E14 is soldered down. This means that while you can swap your additional RAM stick, the main 8GB in the E15 might not change. Swapping the SSD should go smoothly, but you might need to reactivate Windows, which shouldn't delete your data, but it’s something to keep in mind!
No, reactivating Windows shouldn't erase your data. The soldered RAM means that one part is fixed and can't be replaced, but your new E15 might have an empty slot for your additional RAM.
Transferring your SSD might work well, but it's always a good idea to back up all your important data just to be safe. If your SSD has Bitlocker encryption enabled, remember to write down your recovery key since you'll need it for the new system. As for the RAM, it should swap out just fine! Also, using regular Ziploc bags for storage isn't recommended because they aren't anti-static, so it’s better to use proper anti-static bags.
What exactly is Bitlocker and how can I check if it's on? Can I check using a different computer if I use an adapter since my old laptop is dead?
You can definitely create a Windows install disk using a USB drive or SD card. Just be sure to have your product key handy!
If I need to reactivate Windows, does that clear my data? And what's the deal with the soldered RAM? Can I just leave it alone?