Surface Pro 9 /8/7+ SSD Swap (also Surface Pro X) 1TB for hundreds less!
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
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Link to CalDigit Tuff Nano Drive (Look for 1TB version (not 2tb)):
amzn.to/2LAX7HZ
Link to Instructional Video on how to create a Factory Restore Thumb Drive:
• Practical Guide to SP4...
The 1TB Drive can sometimes also be found on CalDigits own website.
All the same rules apply for Surface Pro 8 and 9 here.
This video is sponsored by Aura
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Congratulations to the perfect instructions. I wanted to have a 1TB Surface Pro 7+ and thanks to your well documented help, I could manage to have one. I'm not an IT-professional. It all worked fine. Thank you again.
Hi There How can I get the 1TB ,am in Kenya , Africa Any one you know who can ship the device ?
@@duncanmwangi3468 There are several sellers on eBay, but prices are quite high on 1 TB. I ended up going with 512GB since it was $88 rather than well over $300 for 1TB Toshiba/ Kioxia M.2 2230
i would ship you one @@duncanmwangi3468
Thank you for posting this. I almost spent 2× as much money (and 2 months of time waiting) for the Dell 1TB, because that's the only 1TB NVMe 2230 SSD that I could find from a reputable dealer. I just finished upgrading my brand new SP7+ i5 LTE with a 1TB KIOXIA/Toshiba that I harvested from a tuff·nano, exactly as you explained in this video - and all is well. Thank you again.
do you have the link for 1TB KIOXIA
I want to ask you I have SP8 with i5 8gb ram can I upgrade the ssd to 1TB or it’s not able
@@AYMAN-dy7tj I currently have an SP8 i7 LTE, and I installed a 1TB MVNe 2230 Samsung PM991 drive in it.
Just an FYI... I installed a 512GB Kioxia M.2 into the Surface Pro 8. The heatsink and pads hadn't come in yet from Amazon, so installed SSD anyway to test drive temperature with CrystalDiskInfo. Temps rarely exceeded 35C with just office apps and web browsing. With 4K video temps went to 42C. Downloading a 55GB game never exceeded 45C. I think I am comfortable leaving the drive without heatsink or any thermal pad for now. The SSD slot cover gets warm but never super hot. It seems the metal case is good at expelling the excess heat. May try a 0.5 or 1mm thermal pad in the future if it looks like temps are exceeding safe range.
One note, after installing the drive and pressing the power button + Vol, the computer would not start. I put old drive back in and had same issue on regular boot. Found that the surface pro 8 charger has to be attached and then it will boot. I then shutdown and put new drive back in. Plugged back in and then was able to do a successful restore. (note I was unable to do a clone with Easus since it didn't extend C: drive). So far so good. @CBUTTERS ... thanks for the info.
I ended up using a 0.5mm blue thermal pad on the SSD and a 0.5 mm pyrolytic carbon pad between cover and blue pad. Temps are now around 33C and never get over 45C with heavy use.
@@terracode1 thanks for your input !
Did you remove the sticker from the SSD manufacturer before applying the pad? Thanks.
@@ChenHendrawan No. The manufacturer sticker is made to pass heat and shouldn't be removed. Placed pad over sticker. Works great.
@@terracode1 thanks
My Surface Pro 8 wouldn't boot after replacing the SSD, was panicking. Turns out it must be plugged in to power for the first boot.
Great demo, really clear. Good cautionary advice - like 'don't strip the screw thread, so go easy' - which is really helpful to the novice, like me. Thanks so much.
He was talking about the screw head, not the threads.
@@seth1066 I didn't hear this part of the video, but it was the threads that stripped off rather than the head for me. It's such a small fine-pitch screw that the threads peeled cleanly off. 😑😕
@@johncornwell1026 I think I might have done the same thing. Did you find a solution?
@@pwrdbyrce Weirdly my response was deleted. Not sure if that's because I posted a link to the Reddit thread where this is discussed, or because I offered to mail you a replacement screw (since I have 49 of the damn things, having been forced to buy a 50-pack). Anyway: the correct answer is M1.2 x 2.5mm.
@johncornwell1026 Unfortunately I can't replace the screw since it's still stuck in it's spot. Maybe we don't have the same problem. The screw is still there and spins and spins but won't come out
This video needs to be updated as it appears the tuff nano is no longer being sold with this configuration, they only have newer 2tb that’s not the same hard drive.
It's actually a $900 mark-up. Thanks for the hack, it's greatly appreciated!
I cloned the old disk to a new one with a free disk image software and cheap NVME to USB reader on my second PC. After inserting the new disk everything was exactly as I left it before. However, don't forget to disable Bitlocker. No USB stuff is necessary.
Can you share more details on how you did this? Also with the disk partitioning?
At least Microsoft has given a slight nod towards user-upgradability. Now we just need an abundance of manufacturers to deliver M.2 2230 formats!
Know it's too late. But recently got a surface pro x and your video helped a lot to decide between external ssd vs internal upgrade. Now I'll have one less item tangling around in my bag
Might one to mention...you can or perhaps should perform an image backup of the original drive to another external drive 1st. That way you can load and restore that image to your new drive. That way you keep apps, files and settings!
Reminder: you need a Pro 7 PLUS, won't work with a regular Pro 7.
@Fran the intel chip is newer. And regular sp7 dont have the changeable ssd. This isnt available at retail outlet but can be purchase off their website in the business section.
@@eyhtwozed2606 it has, its just a way harder process
@@SkyGamer911 really? Where can i see how it's done?
@@MOR44455 the SSD is soldered on for the Surface Pro 7 - for instance ref. iFixit's teardown video ua-cam.com/video/CvY0qah3wSk/v-deo.html 😂
I performed this upgrade on my 7+ and it worked great :-) Thanks for the excellent video.
Hi Tom, do you have a link to which SSD did you used?
@@AdirB I used *exactly* the SSD used in this video, same make and model.
7:45 into the video - just for reference if anyone need it, the drive is M.2 2230 type
Just wanted to thank you for this. Managed to get a 1tb from the producers website here in the UK. Quick easy job. Thanks.
Care to share the name of the company? I'm looking to do this as well
@@rod4eva shop.caldigit.com if you're in the US. I just bought one too.
Nice, reminds me of buying a external 1.5tb 12.5mm spinner and ODD HDD caddy in my laptop back in the day.
Now I'm looking to get a i3 Pro 7+ over the i3 Go 3 I was planning to get.
Tip: Whenever you get a new PC create a recovery drive. Get a 32 gb thumbdrive. Hit Start button, then type create recovery drive. This method will include all the drivers too that are specific to each computer brand and model year.
Great guide! - (My 2 Cents) - I ended up carefully removing the Microsoft aluminum cover from the Microsoft SSD and putting it on my new SSD. The heat pad for the new SSD made closing the Surface cover problematic and would not fit into the Tuff Nano enclosure. Recovery and upgrade went very smooth. THANK YOU for finding this upgrade path and saving me money!
mind doing a video for us friend?
Thank you for the instructions. Will these instructions work for a Surface Pro 8 using a Tuff nano Plus USB-C Portable External SSD - 2TB Charcoal Black? instead of the 1TB
Any luck with this? If it worked im all in.
I have a 128GB Surface Pro 9 on the way. I also have a compatible 1TB SSD coming. Just over £70.
I'd still want the 32gb ram version.. I wonder if there is a fix for upgrading the ram...😉
Bonus you can put the surface ssd in the drive and use for external storage
Love how you touch the gold contacts
This is genious! thank you for showing us how to save precious cash
Great Video! Thank you 👍👍👍
It is a great idea and also seems luke saving some bucks as well. But my question is, how to transfer windows and all the data on old ssd to new?
P.S i do not have any other device to connect in M.2 ssds.
so the 7 and 8 are the only models which have ssd easy access to upgrade? nice
Could you possibly replace the ssd with a 2 TB drive or greater and if so where would you get it.
Ebay wd sn740 or micron 2400 or 2450
@@cbutters Thanks for the help and advice.
I have another question about if you know if the WD my passport ssd is compatible. If you need the SN or PN for the device I will be happy to provide that.
Hi, i have a pro 8 and i followed all instructions yet i cannot get past blue screen as it says either the ssd doesnt have enough space or that there is no windows image. Can you help me please
Good brother.pro 7 change or not
If I get a new ssd will it give me a new system 32? Mine is broken?
Do i need the official keyboard? I have a 3rd party one for the setup
does any one know if the CalDigit Tuff Nano Plus 2TB is compatible the same way?
Great Video, can you tell me please, how thick the Thermalpad is?
i want to replace battery can u make a video tutorial?
Hi! Thank you for the video and your expertise! The replacement SSD you used is a SSD M2 PCIe NVMe 2330? Or 2230? Thank you again
Thank you again. Cheers!
2230
Should work for pro 8 rite
I stripped the SSD's screw head. Any tips on how to remove the screw ?
Excellent !! Thank you so much
What is the largest capacity drive that can be installed? 2tb? higher? thanks!
Did this work for you? If so, Im all in on the 2TB too.
Can you put the Microsoft ssd back in external ssd and boot it from there?
Afterthat just copy the external to the internal one!
Yeh just make sure to put it in bios as startup
Partitions are recreated in different sizes?
For the factory restore USB. Does this video fully wipe out the windows 11 in the sp7? because I want a clean install, windows 11 in this sp7 got some problems.
how thick is the thermal pad?
I have same question
What formfactor is this ssd? Looks like short m2 for mPCIe
I found it it should be a M.2 2230
Thanks for the great video. Is it possible just to diskcopy the existing SSD to the new 1 T SDD before the swap so that the new Surface will be the same as before except with a bigger capacity?
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by diskcopy; but as long as it recreates partitions correctly / clones the drive; yes you can; If you just try to do a file by file copy, it isn't going to work.
@@cbutters The method you shown in the video will get us a brand new Windows to be set up. If the entire SSD is cloned to the new SSD with all the partitions before swapping, we may get the same Windows with all the drives, files etc without the need for reconfiguration once the new SSD is swapped in. That's my guess. Thanks for confirming it.
@@Mingbell correct. I didn't want to get too sidetracked in too many details in this video but I have many videos on how to clone ssds to upgrade without losing data on my channel using clonezilla. Check them out if you need or want :)
If I have thermal paste can I use that instead of the heat pad?
hi
i am woondering how di you find out what exactly is in that nmve ssd external drive? because i was thinking for the same trik but few and most of the external drives can come with 2245 like the one for x box seagate spandable 1t
and most of the retails they said is out of stock
Is this work on Microsoft Surface Pro 6?
Nice vid!
your amazon link shows only the 2TB option, will this one work the same? thanks for the video by the way.
This one is bigger, it's the 2280. It doesn't fit
Can I Install my original 128GB SSD whenever I need, or do I need to do recovery disk before swap into original SSD
is a ssd port G 3 or G4?
your amzn link is to a 500gb drive not a 1tb just fyi
Surface Pro 8 problem with Torx screw: turning w/T4 driver, but the screw is not coming out. (T3 driver is loose; T4 is perfect fit.) I have a Micron 1TB (model 2450, size 2230), but if I can't release the the old M.2 nicely, then my Surface will remain at 256GB. Suggestions?
What about using the 2TB version? Does that work as well?
What 2TB version?
You can purchase a name brand ssd for this WD 1TB SN530 2230 NVMe PCIe SSD, instead of going through the trouble of getting this portable drive open. I didn't find it on amazon but I found it on ebay Brand new.
Those only come with 867GB instead of 1000GB tho
Could you just clone the surface disk into the new SSD?
Great video by the way.
you could have cloned it for sure; but then you would have to resize the partition after... I figured it was a new machine; why not just start with a clean factory image.
@@cbutters Thank you!
:/ the link and website only show a 2TB option, would this even work on the surface pro x? I dont mind the extra storage just dont wanna buy if it wont work.
THANKS
Awesome tips! What is the thickness of the thermal pad you used?
Yeah I would like to know that too. Has somebody in the comments tested it out?
@M hi. Is 1mm thick pad enough for Toshiba 1tb 2230 SSD? Or perhaps I should get 1.5mm thick or 0.5mm thick thermal pad instead for a better thermal transfer?
Does this affect the lifetime of the computer?
Nice one, I think i'll do that if I upgrade from Surface Pro 7, and maybe even 3D print a case for the little drive!!
Can you clone the surface drive into the external before pulling it out of the enclosure to skip the last part of reinstalling?
you can... with varying degrees of success... I've done it with clonezilla. you have to know how to disable secure boot and disable drive encryption.... etc.... so its a bit of a process and beyond the scope of this video.
So this is an M2.2220 format? No wonder some blogs are talking about "waiting for manufacturers to deliver that (now rare or impossible) format" . The notch is M2 patterning, but the card seems to be M-Sata sized. I wish there was a ruler set alongside to get length-width measurements.
2230
Can a 2TB be installed?
I have ssd reading and writing speed of 3500m/s 1T
where can I get 1T for my Surface 8?
There is no more 1TB of this product, The link points to 2TB and I am not sure if it will work with the surface pro 8 released this year
You're right... the 1tb version is completely sold out... the 2tb is not the right size. You'll have to try to get a SN530 or kioxia 2230 1tb somewhere.
Can you use the 2tb tuff nano? Can’t find a 1tb anywhere seems like except on eBay.
The 2TB TuffNano looks longer than the original... which tells me it is a larger ssd inside, not the 2230 size; so I highly doubt it.
There are some new 2TB 2230s coming out, in fact someone was selling them on reddit not too long ago. but thats the only time I've seen someone offer them and they were also charging 430 dollars for them :S
@@cbutters Dang, yea I called the guys up for the tuff ssd and they wouldn’t tell me the info for it so I bet your right. I’ll just wait then, thanks for the info.
@@cbutters I did find that dell is selling some 2230 ssd 1tb but it is a little expensive compared to this.
Do we need to install any drivers, like surface specific drivers after installing windows?
windows update will install everything you need as microsoft does a good job of getting all the drivers in that system... (microsoft in-house device... microsoft windows you know) Sometimes the keyboard doesn't work though and you have to use a usb keyboard with a usb-c hub to make it work during the install... so its easiest to use the factory image usb.
Hi, you have Surface Pro 8/7 in the title but in the video you mention Surface pro 7 + or x. Would this work with the Surface pro 8? I am debating purchasing one and this would sway me in the right direction. Thank you!
Surface pro 8 is the same
I have a 7, not 7+, is this procedure still valid on the 7? Thanks
The SP7 doesn't have an access for the SSD unfortunately.
Good job!
I can't believe it, I came because I wanted to watch how other memory was installed and you cut off that part specifically.. damn it
Hi cbutters Tech.. I came across your video and ordered the surface pro 7 and def need 1TB but I don't have access to the tools or skills in this video. Could you still help me? What are your thoughts on resorting to a Sandisk memory card for 1TB?
Did you get a pro 7 or pro 7+?
Only the plus has the ssd bay door. A 1 tb microsd card is just fine, it's just not nearly as fast.
does this destroy my guarantee? because there is no guarantee control paper thingy (or however these things are called).
Depends on where you live, but in general, it should not void the warranty provided you do no physical damage.
Any idea what would happen if you were to take an SSD from a Surface Pro 7 i5 and put it in a Surface Pro 7 i7?
They are the same
Hi I wanted to ask you guys here about the guarantee.
Does it void if I order a brand new Surface Pro 8 with i7 and 256gb of memory and replace the ssd with a 1TB the day I get it?
This SSD is designed to be user serviced. Check the warranty for the real answer, but it seems highly unlikely as you would use the device as intended.
Where can you find this drive? I can't find it anywhere. CalDigit has a 2TB one, will that work? And does any 2230 format drive work?
caldigit hasn't carried for a while, but look for "SN530 2230 1TB" they are available on ebay
What happens to the old SSD? Does it get reinserted?
nope... hang on to it in case you have to RMA or resell your device.
wait up.how your pro 7 have place to swap the ssd,while im not.by the way i bought my pro 7 in Germany
Pro 7+ my dude... + is important. It's a new business sku.
what about the Xbox series X drives they should work also right ??
Yes... I'm using one in my Pro 8
Thanks for this information however I just bought the Surface Pro 8 can it do not have extra storage area like previous versions
and I am trying to get my hands on that 1tb however I can't find it, not sure if a 2 or 3 tbs will be to much, any ideas?
You need a 2230 sized nvme m.2 ssd. The larger 2280 sized ssds will not work... The max storage size of this tiny form factor is 1TB as it is the size of a postage stamp.
Look for a Western Digital SN530, or a Kioxia BG4. The easiest place to find them is on ebay.
Many merchants now sell the KIOXIA drives - KBG40ZNS1T02 is the SKU number, directly, cheaper than the tuff nano as there is no box.... - only difference to procedure - have a thumbdrive (USB C or with adapter) handy, copy your windows and files first - then swap the SSDs - 5 minute work....
So the Amazon link you put in the description is only 2TB which I would gladly purchase for surface pro 8. However, search the q&a's above reviews, type 2230 and a review says it does not fit surface pro it is a 2280 not 2230 :( can someone send a 1TB or 2TB 2230 M2 SSD? I can only find WD's SN530 1TB which only has ~850GB due to Xbox OS data or something.
The 2Tb comes with the 2280, I have one
link takes me to the 2tb drive. Is that still compatible?
i don't think that 2tb version is compatible it is too long and probably isn't the 2230 size.... look for a micron 2400 m.2 2230 or a WD SN740 they are becoming available on ebay in the 2tb size if that is what you are looking for.
Also the SP7+ ssd doesn't fit into the Tuff Nano casing. You have to break part of the clip on top for it to slide back in.
Did you say this works for Surface Pro X as well.
Yes.
Question, the title says Surface Pro X also. Can you use the same 2230 SSD for the Surface X or is it a different form factor? Thanks.
Should be the same. (IT IS)
I’m assuming this doesn’t work on the SP6?
you are correct...
The link now points to a 2Tb drive on Amazon. Is this going to still be compatible with a Surface Pro X? Is there a limit to how large the storage can be?
I don't think there is a limit to how large the storage can be. Just be aware that the literal physical size of the m.2 ssd could be the bigger version in the "external" ssd that you purchased which won't fit into. Make sure the m.2 ssd size you're gonna take is the 30x22 size (double check this yourself, I could be wrong). I'm just not sure if it's compatible with the Surface Pro X because I've never looked at that product.
what do you you do with that 256G SSD that you take off?
Put it back in the tuff nano case for an extra drive.
Do you think consumers will get this surface pro later on this year?
My guess is they release a "proper" Surface Pro 8 later this year for consumers.... I think it was taking too long to get ready; and they know that they need more competitive chips or the Surface Pro sales would drop off. They also thought it would be embarassing to refresh the Surface Pro 8 using the same chassis AGAIN, so they released this as this SP7+ "for business" and they have the newer "Pro 8" version on the way... its just not quite ready. (all this is complete speculation on my part though.)
Which interface does the SSD use? It looks very small
@@darkyassin m.2 2230
does anyone know if the SSD on Surface Pro 8 will be the same as this one?? Thanks
It should be!
Is this highest spec surface pro 8 good for video editing ? 4K 10bit?
Excuse me buddy, BUT is this a an mSATA Mini (Half Size) SATAIII SSD ???
No, it is a M.2 2230 PCIe NVMe SSD
@@cbutters Thank you for clarifiyng :) I was looking for mSATA MIni Half Size 1TB for my Laptop withoutr any success but your idea to open external SSD to get out the SSD card gave me a hope :)
will surface pro 8 support 2tb ssd?
if it is in the 2230 form factor, yes... kioxia has released some, but I haven't seen them in the wild yet.
Will this work on the Pro 6?
No. The Pro 7+ and Pro X have a removable SSD drive. None of the other Surface Pros (not even the regular 7) have that feature. For a Pro 6, you'd have to fully take apart the device, which I wholly do not recommend unless ypu kmow exactly what you're doing, have the proper tools to do so safely, and are willing to risk the device not working...and even if you did, I'm still not 100% sure you could actually replace the hard drive.
For us 6 owners, best thing we can do is stick with a MicroSD, or plug in an external ssd drive.
2TB version also works ?
yes
@@cbutters could you please send me the exact 2TB version that could wotk in my Surface Pro 7+?
@@MrBazsi888 These two:
WD PC SN740 NVME 2230 2TB or
Micron 2400 2TB M.2 2230
Also see this video: ua-cam.com/video/PsAsA4kiImk/v-deo.html
@@cbutters the Micron 2400 is really hard to get, it's out of the race. so that means 2TB WD SN740 will be my pick for S7+.
@@cbutters Rumors have Micron stopping production of the 2230, but I can't confirm that either. But description says: PCIe Gen 4, NVMe 1.4 Compatible with all PCIe Gen 3 slots and systems
Great video!
Is that Toshiba drive PCIe 3.0 x2 or x4? I find "SanDisk PC SN520 512GB m.2 2230" drives for about $145 on Amazon/eBay/Walmart but they are x2. Just wondering how it would compare.