Location of the Qosmio X70-A Series (X70-ABT3G22) mSATA module?

[Digital Whisperer]

I purchased a Toshiba Qosmio X70-ABT3G22 Notebook in January 2014 and ordered the full complement of NVM (non-volatile memory) which included: a 256GB mSATA SSD module (where Toshiba placed the OS, that of course makes sense), and two mechanical HDD's at 2 TB each. It was a promotion for certain customers, so why not take drives if they were giving them away?

Anyway, I had planned all along to upgrade the NVM subsystem with an entirely Samsung branded SSD solution:

—Change the mSATA SSD module to a 500GB 840 EVO mSATA SSD module (part #MZ-MTE500BW; OEM Site HERE)

—Swap out the two, 2 TB mechanical units and replace with two 840 EVO 500 GB units (not mSATA SSD, but fully self-contained Samsung 840 EVO SSD drive units...part #MZ-7TE500BW; OEM Site HERE)

Now, I am not shy about PC's at all, and will open them up, but when the PC is a month old notebook...egh. Worse, they're are no instructions on disassembly. I can open the memory/drive access panel, but that is the extent of what they want you to do. However, I was not disuaded and opened my chassis up. No problems as it lifts of easily.

"So what's the problem?" you say...I couldn't locate the easily recognizable mSATA module. Now I did not dismount the MoBo from the pylons and standoffs, and other encumbrances as I could see it getting damaged easily or worse, just plain unable to be reassembled. As the side which would face the keyboard was never fully examined, is possible it's located there. A cursory exam was made with what view I could manage...

That said, does anyone know where the module is located? Has anyone come across it? Has anyone performed an upgrade or change-out of the unit, etc.? I fear a further dissection is looming, but appreciate your input.

Toshiba would not provide me with the information as they didn't have it in a script. Swear, I'm not making that up. My tech support rep said he did not have a script for disassembling the unit and had no idea where the unit was located.

Much appreciated fir any advice / info.

Cheers,
J. Smith

 

[pradeeprox]

i`m also in a similar situation as yours..
bought a new qosmio x70 without msata a month back
snagged a awesome deal on the 128GB msata
i have the msata in my hand now
but there is no msata post nor any proper instructions to disassemble the laptop

Kindly help

 

[pradeeprox]

bump

 

[Vinas]

I'm going to bring back this old thread to answer the question.

The msata port on the Toshiba x70 is incredibly difficult to find. This is for experienced laptop technicians. That said, I will confirm that there is a msata port, and here is how you find it.

1. Unplug the laptop, turn the laptop upside down, remove the laptop battery.

2. take out all of the rubber stoppers that cover the screw holes, unscrew all of the screws, don't forget the screws in the battery compartment.

3. expose the compartment for the RAM and SATA drives 2 and 3, now remove any drives from their slots and set aside. *remove the screw for the WIFI card and set aside*

4. unscrew 1 screw which holds the optical drive (if equipped) and gently push the drive out of the slot and set aside.

5. inspect and find three short screws near the optical drive opening, remove and set aside (recommend that you note where the short screws go so you can put them back later)

6. find a plastic pry tool - like an old credit card or something.

7. gently begin to pry the laptop bottom away from the chassis, start from the optical drive bay and work your way around, the bottom will begin to snap out. Be careful around the LAN port as the plastic is thin and will snap if you apply too much force.

8. after you have gently removed the bottom of the laptop chassis, inspect the mainboard for several silver screws. You need to remove them all.

9. remove the screws near the laptop display panel hinge, there are at least two screws in each hinge

10. unplug each ribbon cable, some use a ZIFF socket, some use a hinged connector - be very careful here or you will break your machine, use patience and remove each ribbon cable.

11. there are power cable for the cooling system, red and white thin cables that are in cable troughs - gently remove them from the chassis and give your self some slack.

12. At this point the mainboard should start to move freely, if it does not, you missed some screws, find them and continue until you can slide the motherboard away from the USB and LAN ports (slide away from the side the CPU FAN is on)

13. you will be able to lift the mainboard but you will have to free up some slack on any remaining cables, you can do this without unplugging them.

14. One you make enough slack and are able to freely lift the mainboard, look in the front side (near the bottom side of the touchpad)

15. find the msata port on the underside of the mainboard - yes it is "under the keyboard" but not exactly directly under it.

16. Use the screw from the WIFI adapter (looks like a little card with black and white antenna wires) to secure the msata drive,

17. You will need to find a new small machine thread screw for your WIFI card - this is easier than finding one for the msata drive as you now know how difficult it is to access!

18. gently reassemble the unit in reverse order.


Cheers!

 

[powerUserCa5h]

https://www.myfixguide.com/manual/toshiba-qosmio-x70-disassembly/ I hope this helps and it has pictures too!!