Safe to mod Sandisk 9.5mm to 7mm?

[misterwash]

Is it safe to install an SSD in an ultrabook with half of its case removed in order? I bought a 9.5mm height Sandisk Extreme 120 to upgrade my Thinkpad X220i, which I now know won't fit in the 7mm slot. Since I can't return it, I went ahead and opened up the SSD and found that I can reduce the height if I remove the bottom plate and install it directly in the thinkpad's caddy that currently holds the HDD.

If I do this, it will leave one side of the circuit board on the SSD without the protection of the steel case. It seems like it would still be fairly well protected from impact since the Thinkpad is solidly built. But are there other risks to installing it this way? Maybe shielding? Something else? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[nukemaster]

I think it should be fine as long as it does not come into contact with anything else in the laptop. The side you removed did not have any thermal pads right(no one wants the controller to overheat)?

M-SATA drives have no case so I do not think interference is an issue.

 

[misterwash]

No, there isn't any thermal or other insulation. It's just steel box - solid, and thicker than the sides of an hdd. - Kingston Extreme. That's a good point about the mSata being exposed. I'll give it a shot...if it doesn't work, that's what I get for not checking the height.

 

[nukemaster]

I'd go for it

So long as you have no unwanted contact, nothing bad will happen.

You already voided the warranty. May as well enjoy it

 

[Ascend]

I also need a 7mm SSD but don't see the point of paying extra.

It would be great to see pictures or even a video from the Sandisk mod.