Disassembling a Lenovo G505 laptop: a step-by-step guide with nuances

Laptop Lenovo G505 is a popular model from the mid-2010s that is still used by many users. However, over time, even reliable equipment requires maintenance: cleaning from dust, replacing thermal paste or upgrading components. Disassembling this laptop has its own characteristics related to the design of the case, the location of fasteners and access to key components.

Unlike modern ultrabooks, G505 It's relatively easy to understand, but there are a few critical points to consider. For example, incorrect removal of the keyboard may damage the cable, and careless handling of the cooling system - lead to overheating of the processor after assembly. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process from A to Z, including preparing your tools, dismantling each module, and common mistakes to avoid.

If you are planning replace thermal paste, increase the amount of RAM or install SSD instead of HDD, this instruction will help you do everything right. We will also point out unique feature G505: Hidden latch under the battery, often overlooked when first disassembling.

Preparing for Disassembly: Tools and Precautions

Before you begin dismantling, make sure you have everything you need. Missing even one tool can complicate the process or lead to damage. Here is the minimum set:

• 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (preferably magnetic, size PH0 or PH1) - for housing screws.
• 📱 Plastic paddle or pick - for releasing latches without scratches.
• 🧲 Antistatic wrist strap (or an alternative is to touch the metal case of the system unit every 10 minutes).
• 📸 Smartphone for photography — fix the location of screws and cables.
• 🧴 Thermal paste (if you are planning a replacement) - for example, Arctic MX-6 or Noctua NT-H2.

Pay special attention workspace organization. Place the screws in separate containers (you can use an ice tray) and label them - in Lenovo G505 Screws of different lengths are used for the bottom cover, keyboard and cooling system. If you mix them up, you risk damaging the board when tightening.

⚠️ Attention: If the laptop was turned on less than 30 minutes ago, let it cool down. Handling hot components (especially the radiator) can cause burns. Also check that the battery is disconnected - even with the power off, there may still be voltage on the board!

Removing the bottom cover and accessing internal components

Start by unplugging your laptop and removing the battery. B Lenovo G505 The battery is secured with two latches - slide them to the sides, then pull the battery up. Now turn the laptop over and unscrew all the screws on the bottom cover. Their number varies depending on the modification, but usually it is 11–13 screws:

• 🔹 7 screws around the perimeter (length ~5 mm).
• 🔹 2 screws in the center (length ~3 mm, under the HDD bay).
• 🔹 2-4 screws under the rubber feet (they need to be carefully pryed off with a fingernail or a plastic spatula).

After removing the screws, begin to separate the cover using a plastic spatula. Start in the corner near the power connector - the latches are less rigid here. Move around the perimeter, gradually releasing the clips. Don't use force — if the cover does not budge, check that all the screws are unscrewed (especially under the legs!).

Under the cover you will see:

• 🖥️ HDD/SSD bay (on the left, under the metal cover with 1 screw).
• 🧠 RAM (on the right, under the black cover with 2 screws).
• 🔥 Cooling system (radiator with fan, secured with 4 screws).
• 🔌 Loops (Wi-Fi module, touchpad, keyboard).

Removing the keyboard and top panel

To access the motherboard and cooler, you need to remove the keyboard. B Lenovo G505 it is attached to 5 latches on top And 2 screws from the bottom (under the RAM cover). Using a plastic spatula, carefully pry up the keyboard, starting at the top edge (above the key Esc). Lift it 1–2 cm and disconnect the cable by pulling the black lock up.

⚠️ Attention: Keyboard cable in G505 fragile! Do not pull on the wires - only on the plastic connector. If the contacts are dirty, clean them alcohol swab, but do not use abrasive materials.

After removing the keyboard, unscrew 4 screws under it (2 on the right and 2 on the left) - they fix the top panel. Now you can remove the touchpad panel. It is held in place by latches, but be careful: the touchpad cable runs underneath it. Detach it in the same way as the keyboard by pulling the latch.

What to do if the keyboard latch is broken?

If the plastic keyboard latch is cracked, you can temporarily fix it double-sided tape or hot melt glue. However, for a long-term solution, it is recommended to order a new keyboard (the part number depends on the version G505, for example, 04X6159 for backlit version).

Replacing thermal paste and cleaning the cooling system

Cooling system Lenovo G505 - one of the most vulnerable points of the model. Over time, the thermal paste dries out and the heatsink becomes clogged with dust, leading to overheating. To clean and replace the paste:

1. Unscrew 4 screws cooler mounts (at the corners of the radiator). They have spring washers - don't lose them!
2. Carefully remove the radiator. If the thermal paste is stuck, do not tear off the radiator by force - warm it up hairdryer at minimum temperature (30–40°C) 2–3 minutes.
3. Remove old paste from the processor and chipset (if applicable) using lint-free wipe and isopropyl alcohol (concentration 90%+).
4. Apply a thin layer (about the size of a pea) of new thermal paste to the CPU And GPU (if your modification has discrete graphics, for example, G505 with Radeon R7 M260).

To clean the radiator, use vacuum cleaner with narrow nozzle or soft bristle brush. Do not turn the fan blades by hand as this may damage the bearing. If the dust is very ingrained, rinse the radiator under warm water and soap, then dry at least 24 hours before assembly.

Component	Recommended thermal paste	Quantity (per application)
Processor (APU A8/A10)	Arctic MX-6, Noctua NT-H2	1 pea (≈0.1 g)
Chipset (if required)	KPT-8 (for low temperature zones)	0.5 peas
Discrete graphics (Radeon)	Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut	1 pea
MOSFETs (power block)	Hot melt adhesive (For example, Coollaboratory Liquid Ultra)	Thin layer

Upgrade RAM and storage

Lenovo G505 supports up to 16 GB RAM (2 DDR3L-1600 slots) and has a compartment for 2.5" HDD/SSD + M.2 SATA (in some modifications). For upgrade:

• 🖥️ RAM: Unscrew the cover over the slots (2 screws), remove the old modules by pulling the latches to the sides. Install the new strips at an angle of 30° and press until they click.
• 💾 HDD/SSD: Unscrew the metal cover above the compartment (1 screw), pull out the slide with the drive. For SSD it is recommended to use Samsung 870 EVO or Crucial MX500.
• 🔌 M.2: If your model supports M.2 (check for a slot under the Wi-Fi module), you can add 2242 format SSD (For example, WD Blue SA510).

Important: G505 has restrictions on the type of drive. Not all models support NVMe - only M.2 SATA. Please check compatibility before purchasing official Lenovo database (enter laptop serial number).

⚠️ Attention: When installing two sticks of RAM, use modules same manufacturer and model. Otherwise, the laptop may not boot or work in single-channel mode, which will reduce performance by 15-20%.

Assembling a laptop: procedure and check

Assembly is carried out in reverse order, but there are several critical points:

1. Make sure that all cables (keyboard, touchpad, Wi-Fi) tightly fixed in the connectors. B G505 A common problem is that the touchpad cable “flies” during assembly.
2. Tighten the screws criss-crossto avoid warping the board. Start with the corner screws of the cooling system.
3. Before installing the keyboard, make sure that all latches are in place. If one is broken, use glue (see spoiler above).
4. After assembly, do not turn on the laptop immediately - wait 5-10 minutes so that the thermal paste is evenly distributed.

After switching on:

• 🔹 Check the work keyboards (all keys including Fn).
• 🔹 Make sure that touchpad responds to touches and gestures.
• 🔹 Run a stress test (for example, AIDA64) and monitor temperatures. Norm for G505 under load: CPU - up to 85°C, GPU - up to 75°C.
• 🔹 Check it out Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (if the antennas were disconnected).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Lenovo G505. Here are the most common:

• 🚫 Tightening the Screws — the screws of the cooling system are especially dangerous. This may lead to cracks on the board or radiator deformation.
• 🚫 Ignoring Hidden Latch under the battery. If you do not unlatch it, the bottom cover will not come off completely.
• 🚫 Using metal tools to release plastic latches. This leaves scratches and can break the clips.
• 🚫 Forgetting to disconnect the battery cable before working with the board. This may result in a short circuit!

Another typical problem is incorrect installation of thermal pads to the chipset or MOSFEs. If you removed them, be sure to replace them with new ones (for example, Fujipoly Extreme 1 mm thick). Old gaskets lose their elasticity and do not provide proper heat transfer.

How to check that the screws are not overtightened?

After tightening the cooling system screws, try shaking the radiator slightly by hand. If it "walks" - the screws are not tightened. If it doesn't move at all, it's overtightened. The best option: the radiator is pressed tightly, but there is minimal play (~0.5 mm).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disassembling Lenovo G505

Is it possible to replace the processor in G505?

Technically yes, but with caveats. Lenovo G505 uses socket FS1r2compatible with APU series Richland (A8-5550M, A10-5750M) and Kaveri (A10-7300). However:

• 🔹BIOS may not support new processors (modified BIOS firmware required).
• 🔹Increasing TDP (for example, from 35W to 45W) will require a more powerful cooler.
• 🔹 The performance gain often does not justify the cost (maximum +15–20% in games).

How to find out the modification of your G505?

The modification can be defined:

• 🔹 By sticker on the bottom cover (look for a model like 20238, 20239 etc.).
• 🔹 Through BIOS (when loading, click F1, the information will be on the main screen).
• 🔹 Using the utility CPU-Z (tab Mainboard, field Model).

Supported processors, screen type and the presence of discrete graphics depend on the modification.

What to do if after cleaning the laptop starts to heat up more?

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔥 Incorrect application of thermal paste - remove excess and apply a thin layer.
• 🔥 Poor radiator contact — check if thermal pads are interfering.
• 🔥 Forgot to connect the cooler — check the fan connector on the board.
• 🔥 Dust remains in the radiator - Rinse it under water and dry for 24 hours.

If the problem persists, run ThrottleStop and check if throttling (reducing the processor frequency due to overheating) is triggered.

Is it possible to install an SSD in the G505 instead of a DVD drive?

Yes, but this will require optical drive adapter (For example, 9.5mm caddy). Algorithm:

1. Remove the DVD drive (unscrew 1 screw on the bottom cover, then pull out the front panel).
2. Install the SSD into the adapter and secure with screws.
3. Insert the adapter into the slot instead of the drive (it should click slightly into place).

Please note that the BIOS may not show the new drive. In this case, boot from Live USB Linux and format the SSD to ext4 or NTFS.

Where can I download the disassembly diagram for my G505 modification?

Official diagrams (Service Manual) for Lenovo G505 can be found:

• 🔹 On the website Lenovo Support (enter laptop serial number).
• 🔹 In the database ManualsLib (search by model, for example, Lenovo G505 20238).
• 🔹On the forums NotebookReview or Lenovo Community (section Hardware Maintenance Manual).

The manuals indicate exact screw locations And procedure for disconnecting cables, which simplifies disassembly.