Replacing or upgrading a laptop hard drive ASUS - one of the most effective procedures for increasing productivity. Even budget models like ASUS Vivobook or ASUS X515 can work many times faster after installation SSD instead of standard HDD. But how not to make a mistake with your choice? After all, an incompatible drive will not only not improve speed, but can also lead to loss of warranty or damage to connectors.

In this article we will analyze everything: from technical characteristics to step-by-step instructions for replacement. You will find out which discs are suitable for popular series ASUS ZenBook, ROG Strix And TUF Gaming, how to migrate a system without data loss, and why sometimes it’s better to opt for a hybrid solution (SSHD). And if this is your first time opening a laptop case, don’t worry: we’ll explain in detail what tools you’ll need and how to avoid common mistakes.

Types of drives: HDD, SSD or SSHD - what to choose for ASUS?

The first question to decide is what type of drive you need. Not only the speed of operation, but also the price, capacity and even battery life of the laptop depends on this.

HDD (hard disk) - a classic solution with mechanical parts. Pros: large capacity for little money (up to 5 TB for ~5000₽). Cons: low read/write speed (80-160 MB/s), noise, shock sensitivity. Suitable for storing files if your laptop already has SSD under the system.

SSD (Solid State Drive) - modern standard. Reading speed up to 3500 MB/s (y NVMe), no moving parts, silent. Cons: more expensive per gigabyte, limited recording resource (although this is not critical for home use). Optimal for ASUS ZenBook or ROG Zephyruswhere performance matters.

SSHD (Hybrid Disk) - combination HDD and small SSD-cache (8-32 GB). Cheaper than pure SSD, but faster than the classic one HDD. Good for budget models like ASUS VivoBook X415if you need to save money.

  • 🔹 For office work: SSD 256-512 GB (For example, Crucial MX500)
  • 🎮 For games: SSD 1 TB+ (Samsung 980 Pro) + HDD 2 TB for libraries
  • 💰 Budget option: SSHD 1-2 TB (Seagate FireCuda)
  • 📁 For data storage: HDD 4-5 TB (WD Blue)
📊 What type of drive do you have now?
  • HDD
  • SSD
  • SSHD
  • I don't know

Compatibility: how to choose a drive for your ASUS model

Not every drive will fit your laptop. Key parameters to pay attention to:

  1. Form factor: 2.5" (standard for most laptops) or M.2 (for ultrabooks and gaming models).
  2. Interface:
    • SATA III (up to 600 MB/s) - for HDD and budget SSD;
    • PCIe 3.0/4.0 (up to 3500 MB/s) - for NVMe SSD (for example, in ASUS ROG Strix G15).
  • Thickness: 7 mm or 9.5 mm (check the model specifications).

    • You can check compatibility:

    1. On the official website ASUS in section Support → Your model → Manuals.
    2. Through utilities like Crucial System Scanner or HWiNFO.
    3. After disassembling the laptop and looking at the markings on the old disk.
    ASUS laptop series Supported drives Examples of models
    ZenBook (UX390, UX425) M.2 2242/2280 PCIe 3.0/4.0 Samsung 970 EVO Plus, WD Black SN750
    ROG Strix (G531, G732) M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 + 2.5" SATA Crucial P5 Plus + Seagate BarraCuda
    VivoBook (X515, S15) 2.5" SATA III or M.2 2280 SATA/PCIe Kingston A400, Intel 660p
    TUF Gaming (FA506, FX505) M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 (up to 2 slots) Sabrent Rocket 4.0, ADATA XPG SX8200
    ⚠️ Attention: In laptops ASUS with Optane Memory (for example some VivoBook) when replacing a disk, you will have to disable this technology in the BIOS (Advanced → VMD Controller → Disabled). Otherwise new SSD will not be determined.

    Top 5 drives for ASUS laptops in 2026

    We analyzed user reviews and tests from independent laboratories to rank the best drives for ASUS. Criteria: compatibility, speed, reliability and price.

    1. Samsung 980 Pro (1 TB, PCIe 4.0)
      Best choice for gaming and creative laptops (ROG Strix Scar, ZenBook Pro Duo). Reading speed up to 7000 MB/s, 5-year warranty. The downside is the high price (~12,000₽).
    2. Crucial P5 Plus (1 TB, PCIe 4.0)

      Alternative Samsung with similar characteristics, but cheaper (~10,000₽). Suitable for ASUS TUF Dash F15.

    3. WD Blue SA510 (1 TB, SATA III)

      Optimal SATA SSD for budget models (VivoBook X413). Speed 560 MB/s, low power consumption.

    4. Seagate FireCuda 2TB (SSHD, 2.5", SATA)

      A hybrid drive for those who need capacity and acceptable speed. Good for ASUS X571.

    5. Kingston KC3000 (2 TB, PCIe 4.0)

      Rare NVMe large capacity at an adequate price (~18,000₽). Ideal for video editing ASUS ProArt StudioBook.

    💡

    Before purchasing, please check if your laptop supports PCIe 4.0. For example, ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2021) only works with PCIe 3.0, and installation Samsung 980 Pro will not give an increase in speed.

    Step-by-step instructions: how to replace a disk in an ASUS laptop

    Replacing a drive is a procedure that even a beginner can handle if you follow the algorithm. The main thing is to take your time and prepare everything you need.

    Phillips screwdriver (PH00 or PH0)

    Plastic spatula (for releasing latches)

    Antistatic wrist strap (optional but recommended)

    New drive

    External USB drive (for backup)

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    Step 1: Back up your data

    Transfer important files to an external drive or to the cloud. To clone a system, use Macrium Reflect or Clonezilla. If you have SSD, you can do without cloning - just install Windows again (but this will take longer).

    Step 2: Turn off the power and remove the back cover

    1. Turn off the laptop, disconnect the charger and remove the battery (if it is removable).
    2. Turn the device over and remove all screws on the back cover. Look carefully at them - some may be hidden under the legs.
    3. Using a plastic spatula, carefully pry the lid off, starting at the corner. B ASUS ZenBook The latches are fragile - do not use excessive force!

    Step 3: Removing the old drive and installing the new one

    • The drive is usually located under a metal plate or black film. B ASUS ROG there may be an additional radiator for M.2 SSD - don't lose it!
    • Disconnect the cable (for 2.5") or unscrew the screw (for M.2).
    • Install the new drive, secure it, and plug it back in.

    Step 4. Assembly and initial setup

    Close the lid, tighten the screws and turn on the laptop. If the disk is not detected:

    • Check the connection.
    • Update BIOS (F2 when loading → EZ Flash).
    • Initialize the disk via Disk management (Win + X → Disk Management).
    ⚠️ Attention: In laptops ASUS with two M.2 slots (For example, ROG Strix G17) the second slot can operate in SATA, even if physically it looks like PCIe. Check this in the documentation!

    Transferring the system to a new disk without losing data

    If you don't want to reinstall Windows, you can clone the old drive to the new one. This will save time and save all programs with settings.

    Method 1: Via Macrium Reflect (recommended)

    1. Connect the new drive via USB adapter (For example, ORICO M.2 Enclosure).
    2. Install Macrium Reflect Free and select Clone this disk.
    3. Specify the target drive (new drive) and click Next.
    4. After cloning, physically replace the disks.

    Method 2: Through Clonezilla (for experienced)

    A free utility, but with a less friendly interface. Suitable for Linux or if you need to clone a disk to another computer. Instructions:

    1. Скачайте ISO-образ Clonezilla и запишите на флешку.

    2. Загрузитесь с флешки, выберите device-device.
    

    3. Укажите источник (старый диск) и приёмник (новый).
    

    4. Подтвердите операцию и дождитесь завершения.

    Method 3: Clean Installation of Windows

    If you prefer a "clean" system:

    1. Create a bootable Windows USB flash drive using Media Creation Tool.
    2. During installation, select a new drive, format it and install the system.
    3. Restore your data from backup.
    What should I do if Windows does not boot after cloning?

    If an error appears after replacing the disk BOOTMGR is missing or Inaccessible Boot Device, try:

    1. Go to BIOS (F2/DEL) and check the boot order.

    2. Restore the bootloader via the command line:

    bootrec /fixmbr

    bootrec /fixboot
    

    bootrec /scanos
    

    bootrec /rebuildbcd

    3. If it doesn’t help, repeat cloning with the Secure Boot in BIOS.

    Optimizing the performance of a new disk in Windows

    Even the fastest SSD will not show maximum performance without the correct settings. Here's what you need to do after installation:

    • 🔧 Enable AHCI:
      1. Open Registry Editor (Win + R → regedit).
      2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\storahci.
      3. Install Start in meaning 0.
      4. Reboot and turn on AHCI in BIOS.
    • ⚡ Disable indexing (for SSD):
      1. Open Disk Properties (right click on the disk in This computer).
      2. Uncheck Allow content to be indexed....
    • 🗑️ Set up a swap file:
      1. Go to Settings → System → About → Advanced settings.
      2. In the section Performance click Options → Advanced → Edit.
      3. Check No swap file (if you have 16+ GB RAM).
  • 🔄 Update the drive firmware:

    For Samsung SSD use Samsung Magician, for Crucial — Storage Executive. This will fix bugs and improve performance.

    • 💡

    For NVMe SSD in laptops ASUS It is critical to update the BIOS to the latest version - this solves problems with compatibility and overheating.

    Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even if you carefully replace the disk, you may encounter problems. Here are the most common mistakes and their solutions:

    • 🚫 Disk is not detected in BIOS:

      Reasons: incorrect connection, incompatible interface, outdated BIOS firmware. Solution: check contacts, update BIOS, try another slot (if available).

    • 🔥 New SSD overheating:

      Found in thin laptops (ZenBook) due to the lack of a radiator. Solution: Use a thermal pad or limit the load through ThrottleStop.

    • 🐢 Low SSD speed:

      Check that the disk is running in PCIe x4, not x2 (via CrystalDiskInfo). B ASUS TUF A15 sometimes turning it off helps RST Premium in BIOS.

    • 🔋 Rapid battery drain:

      The culprit is background activity SSD. Disable Windows Search And Superfetch through services.msc.

      • ⚠️ Attention: In laptops ASUS with Intel Optane (For example, VivoBook S14 S431) when replacing a disk, a full BIOS reset may be required (Load Default Settings), otherwise the system will not see the new drive.

      FAQ: Answers to popular questions

      Is it possible to put two drives in an ASUS laptop?

      Yes, but only if the model supports it. For example, in ASUS ROG Strix G15 there is a slot for M.2 SSD and compartment for 2.5" HDD/SSD. Check the specifications of your model on the website ASUS or through AIDA64.

      Which drive is better for games: SSD or HDD?

      For modern games (Cyberpunk 2077, Star Citizen) SSD required - it speeds up loading levels and reduces friezes. Best option: NVMe SSD 1 TB+ for system and games + HDD 2 TB for archives. Example: Samsung 980 Pro 1TB + Seagate BarraCuda 2TB.

      Do I need to format the new drive before installation?

      If the disk is new, formatting is not necessary - Windows will do this automatically during installation. But if you are transferring data from another PC, format it via Disk management (NTFS for Windows, APFS for macOS).

      Why did the laptop start to get hotter after replacing the disk?

      Reasons:

      1. NVMe SSD gets hotter SATA SSD due to high speed. Solution: Use a thermally conductive pad.
      2. The ventilation holes are clogged with dust. Clean them with compressed air.
      3. The BIOS has been reset to factory settings and the cooler is running at full power. Update the BIOS and configure the cooling profile in MyASUS.

      Is it possible to put a PlayStation 5 SSD into an ASUS laptop?

      Technically yes, if it is M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 (For example, WD Black SN850X). But please note:

      • B PS5 a special heatsink is used - the laptop may not have enough of it.
      • Some models ASUS (For example, ROG Strix) have a disk height limitation - check if the radiator will fit.
      • Performance on a laptop will be lower than on a console due to chipset limitations.