How to upgrade the storage on a Razer Blade and Razer Tomahawk Desktop

You can view the video below for instructions or review a copy of the video transcript.

Needed tools and parts:

• T5 screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Generic USB thumb drive
• External drive for backup
• Compatible storage module
• D Cover (back cover) - M2×L3.5
• SSD - M2 x L3 x D5

1. Create a system recovery stick for the Razer Blade. See the answer below for more details.

   • How to create and use a system recovery stick for the Razer Blade

2. Create a backup of all of your files with the external drive. If the Razer Blade model comes with a single slot only for an SSD drive, reinstall Windows on the new drive after swapping.

3. Ensure that the Razer Blade will not go to sleep during the process.

   1. Click the Windows logo, then go to “Settings”.

      

   2. Click “System” > “Power & battery”.

      

   3. Ensure “Make my device sleep after” is set to “Never” under “Power & battery”.

      

4. Create the recovery drive:

   1. Go to “Settings”, then search for “Create a recovery drive”.

      

   2. Ensure that the “Backup system files to the recovery drive.” is selected, then click “Next”.

      

   3. Follow the on-screen instructions and plug in the USB drive to proceed. Do note that this may take a while to complete.

5. Unplug the USB drive and let the device reboot and shut down.

6. Unplug all connections, including the power adapter.

7. Flip the device over a flat surface.

8. Unscrew the T5 screws while holding the bottom plate. Do not apply excessive force. See How to loosen and tighten the D-cover screws of the Razer Blade for instructions.

   Note: Using an electric screwdriver is not recommended.

9. Pry the bottom plate with your fingers until it clicks off.

10. Disconnect the battery. Use the flat end of a spudger to push the square tab on the battery connector and slide the connector out of its socket.

    

11. Remove the existing storage.

    1. Go over the SSD slot.

    2. Unfasten the screw while holding it down, the SSD module will pop up, then slide it out.

12. Insert the new SSD into the available slot until it clicks in place.

    Note: Remove the placeholder foam pad before inserting an SSD into an empty SSD slot.

13. Secure the new SSD with the screw.

14. Put the bottom plate back on and the screws back in place.

15. Plug in the recovery drive, then power up the Razer Blade.

    If the recovery stick is not detected or not working, perform the following:

    1. Transfer the USB drive to a different USB port. Ensure it is properly inserted.

    2. If the recovery stick is still not working, try creating another recovery stick using a different USB drive.

16. Power on the Razer Blade and repeatedly press “F12” to go to the boot menu.

17. Select “UEFI: USB DISK 3.0 PMAP, Partition 1” then follow the on-screen instructions until the process is completed.

    

18. Remove the boot drive once done.

19. Go to “Settings” > “Windows Update”.

20. Download and install all available updates.

    

21. Go to “File Explorer”.

22. Right-click on drive “C:” and click “Properties” to check if the correct storage size is showing.

    

You can view the video below for instructions or review a copy of the video transcript.

1. Create a system recovery stick for the Razer Tomahawk Gaming Desktop. See How to create and use a system recovery stick for more details.

2. Unplug all connections including the AC power cord from the unit.

   

3. Pull the lever and remove the compartment from the enclosure.

   

   There is a 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD and one unpopulated M.2 slot located inside the Compute Element, while the HDD is located beside the power supply. 

4. Remove the graphics card to gain access.

   1. Remove the power connectors.

      

   2. Remove the PCIe thumbscrew.

      

   3. Pull out the graphics card from the PCIe slot.

      

5. Select the storage type you want to replace, then follow the detailed steps below to complete the process.

   SSD Replacement

   1. Unfasten the screws on the Compute Element’s front panel using a Phillips screwdriver to access the current SSD and unpopulated M.2 slot inside the Compute Element.

      Note: Be careful with the amount of force you use. Do not use an electric screwdriver.

      

   2. Unfasten the screw holding it until it pops up then pull it straight out.

      

   3. Insert the new SSD at an angle and push it down until it clicks then secure it with the screw.

   4. Reinstall the Compute Element’s front panel.

   HDD Replacement

   1. Unfasten the thumbscrew on the metal plate that is holding the current HDD.

   2. Open the metal plate and slide out the HDD.

      

   3. Insert the new HDD then secure it with the metal plate and thumbscrew.

6. Reattach the graphics card after successfully doing an SSD or HDD replacement.

7. Slide the compartment back into the enclosure then push the lever to lock.

   

8. Perform the System Recovery process. See Razer Blade System Recovery User Guide for more details.

9. Boot up the Gaming Desktop.

10. Go to "This PC". Right-click on drive "C:" then select "Properties".

11. Check if the correct storage capacity is being detected.