For the typical cloud-based use, even the low-end Chromebooks are up to the job. With 64-bit dual core processors, fast SSD drives and a 2GB of memory, the Chrome browser runs very smoothly. Multiple tabs display quickly. GMail works flawlessly and even the offline email and Google Doc options run without any major problems. Additional storage is as easy as plugging in USB drives or inserting an SD card.
Why upgrade?
So with all those options, why would anyone want to open up the Chromebook and upgrade their Acer C720 SSD (voiding the warranty in the process)? There are two main reasons why you might want to do this:
- Store lots of media for playback on the go
- Running local applications installed on Linux / Crouton
The idea of expanding your Chromebook storage becomes appealing when you try to apply the Chromebook hardware to non-traditional offline tasks such as software development, music creation or gaming. In this article we are specifically going to look at upgrading the Acer C720 SSD. The device is small, light and powerful enough to be used as a development laptop. This, for me, means running a local webserver, editing Python/Django code and doing many things offline that aren’t supported directly by Chrome OS.
How to Upgrade
To accomplish this, I needed to install a full Linux distribution onto the Chromebook. While this is possible within the 16GB that comes with the Chromebox, I knew it wouldn’t be enough to store lots of local software. Instead of configuring a more expensive laptop, I wanted to use the cheap Acer C720 with its 8 hour battery life, dual core cpu and compact form factor. The reason to use the internal SSD instead of adding USB drives is primarily speed. Booting and executing Linux off of the SSD will be more convenient and a good deal faster than external storage.
For the upgrade, it is important to match exactly the specs of the SSD storage in your Chromebook. The Acer C720 SSD sits within a M.2 format SSD slot. The compatible MyDigitalSSD 128GB model is available on Amazon for around $55 [UK Link].
It is worth mentioning once more, that opening the Chromebook and replacing the SSD will void your warranty. If that is important to you, just be aware of that.
Backup
Before opening up the Chromebook, its a good idea to create a recovery USB stick. We are, after all, replacing the storage and we’ll obviously need to replace the stock Chrome OS when the new SSD is installed. If you have any files in the Downloads folder on your Chromebook, you will also want to back these up or copy them to your GDrive.
All local files will be wiped, so make sure you have copy of anything important.
To create the recovery USB drive, put a 4GB or bigger USB stick into your Chromebook (it will be erased in the process so make sure you don’t need what is on it). Then in the Chrome browser, type chrome://imageburner and follow the instructions. This will create a recovery USB drive which we will use to recover the OS after replacing the SSD.
Opening up Acer C720
Now we are ready to power off the Chromebook, turn it over and remove the 13 screws on the underside of the Acer C720. The final screw is under that nice little sticker indicating that you are voiding your warranty – you have been warned.
Once all of the screws are out of the Chromebook, you need to gently pry the back off of the device with a screwdriver or credit card. I recommend gently prying around the fan vents first. You’ll hear a soft snap and can then pry the back off of the Chromebook. The plastic clips are a bit fragile so you don’t want to be opening the device often.
Once open, you can see the existing SSD is held in by one screw in the bottom right hand corner. Remove that and gently slide out the old SSD. Replace the new one in the vacated socket. On mine, I noticed that the label on the new SSD was on the opposite side than the old 16 GB SSD. If the drive doesn’t slip in easily, turn it over. Don’t force it. Replace the screw and you should be set.
Test
Replace the back cover. Before putting in all 13 screws again, you may want to test out the new drive. I suggest plugging in the power adapter and turning it on. You’ll get an error message and a prompt to insert the recovery USB stick. Once you do that, a few minutes later you should have a freshly installed Chrome OS on the new SSD. If that looks ok, turn the Chromebook off and replace the screws.
Once you log back into your Google account, any apps you installed, will reinstall and you should be back in business with much more space.
With the upgrade of your Acer C720 SSD complete you can now get on with adding lots of file or installing a Linux distribution or expand your Chromebooks capabilities.
One Response
Great article.