The YouTube channel TronicsFix set out to replace the internal SSD of an Xbox Series X, and the question was obvious: if the console's SSD is removable, can I replace it with another one I have on hand? Can I expand my console's internal storage capacity? All those questions now have answers.
Can I change the SSD of my Xbox Series X or Series S?
The task is not simple, and you won't be able to complete it easily either, since it's not just a matter of accessing the console's internal components, but also respecting the original drive's file structure. This is the conclusion reached by TronicsFix after creating their unique repair guide, having successfully replaced the SSD of an Xbox Series X , albeit with some complications and insurmountable requirements.
The first thing to keep in mind is that an M.2 SSD won't work . Apparently, they must be very specific drives , and everything points to them having some kind of proprietary circuitry that determines if the connected drive is a valid SSD for the console; hence, an SSD bought in stores won't work for this purpose.
Knowing this, the only option left to us is to change an SSD drive from one console and put it in another, but is it possible?
Swapping the SSD
After completely disassembling his Xbox Series X and finally getting to the motherboard, TronicsFix managed to reach the SSD to remove it. Luckily he had a board from a second Xbox Series X from which he also removed the original SSD, and proceeded to place it in the first console.
The result was disastrous, since the console wouldn't turn on, and after making sure that everything was perfectly connected and working with the original SSD, he decided to take the next step: what if we cloned the drives?
Cloning the SSD
The idea was to make an identical copy of the original drive on the destination drive, so he decided to use Sabrent's clone drive, the EC-SSD2, which you can buy on Amazon for $109,99. With this accessory, we can clone two SSD drives effortlessly, since no computer is required and everything is completed by pressing a simple button.
See offer on AmazonAfter about 20 minutes of cloning, the unit was ready, so it only remained to place it on the console to see that everything worked perfectly. No sooner said than done, the console booted up with the new drive immediately, and all files remained intact.
Can I use a Series X SSD in Series S?
Knowing that the Xbox Series S has 512 GB of storage , TronicsFix thought it would be a good idea to use the 1 TB hard drive from the Series X in the smaller console to gain an extra 512 GB. But no. Unfortunately, this operation didn't work because the console failed to boot after the drive swap.
Also, performing a clone would not be a suitable solution, since we would clone the partition system and the 1TB drive would be left with 512GB usable, discarding the remaining 512GB. Therefore, the only possible solution in case of failure would be to get an original unit and clone it.
Will compatible units be sold?
Taking into account that Microsoft offers the possibility of expanding the internal memory with its expansion cards (which do not reduce the performance of the console), changing the internal drive is not an option, basically because of all the disassembly process that it entails. If the use of a special chip is confirmed, this idea will most likely be scrapped forever, unless some fanatic manages to come up with a solution.