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The Zr GEN 1 workstation combines the most powerful mobile hardware with the best out-of-the-box Linux experience. Highlights include a 5.4 GHz 24-core CPU, Blackwell RTX 50-series GPUs, high-speed DDR5 RAM, and PCIe 5.0 storage. The following sections will guide you through how to open up the laptop, service RAM, service NVMe, replace battery, clean fans, and close up the laptop.
IMPORTANT! Before following any of these steps, make sure that you know how to properly handle and work with laptop components. Changing internals may carry the risk of affecting the laptop warranty, usability, and overall function if done improperly. Always perform all maintenance on an anti-static mat with the ground cord attached. If you are inexperience or unqualified for this work, we recommend you consult a local repair shop for assistance.
It is very easy to accidentally start working with the computer in sleep mode. This can result in harm to the computer, components, and data on the disk. To avoid this, always press the power button for 3-10 seconds immediately before you turn on or resume the computer. Then, use the GUI or CLI to 'Shutdown' the computer and wait for it to completely stop operation before proceeding.
1. Turn over the laptop and place on the anti-static mat. Make sure the mat is clean to prevent creating scratches. To remove the back panel, gently loosen and then remove all 14 screws that are circled in green in the following image.
The Zr GEN 1 has four slots for DDR5 RAM. This is shown in the following image, callout (A). To remove or reseat a RAM stick, push the small metal clasps retaining it outward. The stick should then pop upward, allowing you to remove it from the slot. To replace a stick, insert it intto the slot connectors firmly and then push down until the clasps engage. You must use identical RAM for all 2 or 4 sticks, and remember that rebooting for the first time after installing new RAM may take a few minutes.
The laptop contains four slots for NVMe SSDs, shown in the previous image. Callouts (B) and (C) show the NVMe M.2 2280 card with PCIe Gen4 x4 / Gen5 x 4 interfaces. Callout (D) shows the NVMe M.2 2280 cards with PCIe Gen4 / Gen5 x4 interface. To replace an NVMe SSD, loosen and remove the screw at the bottom of the NVMe SSD card. Then, gently pull it out of the slot. Once removed, you can firmly insert a new NVMe SSD card and then re-affix the screw.
1. Loosen and remove the the four screws along the top of the battery that are circled in green in the following image.
Any internal cooling fan can gather dust and small debris. This can cause problems like overheating, lower performance, and increased noise. We therefore recommend cleaning them once every 3-6 months for optimal performance.
We recommend you use a soft brush nozzle attached by a hose to a household-strength vacuum cleaner. Gently use the brush to loosen and collect dust and debris. Make sure all debris is collected to avoid shorting or otherwise damaging internal components. Other methods include using a small, soft brush or compressed air to blow dust away; however, if you use one of these methods, make sure to keep the vacuum handy to collect any loosened debris.
Place the rear panel back on the chassis and press around the periphery to reseat all tabs. You should hear these clicking into place on all edges. Be especially careful to ensure tabs are well-seated on the front seam because if they are not, the trackpad may not work correctly. Then proceed to re-affix all the screws, with a size 1 Phillips-head screwdriver, shown circled in green in the following image.
The M2 GEN 6 mobile workstation delivers the best out-of-the-box Linux experience with the most powerful mobile hardware. The M2 GEN 6 marries enterprise-class hardware with meticulous OS integration and Linux-first support.
IMPORTANT! Before following any of these steps, make sure that you know how to properly handle and work with laptop components. Changing internals may carry the risk of affecting the laptop warranty, usability, and overall function if done improperly. Always perform all maintenance on an anti-static mat with the ground cord attached. If you are inexperience or unqualified for this work, we recommend you consult a local repair shop for assistance.
It is very easy to accidentally start working with the computer in sleep mode. This can result in harm to the computer, components, and data on the disk. To avoid this, always press the power button for 3-10 seconds immediately before you turn on or resume the computer. Then, use the GUI or CLI to 'Shutdown' the computer and wait for it to completely stop operation before proceeding.
1. Turn over the laptop and place on the anti-static mat. Make sure the mat is clean to prevent creating scratches. To remove the back panel, gently loosen and then remove all 14 screws that are circled in green in the following image.
The M2 GEN 6 has two slots for DDR5 RAM. This is shown in the following image, callout (A). To remove or reseat a RAM stick, push the small metal clasps retaining it outward. The stick should then pop upward, allowing you to remove it from the slot. To replace a stick, insert it into the slot connectors firmly and then push down until the clasps engage. You must use identical RAM for both sticks, and remember that rebooting for the first time after installing new RAM may take a few minutes.
The laptop contains three slots for NVMe SSDs, shown in the previous image. Callouts (B) and (C) show the NVMe M.2 2280 cards with PCIe Gen4 x4 interface. Callout (D) shows the NVMe M.2 2280 card with PCIe Gen4 x4 / Gen5 x 4 interface. To replace an NVMe SSD, loosen and remove the screw at the bottom of the NVMe SSD card. Then, gently pull it out of the slot. Once removed, you can firmly insert a new NVMe SSD card and then re-affix the screw.
1. Loosen and remove the the four screws along the sides of the battery that are circled in green in the following image.
2. VERY GENTLY pull out the white power connector, callout (E). Pull this STAIGHT out using the notches on the side. Do NOT wiggle, as this can cause a short. This will fully free the battery and allow it to be removed.
3. To put the battery pack back in slide white power connector, callout (E), STRAIGHT and fully back in to the slot at the top. Then re-affix all four screws around the pack.
Any internal cooling fan can gather dust and small debris. This can cause problems like overheating, lower performance, and increased noise. We therefore recommend cleaning them once every 3-6 months for optimal performance.
We recommend you use a soft brush nozzle attached by a hose to a household-strength vacuum cleaner. Gently use the brush to loosen and collect dust and debris. Make sure all debris is collected to avoid shorting or otherwise damaging internal components. Other methods include using a small, soft brush or compressed air to blow dust away; however, if you use one of these methods, make sure to keep the vacuum handy to collect any loosened debris.
Place the rear panel back on the chassis and press around the periphery to reseat all tabs. You should hear these clicking into place on all edges. Be especially careful to ensure tabs are well-seated on the front seam because if they are not, the trackpad may not work correctly. Then proceed to re-affix all the screws, with a size 1 Phillips-head screwdriver, shown circled in green in the following image.
This is a partial revision history. See the git repository for all entries.
2025-08-21 274c0ff1 First PublicationWe try hard to provide a useful solution validated by professionals. However, we cannot anticipate every situation, and therefore cannot guarantee this procedure will work for your needs. Always backup your data and test the solution to determine the correct procedure for you.
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