Generally speaking it’s possible to tell if a notebook computer can be upgraded simply by looking at the chassis bottom - if there are no access panels, it’s probably not upgradeable.įollowing this guide takes about a half hour and requires the following: These computers in almost every instance don’t come with access panels on the chassis. A great example of this is an Ultrabook, which isn’t a brand but a sub-category of notebook computer with a thin and light design. There are exceptions, however an ongoing trend in the notebook computer world is the advent of “sealed” computers where the chassis is bonded together and therefore not considered user-serviceable.

Most notebooks sold today have user-replaceable storage drives.