Lenovo IdeaPad S145 SSD Upgrade Service (UK Mail-In)

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This model-specific upgrade is part of our Laptop SSD Upgrade Service (UK Mail-In) , which includes installation, data transfer, and insured return shipping.

How to use this service

1

Check compatibility

Click the Check Compatibility button near the top of this page and complete our 60-second form to confirm your laptop is suitable for an upgrade.

2

Reserve your upgrade for £10

Choose your SSD storage size — 500GB, 1TB, or 2TB — and pay the £10 reservation fee. This amount is deducted from your final balance if the upgrade proceeds.

3

Choose how to send your laptop

Two options — whichever suits you best.

📦 Courier collection

Choose your preferred date. We confirm a one-hour collection slot at your home or workplace. Free of charge.

✉️ Send it yourself

Receive a prepaid tracked label by email within one hour. Drop it at any DPD, UPS, or Royal Mail location.

Need packaging? We can send a suitable box to you for £10 — add this during booking. All shipping is fully insured and tracked via DPD, UPS, or Royal Mail.

4

We receive your laptop and get to work

Once your laptop arrives we begin work promptly. You will receive a status update the same day it arrives and are kept informed throughout via text or WhatsApp.

5
Our unique promise

We send you video proof before you pay

Before your remaining balance is due — we send you a video of your upgraded laptop booting and running. You see your specific device, your boot time improvement, and your disk usage figures before paying anything further. No other UK laptop upgrade service does this.

6

Pay the remaining balance

Once you are happy with the video proof, pay the outstanding balance by card or PayPal. Prefer to spread the cost? Use Klarna Pay in 3 or PayPal Pay in 3 — interest-free, no fees.

7

Your laptop is returned to you

Your upgraded laptop is shipped back via fully insured tracked delivery. Our usual SSD upgrade turnaround is 3–5 business days from the point you send the laptop to the time you receive the upgraded laptop back.

8
Guarantee

No fix, no fee — always

If we cannot complete the upgrade for any reason, your laptop is returned at no charge and your £10 reservation fee is refunded in full. No questions asked.

SSD Upgrade – Lenovo IdeaPad S145

The Lenovo IdeaPad S145 is one of Lenovo’s most affordable everyday laptop families. It was widely sold in the UK around 2019–2020 through retailers such as Currys, Argos, Amazon, and Asda, often as a first laptop, student laptop, family laptop, or basic home computer.

Many IdeaPad S145 owners bought it because it was simple, affordable, and carried the Lenovo name. The problem is that a lot of these laptops were built to a very tight budget. Some models came with entry-level processors, 4GB of RAM, and a slow hard drive. Over time, that combination can make Windows feel painfully slow.

In many cases, the laptop does not need replacing. It needs the storage upgraded. Replacing a slow hard drive with an SSD can make the IdeaPad S145 start faster, open apps quicker, and feel much more usable for everyday tasks.

Our Lenovo IdeaPad S145 SSD upgrade service is a UK-wide mail-in service. We supply the SSD, install it professionally, transfer your data where possible, and return the laptop ready to use.

For a wider overview of the service, visit our Laptop SSD Upgrade Service (UK Mail-In) page.

Lenovo IdeaPad S145 SSD Upgrade Service Includes:

✔ Professional SSD installation
✔ Data migration at no extra cost where possible
✔ Insured and tracked return shipping
✔ 12 months warranty
✔ 3–5 business day turnaround
✔ UK-wide mail-in service

Reserve Today for £10

500GB – £150 total (£140 later)

1TB – £190 total (£180 later)

2TB – £240 total (£230 later)

✔ £10 deducted if upgrade proceeds

✔ No Fix, No Upgrade Fee

3–5 Day Turnaround

✔ Insured and tracked shipping

✔ Data migration at no extra cost

✔ 12 months warranty

The IdeaPad S145 was built to a budget. One SSD upgrade can often make it perform far better than it did with the original hard drive.

Check Compatibility in under 60 seconds & Reserve Your Upgrade for £10 →

Pay the remaining balance later with PayPal or Klarna.

Need More Storage Space on Your Lenovo IdeaPad S145?

Many Lenovo IdeaPad S145 owners are not ready to replace the laptop. The main frustration is usually storage: some models came with a large but slow 1TB hard drive, while others were upgraded to a smaller SSD and then lost useful space.

This creates a common problem: the laptop becomes faster after an SSD upgrade, but the owner may still need enough room for Windows, documents, photos, downloads, apps and light games. A 500GB SSD can work for basic use, but many S145 users are better served by 1TB or 2TB if they want speed without constantly deleting files.

The S145 family can also be confusing because some variants support both a 2.5-inch drive and an M.2 SSD, while others need a more specific upgrade route. Many owners want a dual-storage setup: Windows on the SSD, with the old hard drive kept for files. Others get stuck trying to understand whether they need SATA, NVMe, 2242, 2280, or whether the correct screw and spacer are present.

Another real worry is migration. DIY upgrades can lead to cloning issues, boot menu problems or Windows not starting correctly after the drive swap. We check the exact S145 variant, confirm the safest storage route, and where possible transfer your Windows setup, files and programs to the new SSD.

Best storage upgrade options for Lenovo IdeaPad S145:

  • 500GB SSD — suitable for light everyday use
  • 1TB SSD — best choice for most S145 owners
  • 2TB SSD — ideal if you want speed and plenty of storage

Is the Lenovo IdeaPad S145 Upgradable?

In many cases, yes. The Lenovo IdeaPad S145 is often upgradeable, but the exact upgrade route depends on the model and the storage type fitted inside.

This page covers common IdeaPad S145 variants including the S145-15IWL, S145-15AST, S145-15API, S145-15IGM, plus 14-inch versions such as the S145-14IWL and S145-14AST.

Many S145 models were sold with a traditional hard drive. In plain English, this is the older storage type with moving parts. It is usually the main reason the laptop feels slow, especially when running Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Some S145 models also have an M.2 SSD slot. This is a small internal slot for a fast modern SSD. You do not need to know the technical details before booking — our compatibility checker helps confirm the correct route.

The main exception is some Celeron-based S145 models, especially certain S145-15IGM variants, which may use 32GB or 64GB eMMC storage. eMMC is different from a normal replaceable SSD or hard drive, and may not be upgradeable in the same way.

Does the IdeaPad S145 Have an SSD Slot?

Many Lenovo IdeaPad S145 models do have an SSD upgrade path, but not every version is the same.

Some models have both a 2.5-inch drive bay and an M.2 SSD slot. In simple terms, that can mean two storage areas inside the laptop: one for the older hard drive shape, and one for a faster modern SSD.

On teardown layouts, many S145 models show the original 2.5-inch hard drive on one side of the chassis, the battery across the lower area, a single cooling fan and heatpipe, and the RAM and M.2 area near the motherboard. These are useful hardware details because they show the upgrade is a real internal repair, not a software tune-up.

Some variants may only have one usable storage option, and some low-end eMMC models may not have the same upgrade route. That is why we do not assume compatibility from the model name alone.

Which SSD Does the IdeaPad S145 Use?

The Lenovo IdeaPad S145 can use different SSD types depending on the exact variant.

Some models use a 2.5-inch SATA SSD. This is the same physical size as many older laptop hard drives. In plain English, it allows the slow hard drive to be replaced with a much faster SSD in the same drive area.

Other models support an M.2 SSD. This is a smaller stick-shaped SSD that connects directly to the motherboard. It is usually faster and more modern than a traditional hard drive.

Some S145 models can support both layouts, which can be useful. Where the internal layout allows it, Windows can run from a fast SSD while the old hard drive may remain available for file storage.

You do not need to buy the SSD yourself or guess which type fits. We check the model and supply the correct SSD as part of the service.

Can You Add an SSD to the IdeaPad S145?

On some IdeaPad S145 models, yes. If your laptop has an available M.2 slot, it may be possible to add an SSD while keeping the original hard drive for storage.

This is useful because many S145 laptops were sold with a 1TB hard drive. The capacity looked good on paper, but the drive itself was slow. Adding an SSD can let the laptop use fast storage for Windows and applications while still keeping larger file storage available where possible.

However, not all S145 models have the same internal layout. Some may only support replacing the existing drive. Others may use eMMC storage, which is not the same as a removable SSD.

Our process checks this before the upgrade proceeds, so you do not need to work out the storage layout yourself.

Can You Replace the Hard Drive with an SSD?

Yes, on many Lenovo IdeaPad S145 models that came with a traditional hard drive, replacing it with an SSD is one of the biggest improvements you can make.

A hard drive uses moving parts. This makes it slow when starting Windows, opening apps, loading files, and completing updates. An SSD has no moving parts, so it responds much faster.

This matters a lot on the S145 because many models were built with entry-level processors and limited memory. When that hardware is paired with a slow 5400rpm hard drive, the laptop can feel almost unusable. The storage becomes the bottleneck that holds everything back.

An SSD upgrade will not turn an entry-level S145 into a premium laptop, but it can make it much less frustrating for everyday use.

IdeaPad S145 Storage Options Explained (M.2 vs 2.5-inch)

The IdeaPad S145 family can have mixed storage layouts. The two main types are M.2 SSD and 2.5-inch SATA.

M.2 SSD means a small, modern drive that fits directly onto the laptop motherboard. In plain English, this is usually the faster and cleaner upgrade route.

2.5-inch SATA means the older laptop drive shape. This is commonly where the original hard drive sits. Replacing this with a SATA SSD can still make a huge difference compared with a hard drive.

Some S145 models support both. This is the best-case scenario because it may allow an SSD upgrade while keeping the original hard drive for extra storage. Other models may only support one main drive.

The S145-15IGM needs extra care because some versions shipped with 32GB or 64GB eMMC storage. eMMC is soldered or integrated storage in many low-cost laptops, and it may not be replaceable like a normal SSD. Our compatibility checker helps filter this before booking.

Compatibility Across IdeaPad S145 Models

The IdeaPad S145 family includes several variants, and the upgrade potential depends heavily on which one you have.

IdeaPad S145-15IWL — Intel version from around 2019. Many models were sold with hard drives, and several support both a 2.5-inch drive and M.2 SSD route. This is often a strong upgrade candidate.

IdeaPad S145-15API — AMD Ryzen version. These models usually make good upgrade candidates because the processor is more capable than the lowest-end variants. If storage is the bottleneck, an SSD can make a meaningful difference.

IdeaPad S145-15AST — AMD A-series version. These can still benefit from SSD upgrades, but the processor is more limited. The laptop can become less frustrating, but expectations should be realistic.

IdeaPad S145-15IGM — Celeron / Gemini Lake version. This is the highest-risk variant for eMMC storage. If your model has 32GB or 64GB storage, it may not be suitable for a standard SSD upgrade.

IdeaPad S145 14-inch models — 14IWL and 14AST versions follow a similar upgrade story, but the exact storage layout still needs checking.

Why the IdeaPad S145 Feels So Slow

The Lenovo IdeaPad S145 can feel slow for several reasons, but the storage is often the biggest one.

Many S145 laptops were sold with entry-level processors, 4GB of RAM, and a hard drive. Each of those parts has limits, but the hard drive is often the part that makes the laptop feel painfully delayed.

When Windows starts, updates, opens apps, or loads files, it constantly reads and writes data. A hard drive is slow at this. That means the laptop can feel frozen even when the processor is not the only problem.

This is why changing settings or removing startup programs only helps so much. If the laptop is still running from a slow hard drive, the storage bottleneck remains.

How Much Faster Will It Be After an SSD Upgrade?

If your IdeaPad S145 currently uses a hard drive, the improvement from an SSD can be dramatic.

Boot times can improve significantly. Apps can open faster. Windows updates can feel less painful. The laptop can become more responsive for browsing, emails, documents, video calls, and general home use.

On a hard drive, some S145 models can take several minutes before they feel ready to use. With an SSD, the laptop can often become usable much sooner. The exact result depends on the processor, memory, Windows condition, and old drive health.

For lower-end Celeron or AMD A-series models, the processor will still be a limitation. The SSD improves storage speed, but it does not replace the CPU. Even so, the laptop can become much less frustrating for basic daily tasks.

Is It Worth Upgrading an IdeaPad S145?

For most IdeaPad S145 owners, the answer is yes — but with an honest caveat.

If your S145 has a Core i3, Core i5, or AMD Ryzen processor with a hard drive, an SSD upgrade can make a meaningful difference to everyday use. Boot times improve significantly, applications open faster, and the machine becomes genuinely usable for browsing, documents, emails, and video calls.

If your S145 has a Celeron or AMD A-series processor, the SSD upgrade still helps with storage speed, but the processor remains a limitation. The machine will not become fast in absolute terms, but it can become significantly less frustrating for basic daily tasks.

In both cases, if the alternative is replacing the laptop, the upgrade can make strong financial sense. A £150 upgrade on a machine that originally cost around £249–£349 may extend its useful life without the cost of buying another laptop.

If you are unsure whether your S145 is worth upgrading, use the booking checker or contact us before sending it in.

How Difficult Is the IdeaPad S145 SSD Upgrade?

The IdeaPad S145 SSD upgrade is usually a low-to-moderate difficulty job for a technician, but it is not always a simple DIY job.

The laptop normally requires full bottom cover removal rather than opening a small access hatch. That means removing screws, releasing plastic clips, and carefully lifting the base without cracking the casing.

Inside many S145 models, the battery is internal and should be disconnected before working near the storage. The cooling fan, heatpipe, RAM slot, hard drive bay, and possible M.2 slot are visible once the base is removed.

The main DIY risk is choosing the wrong SSD type, damaging clips during opening, forgetting to disconnect the battery, or not transferring the data correctly. This is why many owners prefer to have the full upgrade handled professionally.

What’s Included in Our IdeaPad S145 SSD Upgrade?

Our Lenovo IdeaPad S145 SSD upgrade service is designed to be simple and complete.

This includes:

✔ New SSD supplied and installed
✔ Professional fitting by ALVA PC
✔ Compatibility check before upgrade proceeds
✔ Data migration at no extra cost where possible
✔ External cloning process used where required
✔ Post-upgrade setup so the laptop is ready to use
✔ Insured and tracked return shipping
✔ 12 months warranty on the upgrade service

For most customers, the value is not just the SSD itself. It is having the correct drive chosen, installed safely, tested properly, and returned ready to use where possible.

No Hidden Costs

Reserve today for £10. If the upgrade proceeds, that £10 is deducted from the total. If there is no fix and no upgrade proceeds, there is no upgrade fee.

How Much Does an IdeaPad S145 SSD Upgrade Cost?

Our SSD upgrade pricing is structured to reduce upfront friction:

Reserve today for £10

500GB — £150 total (£140 later)
1TB — £190 total (£180 later)
2TB — £240 total (£230 later)

The £10 reservation fee is deducted from the total if the upgrade proceeds. This means you do not need to pay the full amount upfront before the laptop has been checked and the upgrade is ready to proceed.

For IdeaPad S145 owners, the value is often straightforward. If the laptop still works but feels too slow to use comfortably, an SSD upgrade can be far cheaper than replacing it with another budget laptop.

Reserve Your Lenovo IdeaPad S145 SSD Upgrade for £10

How Long Does the Upgrade Take?

Our typical turnaround time for SSD upgrades is 3–5 business days from the point you send the laptop to the time you receive the upgraded laptop back.

This includes the shipping journey, compatibility check, in-house upgrade work, data migration where possible, and insured return delivery.

Once the IdeaPad S145 arrives with us, the physical SSD installation is usually quicker than the full end-to-end timeline. We describe the turnaround as 3–5 business days because that reflects the complete customer journey, not just the bench time.

To start, use the SSD upgrade booking page and reserve your upgrade for £10.

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