How to open Acer Swift Go (SFG16-72) – disassembly and upgrade options


    Opening the Acer Swift Go

    Hint: Ensure the laptop is powered off and unplugged before starting.

    1. Undo the 10 Torx-head screws securing the bottom panel of the laptop.
    2. Pop the panel in the zones behind the hinges. Pry the rear carefully with a thin plastic tool to release the internal clips.
    3. If lifting the back does not release all clips, use the plastic tool to pry around the sides and front to fully detach the panel.

    More info: The inside of the bottom cover houses two dust filters in front of the ventilation grill to aid in airflow and reduce dust accumulation.


    Battery Removal

    Caution: Handle the battery carefully to avoid damage or electrical hazards.

    1. Detach the battery connector by pulling it gently towards the battery.
    2. Undo the two Phillips-head screws securing the 53Wh battery to the chassis.
    3. Carefully lift and remove the battery from the laptop.

    More info: The default 53Wh battery offers approximately 7 hours of video playback. For extended use, opt for the 65Wh version.

    You can find compatible batteries here: Buy from Amazon.com (#CommissionsEarned)


    Memory Upgrade

    Note: The memory is soldered and not user-upgradeable.

    More info: The laptop supports up to 32GB of LPDDR5x-6400MHz RAM in dual-channel mode, sufficient for most use cases. Ensure your chosen configuration matches your long-term needs.


    Storage Upgrade

    Hint: Handle SSD components carefully to avoid damage or data loss.

    1. Locate the two M.2 slots compatible with 2280 Gen 4 SSDs.
    2. The slot above the battery is covered by a ribbon connector. Gently unplug this connector before installing a new SSD.
    3. Flip up the locking latch to unlock the ribbon cable, then carefully pull it out of the socket to expose the SSD slot.
    4. Install the SSD into the slot at an angle, ensuring it is securely seated, and reconnect the ribbon cable afterward.

    More info: With dual M.2 slots, the device offers flexible storage upgrade options.

    You can find compatible SSDs here: Buy from Amazon.com (#CommissionsEarned)


    Wi-Fi Card

    More Info: The Wi-Fi card isn’t soldered and it’s placed between the cooling and the RAM.


    Cooling System Overview

    1. Two small fans maintain airflow to manage heat during usage.
    2. A pair of heat pipes transfer heat away from critical components.
    3. One long heat sink and a heat spreader enhance thermal efficiency, ensuring stable performance.

    Tip: Regularly clean the fans and dust filters to maintain optimal cooling performance.

    Acer Swift Go 16 (SFG16-72T) in-depth review

    It's great that most manufacturers offer big-screen laptops that aren't hefty at the same time. Acer Swift Go (SFG16-72) has a thin profile but you can configure it with punchy Intel Meteor Lake-H CPUs which come with a dedicated NPU unit for AI-enhanced productivity. If you value longer battery life over performance, you can pick a machine with a 15W U-series chip. To achieve such compact dimensions, Acer had to make some sacrifices. Yep, no SODIMMs here but on the flip side, you get good storage upgradability and a modern port selection. Wi-Fi 7 connectivity is optional.Three display cho[...]

    Pros

    • 100% sRGB and DCP-P3 coverage + improved color accuracy with our "Design and Office" profile (SDC418D)
    • Infinite contrast ratio (SDC418D)
    • 598 nits of max brightness in HDR mode and 395 nits of peak brightness while viewing SDR content (SDC418D)
    • Light and thin aluminum chassis (1.60 kg / 14.9 mm)
    • Lid with a lever design
    • Fingerprint reader
    • 1440p Web camera with a privacy shutter
    • 2x USB4 ports + MicroSD card reader
    • 2x M.2 slots + upgradable Wi-Fi card
    • Optional Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
    • Fast SSD (Micron 2550)
    • Up to 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM
    • Adequate performance no matter the thin profile
    • Decent P core clock and impressively high P and E core frequencies in long CPU loads (1.81 GHz / 2.71 GHz / 2.44 GHz)
    • Acceptable battery life given the modest 53Wh capacity and the high-res OLED panel (~7 hours of videos)
    • Great iGPU performance
    • 180-degree hinge
    • Intel Evo Edition laptop (option)
    • Quality sound

    Cons

    • Soldered memory
    • PWM usage (SDC418D)
    • 100°C CPU temperature in long stress
    • The bottom display bezel is heated up to 58°C during heavy loads
    • Noisy-ish fans in "Performance mode"
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