Surface Pro 5 (Model 1796) Battery Replacement Part 2: Disassembly Success with a Different T5 Driver and Massive Sluggishness Resolved!
In our previous article, we shared how we encountered what felt like a “special screw between T6 and T5?" during disassembly, which ultimately ended with us accidentally cracking the LCD screen.
However, after subsequently trying it with a different T5 driver… it turned out the screws came off with ease.
In conclusion, the T5 driver we had been using previously had poor precision, and it turned out the correct T5 driver fit and turned them perfectly. It was a stark reminder of how critical tool precision is.
Disassembly and Battery Removal
Proceeding with the disassembly using the correct T5 driver, although we couldn’t figure out how to remove the main board, we completed the replacement process by creating a gap and forcing the old battery out.
(Since this is a high-risk method, anyone attempting to replicate it should exercise caution.)
Improvements After Battery Replacement
Once replaced, clear improvements were observed.
The CPU (Core i7-7660U) is now performing at its intended capability.
Reaching up to 4.0 GHz during Turbo Boost across 4 logical cores.
Normal clock frequencies can now be confirmed in Task Manager.
Before the replacement, it was stuck at 0.39 GHz on a single core at all times, rendering the machine agonizingly slow and unusable, but replacing the battery restored it to its original performance.
Operation Check with an External Display
Although we ended up cracking the LCD panel during disassembly, we connected it to an external display and successfully verified OS operation using display duplication settings.
While the LCD had to be sacrificed, the machine itself has been successfully revived into a reusable state.
Conclusion: The Root Cause Was Indeed the Battery
Through this series of tasks, we learned that:
- The extreme sluggishness was caused by clock throttling due to a malfunctioning battery.
- Even though it wasn’t an OEM part, a compatible battery from AliExpress worked without any issues.
- The precision difference of a single screwdriver can make or break the job.
Cracking the LCD panel was a painful setback, but being able to extend the lifespan of the Surface Pro 5 was a major harvest.