How to upgrade RAM in Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Extreme (Gen 2)

The second-generation ThinkPad X1 Extreme from Lenovo is the right laptop if you're in search of a powerful xv-inch Ultrabook with dedicated graphics, 9th Gen Intel hardware, and upward to a 4K OLED affect brandish. Information technology includes two slots for SODIMM RAM, which is easily accessible for upgrades after buy. Whether y'all saved some coin at checkout or now realize you need extra RAM for the job, follow this guide for everything you need to know about upgrading RAM in the ThinkPad X1 Extreme (Gen 2).

Hardware to go the job done

Compatible SODIMM RAM: Crucial DDR4-2666MHz (From $30 at Amazon)
Prevent harm: Rosewill anti-static wristband ($vii at Amazon)
All required tools: ORIA PC toolkit ($33 at Amazon)
Powerful 15-inch laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (Gen two) (From $1,499 at Lenovo)

How to upgrade RAM in your Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Farthermost (Gen ii)

Note: Before beginning any upgrades on a PC, it's a proficient idea to support your data in the unlikely event something should get wrong. You'll also desire to ensure you lot're not working in a static-filled surround, equally it can cause impairment to a PC'south internal hardware. Consider investing in an anti-static wristband to avert unnecessary damage.

From the factory, Lenovo will add up to 64GB of SODIMM DDR4 RAM to your ThinkPad X1 Extreme, but it's going to price you nearly $1,100 more than than if you lot check out with the baseline 8GB of RAM. That's nearly the cost of an entirely separate laptop, so upgrading yourself is a worthwhile way to spend your time.

For the upgrade nosotros recommend checking out the Crucial SODIMM DDR4-2666MHz RAM. It'south reliable, well-priced, and widely bachelor. An extra 8GB costs about $30 while dual 32GB sticks for a total of 64GB of RAM costs about $324. That'south a far more digestible price, and you can also choose from single 16GB and 32GB sticks to get exactly how much you demand. Just don't purchase more 64GB, which is the max allowable RAM Lenovo recommends.

One time yous have the upgrade RAM at dwelling house and ready to install, be certain to back up whatsoever important or sensitive information. This is a fairly straightforward process, but it'due south better to be safe. Power downward the X1 Extreme, make sure your workspace is well-lit, and get prepare to tackle the steps below.

Unscrew the seven fasteners on the bottom of the laptop.

Source: Windows Primal
Pry up the back panel using a pry tool. Starting time at i corner and work your way around, loosening equally y'all go.

Source: Windows Primal
Fold dorsum the encompass on top of the first RAM slot. Exercise not attempt to remove it completely.

Source: Windows Central
Unclip the silver artillery on either side of the RAM module by applying pressure. The RAM should pop up and remain at an bending.

Source: Windows Central
Remove the RAM from the slot by carefully pulling it away.

Source: Windows Central
Insert the new RAM at well-nigh a 45-caste bending. Notice it is keyed and should only fit one mode.

Source: Windows Central
Press down on the RAM until the silverish arms click back into place, securing the module.
If you're upgrading both modules, repeat steps 3 to seven for the other RAM.

Source: Windows Central
Supplant the bottom console of the laptop by applying pressure level. You should hear it click back into identify.

Source: Windows Central
Screw in the seven fasteners on the bottom of the laptop.

Source: Windows Key

Y'all should now be complimentary to power on your ThinkPadX1 Extreme to ensure the RAM upgrade went according to plan. Y'all tin check to run across if it's been recognized by your system with the following steps.

Right-click the Showtime push.
Click System.

Source: Windows Primal

You should now be able to see the full amount of installed RAM in the Device specifications department. As long as information technology matches the total amount yous have installed, your upgrade was a success.

Our peak hardware picks

As far as upgrade RAM goes, we've had plenty of success with Crucial hardware. It's reliable, bachelor in a number of sizes, and quite affordable while still offering first-class performance.

Compatible SODIMM RAM

Crucial DDR4 SODIMM RAM

Crucial DDR4

Reliable and affordable hardware

Choose from a number of different sizes based on demand and budget, up to dual 32GB modules for 64GB total.

Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Extreme (Gen 2) is i of the all-time laptops we used in 2022, and it's a bang-up option for anyone who wants a 15-inch device admittedly loaded with performance hardware and extra security features.

Second-gen improvements

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (Gen two)

A generous and powerful Ultrabook

With ninth Gen Intel Core CPU options, NVIDIA GTX 1650 defended GPU, 4K OLED touch on brandish, and some added features that only up user satisfaction, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme (Gen 2) is a peak pick for anyone in search of a strong 15-inch Ultrabook.

Additional Equipment

ORIA PC toolkit

ORIA PC toolkit ($33 at Amazon)

Having the proper gear to work on your PC will e'er make the chore much easier. Here you get a plethora of tools contained in a portable instance.

Rosewill anti-static wristband

Rosewill anti-static wristband ($7 at Amazon)

Static electricity can damage sensitive PC parts, then remove the risk with an anti-static wristband. Fasten information technology around your wrist and clip it onto your PC for peace of mind.

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