Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8?

With a business laptop like the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8, you don’t always have to stick to the specs you get at the checkout. Lenovo has not yet published a repair or service guide for the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8, but the overall design of the product has not changed between generations. This means, after last year ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 Service Guide-You can replace the SSD on your ThinkPad laptop. As for the RAM, well, there’s not much you can do about it to upgrade. You will have to choose the amount of RAM that you think suits your needs.

Of course, if you want to upgrade the storage, you need to keep in mind that you risk voiding your warranty doing so. You’ll also have to back up your data and create Windows 11 installation media, first because your new SSD will be empty. You’ll also need to make sure you’re buying the right SSD. We suggest the Samsung 980 Pro PCIe Gen 4 SSD as described in the section below, so you can get the fastest data transfer speeds.

How much RAM do I need for the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8?

It’s never a bad idea to cram your laptop with as much RAM as possible. There are three options that Lenovo usually offers with ThinkPads: 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB. But for the first time, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 offers a 64GB RAM option.

Now, we think the 8GB of RAM is good enough for basic multitasking with web browsers, so if you want to save some money, this is a valid option. However, 16GB of RAM is a much safer standard in 2023 for a faster laptop, especially if you plan to open a lot of different applications on your laptop. At the higher end, 32GB and 64GB are for those who have to do more demanding tasks like video editing, running virtual machines, and so on. It’s better to have, but it’s expensive to upgrade, so sticking with 8GB or 16GB should be good enough.

How to upgrade the SSD in ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8

There are a few things you need to keep in mind if you want to upgrade the storage on your ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8. We’ve already mentioned the risks that come with voiding your warranty and ruining your new laptop. But other than that, you’ll need to take safety precautions like avoiding static electricity and backing up your data from the original SSD either via the cloud or externally. You’ll also need Windows 11 installation media since your new SSD will be empty and without an operating system. Don’t forget, a Phillips screwdriver is essential for accessing the Yoga Gen 8 laptop. You can purchase some of these materials through the links below.

• Samsung 980 Pro 2 TB

  The SSD delivers top speeds, and fits nicely with most PCs and laptops.

• 

  SK Hand Tool 79205 P1 Phillips Cushion Grip. Screwdriver

  This is a standard Phillips screwdriver that can reach into the back of a Lenovo laptop.

• 

  SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive

  The price of this USB flash drive is great, which means it is the best choice for creating Windows installation media.

Materials compiled, here’s how to get started to replace the SSD on the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8. Again, please back up your data first, prepare your Windows 11 installation media, and take appropriate safety precautions.

1. Make sure that your Lenovo laptop is turned off and unplugged.
2. Turn the laptop over, with the lid on the table and the bottom of the laptop up.
3. Hinge face away from you.
4. Remove all 5 Phillips head screws. There are two on the left, two on the right, and one in the middle.
5. Pierce the bottom of the cap with a credit card or your fingernail. Start at the back near the hinges.
6. The SSD should be in the middle of the laptop. Remove the two screws on the bracket that supports the SSD.
7. Lift the bracket up to expose the SSD.

   

8. Slide the SSD out of the slot and remove the thermal pad if you want to reuse it.
9. Take your new SSD, put the thermal pad back on it, align the connectors and push them in gently.
10. Make sure the label on the SSD is facing up, then place the bracket on top of the SSD, and tighten the two screws you removed earlier.
11. Reinstall the bottom cover and reinstall the screws.

Once you’ve completed the above steps, you can boot the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 from the Windows 11 installation media you created earlier, and follow the on-screen steps. Once you boot into Windows, restore your files, and you should be good to go! That’s all there is to know about upgrading the storage and RAM on your laptop, and we hope you find this guide useful when you have your new ThinkPad laptop in your hands.