Upgrading the storage or RAM in a high-end gaming laptop can be straightforward if you know what to expect for each model. Below, we break down how to do it on the Lenovo Legion 9i with tips on screw locations, cable cautions, compatible SSD sizes, maximum memory, and warranty considerations.
Upgrading Storage/RAM on a Lenovo Legion 9i Gaming Laptop (16″, Gen 8/9)
Chassis and opening
The Legion 9i (16IRX8, Gen 8 2023 model) has an inverted motherboard design, but primary upgrades (SSD, one RAM slot) are accessible from the bottom. Remove 8 Phillips screws from the bottom cover. There are no hidden screws, but avoid prying at the front edge – Lenovo advises starting from the back (hinge side) and lifting the cover once clips release. The Legion 9’s bottom panel does not have attached cables (no light bars here), making removal simpler than the ASUS. Still, go slowly to avoid snapping plastic clips.
Inside layout
The Legion 9i houses a massive 99.99 Wh battery taking up much of the bottom area. Remove its connector before other work. The cooling system on this machine is complex – it features both traditional heatpipes and a liquid-cooling setup on the opposite side of the motherboard. For upgrades, you thankfully won’t need to disturb the cooling unless you plan to access the second side of the board.
SSD slots
The Legion 9i offers two M.2 Gen4 slots for NVMe SSDs in a compartment beneath a metal plate. Both slots are 2280 size and support RAID0. You’ll likely see one slot populated (with a factory drive) and an empty slot with a thermal pad or bracket ready for a second SSD. Remove the screws on the metal cover to reveal the slots.
When installing a new SSD, maintain contact between the SSD and any thermal pads/heatsinks – these help with cooling. Lenovo doesn’t list an official max capacity, but there’s no 1TB limit as a sales rep mistakenly suggested (users have successfully used 2TB–4TB drives).
In general, each slot should handle up to 4TB SSDs, and high-capacity double-sided drives are physically supported (the chassis is roomy). Always screw down the SSD so it’s secure and reconnect any shielding.
RAM: inverted motherboard caution
The Legion 9 has dual-channel DDR5 memory, but due to the inverted board, only one SO-DIMM slot is directly accessible from the bottom – the other RAM module is on the keyboard side of the board. In Gen 8 (2023), Lenovo ships 32GB or 64GB configurations: e.g., 16GB soldered + 16GB in the slot, or 32GB soldered + 32GB in slot, depending on config. This means if you plan to upgrade beyond the accessible slot, it requires a full disassembly to reach the soldered (or underside slot) memory – a challenging task not recommended for casual users.
Officially, the Legion 9i Gen8 supports up to 64GB DDR5-5600 (in dual-channel). In practice, it is configured for 32GB at 6400MT/s or 64GB at 5600MT/s. Essentially, with two 32GB sticks you may be capped to 5600 MHz due to memory controller limits. If your unit came with 32GB (16GB×2) and you want 64, you can replace the accessible 16GB SO-DIMM with a 32GB module, yielding 48GB (16 soldered + 32). But to reach 64, you’d have to replace the hidden module too – which is an advanced operation since the motherboard must be removed.
Lenovo’s own teardown videos show this process, but it’s for experienced technicians. For most, it’s safest to stick to upgrading the easy-to-reach slot. When installing, remember the Legion 9’s unique orientation: insert the SO-DIMM upside-down for the top slot vs. upright for the bottom slot – follow any labels on the board or instructions in the manual for module placement.
Screw and cable warnings
The Legion’s interior is dense. Ensure no cables (like speaker wires or battery lead) are pinched when reassembling. Also note any adhesives or foams Lenovo uses – for example, there might be foam pads on the SSD bracket for thermal reasons, which you should keep. The bottom cover has many small clips, so align it carefully when closing up to avoid bending them.
Warranty notes
Lenovo maintains that as long as you don’t damage anything, upgrading RAM or storage will not void the warranty. The Legion 9i is considered user-serviceable for these parts, and Lenovo even provides official “Removal and Replacement” guides/videos on their support site. However, because the second RAM module is not meant to be accessed by end-users, tampering that far could risk warranty if something goes wrong. Use discretion – upgrading the SSD or the one accessible RAM stick is fine. If you need to replace the internal RAM, consider professional service unless you’re very confident.
Tips for Storage/RAM Upgrade on a Lenovo Legion 9i Gaming Laptop
Ribbon-Cable and Screw Map Recap
Always refer to your laptop’s service manual or community guides for screw maps. Lenovo’s Legion has fewer frills but may hide screws under rubber caps or use tight plastic clips. Take pictures as you go so you remember cable connections and screw locations. Each model uses slightly different screw lengths – mixing them up can result in longer screws poking through or shorter screws not fully securing. Using a piece of paper with a drawn diagram to place screws can help keep them organized.
Compatible SSD Heights
This model uses M.2 2280 (80 mm length) NVMe SSDs. Generally, if a laptop comes with a heatsink or cover, it can accommodate a standard double-sided drive. If you try to install a very thick SSD and feel resistance when putting the cover back, double-check that the drive is fully seated and any spacer standoffs are correct.
Max RAM Summary
Legion 9i up to 64GB (32GB per channel). These are the official or commonly achieved maxima. In the future, BIOS updates may enable higher limits if larger SO-DIMMs become available (e.g., 48GB modules for 96GB total on dual-slot systems).
Warranty and Final Notes
Lenovo allows end-user upgrades of RAM and storage, but Lenovo’s inverted board presents a particular challenge for the second RAM. A good practice is to perform upgrades early in the product’s life (so if anything is off, you can address it under warranty). Keep your receipts for new components and consider running a stress test after upgrading (to ensure the new RAM/SSD is seated and functioning properly). If something isn’t recognized, recheck connections. And keep the old parts – if you need warranty repair, they might request the laptop in stock configuration.
For a deep comparison of the top gaming laptops, check our buyer’s guide to high-end gaming laptops, and for tips to upgrade other top laptops, check our upgrading guides for:
Sources
- Lenovo Forums, “Does opening and doing [upgrades] voids warranty?”, forums.lenovo.com
- Lenovo Support, Parts Removal and Replacement Videos – PCs and Smart Devices, pcsupport.lenovo.com
- Reddit, r/LenovoLegion, “9i disassembly and RAM upgrade?”, reddit.com
- Legion Gaming Community, Legion 9i storage upgrade, gaming.lenovo.com
- LaptopMedia, How to open Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 8 (16, Intel) – disassembly and upgrade options, laptopmedia.com
- Legion Gaming Community, “Can I use 1 TB or 2 TB SSD in my second slot of Legion 5 16IRX9 ?”, gaming.lenovo.com
- Thumb image: lenovo.com
