Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14IRU8 Upgrade Guide: RAM and SSD

Updated Oct. 9, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

This guide covers upgrade options for the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14IRU8 (Intel), also sold as the IdeaPad Slim 3i 14. The short answer: memory is soldered and can't be upgraded, and only models with an M.2 SSD have a storage slot, which takes a short 2242 NVMe drive.

At a glance

  • RAM is soldered LPDDR5-4800 (4GB, 8GB or 16GB depending on model) and cannot be upgraded.
  • SSD models have one M.2 2242 slot (PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe), listed up to 1TB.
  • UFS models (128GB soldered storage) have no storage slot at all.
  • Only short 2242 SSDs fit, so the choice of drives is narrower than for 2280.
  • Don't use specs for the 14IRU10 or 14IRH8; they are different models.
M.2 2242 slot (SSD models only)SSD M.2 2242 (NVMe) · up to 1.024 TB
M.2 2242 slot (SSD models only)SSD M.2 2242 (NVMe) · up to 1.024 TB
Schematic of the upgradeable slots (not to scale). Check the owner's manual for their exact positions.

Lifecycle and support

20292030Today11 · EOSL · April 7, 2029
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
End of standard support (EOSL)
Standard warranty and support contracts can no longer be renewed.		 April 7, 2029 Official PSREF 'End of Support' date, identical across all SKUs checked. Lenovo does not say whether this is standard or extended support, so it is treated as standard. Release date omitted because PSREF 'Announce Date' values are regional SKU dates, not the global launch.
Source ↗

Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.

Storage: one M.2 2242 slot on SSD models only

Models that ship with an M.2 SSD have one M.2 slot for a 2242 NVMe drive. The slot is PCIe 4.0 x4. Lenovo offers 256GB, 512GB and 1TB drives, and the listed maximum is 1TB. That figure is based on what Lenovo has tested, so a larger 2242 drive isn't confirmed to work.

Models with 128GB UFS 3.1 storage have it soldered to the board and no storage slot, so they can't be upgraded. Lenovo also notes that this UFS storage runs closer to UFS 2.1 speeds because of platform limits. No SATA port or 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drive bay is listed, so the M.2 slot is the only drive interface.

The slot's PCIe 4.0 x4 ceiling is about 8 GB/s in theory, but real speeds depend on the SSD you install and will be lower.

Buying tips

  • Check first whether your laptop has an M.2 SSD or UFS storage; only the SSD version has a slot.
  • Buy an M.2 2242 NVMe drive. A standard 2280 drive is too long.
  • Because 2242 drives are less common, confirm the length in the product listing before you buy.
  • Stick to 1TB or less; that is the largest size listed for this slot.
  • A PCIe 4.0 drive is supported, but you won't see the maximum theoretical speed in everyday use.

How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Confirm your exact model is the 14IRU8 and not the 14IRU10 or 14IRH8, which have different memory and storage layouts.
  • Check whether your laptop has an M.2 SSD or soldered UFS storage. UFS models have no slot to upgrade.
  • Back up your files, and have a recovery method ready in case you need to reinstall Windows on the new drive.
  • Have the Lenovo owner's manual or hardware maintenance guide to hand for the exact disassembly steps for your model.
  • If you are choosing RAM, decide now. It is soldered and can't be changed later.

Steps

  1. Back up your data
    Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage. Make sure you can reinstall or restore your system on a new SSD.
  2. Power off and unplug
    Shut the laptop down fully (not sleep or hibernate) and disconnect the charger and any accessories.
  3. Ground yourself
    Work on a clean, hard surface and touch bare metal or use an anti-static wrist strap before handling components.
  4. Open the case
    Follow the owner's manual for removing the bottom cover on your model. Lenovo's documents available to us don't describe the exact screws or latches, so use the manual for the specifics.
  5. Swap the SSD
    Locate the M.2 2242 slot, remove the existing drive, and fit the new 2242 NVMe SSD. Handle it by the edges and make sure it is seated and secured as the manual describes.
  6. Close the case
    Refit the cover and screws, then reconnect power.
  7. Check that the system sees the drive
    Start the laptop, enter the BIOS setup (the manual explains how), and confirm the new SSD is listed. Then install or restore your operating system.

Good to know

  • Lenovo's 1TB maximum for the M.2 slot is based on drives it has tested; larger 2242 drives aren't confirmed.
  • Lenovo's general spec sheet covers 4GB, 8GB and 16GB memory and both UFS and SSD storage, while individual model pages show only 8GB with a 512GB SSD. These describe different configurations and don't conflict.
  • The documents available don't describe the exact disassembly steps for this model, so follow Lenovo's owner's manual or hardware maintenance guide.
  • Memory card reader and any other expansion slots aren't covered in Lenovo's documents we checked, so we can't confirm them.
  • Specs for the 14IRU10 (soldered RAM plus a SO-DIMM slot, two M.2 slots) and the 14IRH8 are different and don't apply to the 14IRU8.

Frequently asked questions

Can I upgrade the RAM on the IdeaPad Slim 3 14IRU8?

No. The memory is soldered LPDDR5-4800 and there is no memory slot. Models come with 4GB, 8GB or 16GB, so pick the amount you need when you buy.

How much RAM can the IdeaPad Slim 3 14IRU8 take?

The most listed is 16GB, as shipped. It can't be added to afterwards. The 4GB and 8GB models run single-channel, and the 16GB models run dual-channel.

Can I add a bigger SSD to the IdeaPad Slim 3 14IRU8?

Only if your model has an M.2 SSD. Those models have one M.2 2242 NVMe slot, listed up to 1TB. Models with soldered 128GB UFS storage have no slot.

Will a normal 2280 M.2 SSD fit?

No. The slot is the short 2242 length only, so you need a 2242 NVMe drive.

Does the IdeaPad Slim 3 14IRU8 have a second M.2 slot or a SATA bay?

No second slot or SATA or 2.5-inch bay is listed. The newer 14IRU10 has two M.2 2242 slots, but that is a different model.

Can I upgrade the CPU?

Lenovo's documents for this model don't list a processor upgrade option, so we can't confirm one. Check the specification for your exact configuration when buying.

Official documents and references

This guide was written with AI assistance from the compatibility data PartsPrices verified against the manufacturer's documents. Always check your exact model and the owner's manual before buying or opening your computer.