Lenovo Legion 5 15ACH6 (82JW) Upgrade Guide: RAM and SSD

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

This guide covers upgrading the memory and storage in the Lenovo Legion 5 15ACH6 (AMD, 82JW). The short answer: it has two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots and two NVMe M.2 slots, and a pair of 16GB modules plus an NVMe SSD is the safest route.

At a glance

  • Two DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM slots, dual-channel capable, so fit a matched pair.
  • Lenovo's documents give 16GB or 32GB as the RAM maximum depending on the page; 2x16GB is the safe choice.
  • Two M.2 slots (2242 and 2280), NVMe only, PCIe 3.0 x4.
  • No 2.5-inch bay and no card reader on the 82JW, so extra storage beyond the M.2 slots means external drives.
  • Lenovo's documents don't describe a CPU upgrade, so this guide covers RAM and storage only.
DDR4 SO-DIMM memory slot2 × DDR4 SO-DIMM · up to 32 GB total · 3200 MT/s
M.2 slot (PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe)2 × SSD M.2 2242 / M.2 2280 (NVMe)
2 × SO-DIMM · DDR4up to 32 GB totalM.2 slot (PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe)2 × SSD M.2 2242 / M.2 2280 (NVMe)
Schematic of the upgradeable slots (not to scale). Check the owner's manual for their exact positions.

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported. Support is planned until June 14, 2027.

20212022202320242025202620272028Today11 · Release · Oct. 5, 202122 · EOSL · June 14, 2027
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 Oct. 5, 2021 Official Lenovo PSREF Announce Date for 82JW models; first retail availability may have been somewhat later
Source ↗
End of standard support (EOSL)
Standard warranty and support contracts can no longer be renewed.		 June 14, 2027 Official PSREF lists 'End of Support' without saying whether standard or extended; treated as end of standard support
Source ↗

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

RAM: two DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM slots

The Legion 5 15ACH6 has two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots and no soldered memory is mentioned. The top speed is DDR4-3200. The system is dual-channel capable, so use two identical modules rather than mixing sizes.

Lenovo's documents disagree on the maximum. Its PSREF spec sheet says up to 16GB, while its support page says up to 32GB. Lenovo describes both as figures from testing with its current memory options, and says the system may support more. One third-party memory vendor claims 64GB (2x32GB) works, but Lenovo hasn't confirmed that. The safe upgrade is 2x16GB DDR4-3200; 2x32GB may work but goes beyond what Lenovo documents.

Lenovo's documents don't say whether ECC or registered memory is supported. Stick to standard unbuffered, non-ECC SO-DIMMs.

Buying tips

  • Buy a matched kit of two modules so dual-channel works.
  • Choose DDR4-3200 SO-DIMMs, not desktop DIMMs and not DDR5.
  • Avoid ECC or registered modules.
  • If you try 2x32GB, buy from a seller with an easy return policy, since Lenovo doesn't confirm it.

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Storage: two NVMe M.2 slots

The 82JW has two M.2 slots that take 2242 or 2280 length drives. They are PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe slots, and no SATA M.2 option is listed, so buy NVMe drives only. A Gen 4 drive will work but runs at Gen 3 speed.

Lenovo lists up to 512GB for 2242 drives and up to 1TB for 2280 drives, but describes these as test-based and says larger drives may work. Bigger drives such as 2TB aren't documented by Lenovo, so treat them as unconfirmed.

Lenovo's shared Legion 5 15/17 user guide mentions a 2.5-inch drive and an SD card slot, but that guide covers many models. The spec sheet for the 15ACH6 shows only the two M.2 slots and no card reader, so expect no 2.5-inch bay or SD reader on the 82JW. For more space beyond the two M.2 slots, use an external or USB drive.

Buying tips

  • Pick an NVMe SSD in 2280 length; 2242 is also supported.
  • Don't pay extra for Gen 4 speed, as the slot limits it to Gen 3.
  • Don't buy a SATA M.2 drive or a 2.5-inch drive.
  • Check your exact part number, since factory configurations vary and one of the slots may already be filled.

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How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Find your exact part number (82JW plus the suffix) and check what is currently installed, since configurations vary.
  • Back up your files, or clone your drive if you're replacing the SSD.
  • Have the owner's manual handy for exact disassembly steps for your model.
  • Prepare a small precision screwdriver and a clean, static-free work surface.
  • Check Lenovo's support page for any BIOS update before you begin.

Steps

  1. Back up your data
    Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage. If you're swapping the SSD, make a full image or clone first.
  2. Power off and unplug
    Shut the laptop down fully (not sleep or hibernate), disconnect the charger and any accessories, and wait a moment.
  3. Ground yourself
    Touch a bare metal surface or use an anti-static wrist strap before handling internal parts, and hold modules by their edges.
  4. Open the case
    Follow the owner's manual for removing the bottom cover on your model. Keep track of the screws, as they may differ in length. If the manual mentions disconnecting the battery, do so before working inside.
  5. Install the RAM or SSD
    For RAM, seat each SO-DIMM firmly in its slot until the retaining clips hold it. For an SSD, insert it into an M.2 slot and secure it as the manual describes. Install RAM as a matched pair.
  6. Close the case
    Refit the bottom cover and screws, then reconnect the charger.
  7. Check that the system sees the part
    Power on and check the BIOS or firmware screen, or Windows, for the new memory size or drive. A new SSD may need to be initialised or have an operating system installed. If a new part isn't recognised, power off, unplug, and reseat it.

Good to know

  • Lenovo's RAM maximum differs between its documents (16GB on the spec sheet, 32GB on the support page), and both are test-based figures rather than hard limits.
  • 2x32GB (64GB) is only claimed by a third-party vendor and is not confirmed by Lenovo.
  • Lenovo's documents don't say whether ECC or registered memory is supported, so stick to standard SO-DIMMs.
  • Drive capacities above Lenovo's listed 512GB (2242) and 1TB (2280) are undocumented and may or may not work.
  • The shared user guide mentions a 2.5-inch bay and SD slot that the 82JW spec sheet doesn't list; check your own machine.
  • Configurations vary, so check your exact part number before buying.
  • Lenovo's documents don't describe a CPU upgrade for this laptop, so no CPU upgrade is covered here.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Lenovo Legion 5 15ACH6 take?

Lenovo's spec sheet says up to 16GB and its support page says up to 32GB, both as test-based figures. 2x16GB (32GB) DDR4-3200 is the safe upgrade. One memory vendor claims 64GB (2x32GB) works, but Lenovo hasn't confirmed it.

What type of RAM does the Legion 5 15ACH6 use?

DDR4 SO-DIMM at up to 3200 MT/s, in two slots. It is dual-channel capable, so fit two matching modules.

Does the Legion 5 15ACH6 support a second SSD?

Yes. The 82JW has two M.2 slots for NVMe drives, in 2242 or 2280 length. Check whether your configuration already uses one.

Can I use a PCIe Gen 4 SSD?

It should work, but the slots are PCIe 3.0 x4, so a Gen 4 drive runs at Gen 3 speed.

Can I fit a 2TB SSD?

Lenovo lists 1TB as the maximum for 2280 drives and 512GB for 2242, but calls these test-based and says larger drives may work. 2TB isn't documented, so treat it as unconfirmed.

Does it have a 2.5-inch bay or SD card reader?

Not according to the spec sheet for the 15ACH6. Lenovo's shared user guide mentions both, but that guide covers other models too. For extra storage, use an external or USB drive.

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.