Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6 (Type 82JQ) upgrade guide: RAM, SSD and CPU

Updated Oct. 13, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

The Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6 (also sold as the 16ACH6H, both Type 82JQ) is a friendly machine to upgrade: both memory slots are free sockets and there are two M.2 SSD bays. The processor is another story — it is soldered down and cannot be swapped. Here is what fits, what the limits are, and what to watch before you buy. First, a quick identity check: 16ACH6 and 16ACH6H share Type 82JQ and the same service manual (the H simply marks the H-series CPU). This is not the Intel-based Legion 5 Pro 16ITH6H, which differs in some details. Look at the MTM on the sticker under the laptop (for example 82JQ00xxx) and confirm it on Lenovo PSREF or your unit's support page before ordering anything.

At a glance

  • RAM: 2x DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM sockets, up to 32GB validated, non-ECC unbuffered, buy in matched pairs
  • Storage: 2x M.2 NVMe slots (2242/2280), PCIe 3.0 x4; no SATA or 2.5-inch bay
  • CPU: soldered (FP6/BGA) — Ryzen 5 5600H or Ryzen 7 5800H only, not upgradeable
2x DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM, max 32GB2 × DDR4 SO-DIMM · up to 32 GB total · 3200 MT/s
2x M.2 NVMe (2242/2280), PCIe 3.0 x42 × SSD M.2 2242 / M.2 2280 (NVMe)
2 × SO-DIMM · DDR4up to 32 GB total2x M.2 NVMe (2242/2280), PCIe 3.0 x42 × 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 March 21, 2027.

20212022202320242025202620272028Today11 · Release · Oct. 26, 202122 · EOSL · March 21, 2027
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 Oct. 26, 2021 Official Earliest date in Lenovo's own product database (PSREF 'Announce Date', Korea / MTM 82JS). The CES 2021 unveiling was January 2021 (datasheet dated 2021-01) and press/reseller evidence suggests first retail sale March–April 2021, but no retrieved page states a first-on-sale date, so no earlier releas
Source ↗
End of standard support (EOSL)
Standard warranty and support contracts can no longer be renewed.		 March 21, 2027 Official PSREF 'End of Support' date for 82JQ MTMs where populated (some rows show N/A = not yet assigned).
Source ↗

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

RAM (memory)

What fits

Two 260-pin DDR4 SO-DIMM sockets, non-ECC and unbuffered, running at DDR4-3200. Nothing is soldered, so both modules are removable and replaceable. Desktop DIMMs, ECC and LPDDR modules will not fit or work.

Limits

Lenovo and Kingston validate up to 32GB total (2x 16GB), and that is the figure we would treat as safe. Note that some Lenovo pages quote a lower "offering" — one PSREF variant page and one spec sheet say up to 16GB — but those numbers describe what Lenovo shipped in particular configurations, not the hard limit of the platform. The two-socket design is the real constraint. Some owners run 2x 32GB (64GB) successfully, but that is unvalidated by Lenovo and Kingston; if you want to go beyond 32GB, check the module specs yourself and buy from a shop with a good returns policy.

Faster memory kits will simply clock down to the supported speed, so there is no point paying extra for DDR4-3600 or above. DDR4-3200 CL22 is the sweet spot.

What to watch out for

Kingston is explicit: modules should be ordered and installed in matched pairs for dual-channel mode. A single stick will work, but with halved bandwidth — a real performance hit on this platform. Some owners prefer dual-rank (2Rx8) kits for a small extra gain; both single- and dual-rank modules work.

Buying tips

Buy a matched 2x 16GB DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM kit if you are going to 32GB. Skip the premium speed bins, and skip ECC or registered memory — this machine needs plain unbuffered SO-DIMMs.

Buying tips

  • Matched pair of DDR4-3200 SO-DIMMs (260-pin, 1.2V, non-ECC, unbuffered)
  • 32GB (2x 16GB) is the validated maximum; treat anything larger as experimental
  • Don't pay extra for speeds above 3200 — the laptop will clock them down

Storage (SSD)

What fits

Two M.2 NVMe slots, PCIe 3.0 x4, accepting 2280 drives in both mounts (a 2242 drive needs the shorter mounting standoff). There is no SATA interface and no 2.5-inch bay in this chassis, so plan for dual M.2 storage only.

Limits

Lenovo's validated configurations run to 512GB (2242) plus 1TB (2280), about 1.5TB total — but this is a soft limit. Lenovo's own spec notes the system may support larger storage as the technology develops, and 2TB and 4TB 2280 NVMe drives are widely used in these machines, though not officially validated. If you want more than the validated sizes, buy from a retailer with returns and check the drive is recognised before you close everything up.

PCIe 4.0 drives work fine but will run at PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds in this laptop. That means you will not see the headline numbers on the box. A good PCIe 3.0 drive is the value pick; a 4.0 drive only makes sense if you plan to reuse it in a faster machine later.

What to watch out for

Keep the drive's overall height low. The chassis lid is tight, and thick heatsinked or double-sided drives can foul the cover. Also note that PSREF is not fully consistent here — its storage support list mentions a 2242 slot and a 2280 slot, while its storage slot list says two 2280 slots. In practice both mounts take 2280 drives, so most owners simply install two 2280 SSDs.

Buying tips

Two 2280 NVMe SSDs are the simplest route. Choose low-profile models without chunky heatsinks, and remember any PCIe 4.0 drive will run at 3.0 speeds here.

Buying tips

  • M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs (both mounts) or 2242 with the shorter standoff
  • PCIe 3.0 x4 speed is the limit — a 4.0 drive adds no speed here
  • Pick slim drives; the lid clearance is tight

How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Back up anything you cannot afford to lose.
  • Shut the laptop down fully and unplug the charger.
  • Ground yourself (touch an earthed metal object) before handling parts, and work on a clean, non-static surface.
  • Open the case and do the work as described in the owner's manual for exact disassembly — screw and clip locations are model-specific.
  • Install the RAM or SSD, then close the case.
  • Power on and check that the BIOS/firmware reports the new part correctly before you reinstall anything or start copying data.

Steps

  1. Step 1: Back up
    Copy your important files and make a recovery backup before opening the laptop. An upgrade is low risk, but a backup costs you nothing.
  2. Step 2: Power down and unplug
    Shut the system down completely (not sleep or hibernate) and unplug the charger.
  3. Step 3: Ground yourself
    Earth yourself to avoid static discharge. Handle memory modules and SSDs by their edges.
  4. Step 4: Open the case
    Follow the owner's manual for your exact model when removing the cover and locating the slots. Take your time and keep the screws organised.
  5. Step 5: Install
    Fit the RAM in matched pairs for dual-channel mode, or seat the M.2 SSD in an empty mount (2280 in both; 2242 needs the shorter standoff). Check the module or drive is fully seated and secured.
  6. Step 6: Close up
    Replace the cover and screws as described in the manual.
  7. Step 7: Check in the BIOS
    Power on and enter the BIOS/firmware setup to confirm the new memory total or SSD is detected. Once it appears there, boot into your system and you are done.

Good to know

  • PSREF pages disagree on the maximum memory: some quote an up to 16GB offering while others state 32GB. The 32GB figure is the widely validated one; treat larger configurations as unvalidated.
  • PSREF also lists storage inconsistently — one 2242 plus one 2280 in one place, two 2280 slots in another. Both mounts accept 2280 drives in practice.
  • The 512GB + 1TB storage figures are Lenovo's validated parts, not hardware limits. Larger drives commonly work but are not officially validated.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6 take?

32GB is the validated maximum (2x 16GB DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM) according to Lenovo and Kingston. Owners do run 2x 32GB (64GB) modules, but that is unvalidated — buy from a retailer with returns if you want to try it. Note that some Lenovo pages quote an "up to 16GB" offering figure; that reflects particular shipped configurations, not the platform limit.

Does the Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6 support NVMe SSDs?

Yes. There are two M.2 NVMe slots (2242/2280) running at PCIe 3.0 x4. There is no SATA or 2.5-inch bay in this chassis at all. PCIe 4.0 drives work but run at 3.0 speeds.

Can I upgrade the CPU in the Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6?

No. The Ryzen 5 5600H or Ryzen 7 5800H is soldered to the motherboard (FP6/BGA), so there is no socket and no upgrade path. Only Ryzen 5000H (Cezanne) chips were used in this model.

Do I need to buy RAM in pairs?

It is strongly recommended. Kingston states the modules must be ordered and installed in pairs for dual-channel mode. A single stick works, but memory bandwidth is halved.

What RAM speed should I buy?

DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM (260-pin, non-ECC, unbuffered). Faster kits just clock down to the supported speed, so don't pay extra for DDR4-3600 or higher.

Is the Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6 the same as the 16ITH6H?

No. The 16ACH6 and 16ACH6H share Type 82JQ and the same service manual, but the 16ITH6H is the Intel-based model and differs in some details. Check the MTM on your unit (for example 82JQ00xxx) on Lenovo PSREF before buying parts.

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.