Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD and CPU

Updated Oct. 8, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

This guide covers the three upgrades most M720q Tiny owners ask about: memory, storage and the processor. In short, you can fit two DDR4 SO-DIMMs (32 GB total is Lenovo's tested limit), one 2.5" SATA drive and one M.2 NVMe SSD, and the CPU must be a 35 W 'T' model from the 8th or 9th generation.

At a glance

  • RAM: 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, non-ECC, 32 GB total tested by Lenovo
  • Speed: DDR4-2666 with Core i5/i7/i9; Celeron, Pentium and i3 run at 2400
  • Storage: one 2.5" SATA bay plus one M.2 NVMe slot (2242 or 2280)
  • The 2.5" bay shares space with the PCIe x8 low-profile slot, so you can use only one
  • CPU: Lenovo lists only 35 W 'T' chips, from Celeron G4900T to Core i9-9900T
DDR4 SO-DIMM slot2 × DDR4 SO-DIMM · up to 32 GB total · 2666 MT/s
2.5" SATA bayHDD / SSD 2.5" (SATA)
M.2 SSD slotSSD M.2 2242 / M.2 2280 (NVMe)
CPU socket (LGA1151 v2, T-series)LGA1151 (8th/9th gen) · Core 8th gen, Core 9th gen · max 35 W
CPU · LGA1151 v2max 35 W2 × SO-DIMM · DDR4up to 32 GB total2.5" SATA bayHDD / SSD 2.5" (SATA)M.2 SSD slotSSD M.2 2242 / M.2 2280 (NVMe)
Schematic of the upgradeable slots (not to scale). Check the owner's manual for their exact positions.

RAM: two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB

The M720q Tiny has two memory slots (DIMM1 and DIMM2) that take laptop-style DDR4 SO-DIMMs. Both slots are user-accessible, no memory is soldered to the board, and the two slots can run in dual-channel. Only non-ECC modules are supported.

Lenovo's maximum is 32 GB in total. Lenovo describes that as the most it has tested, and says the system may support more as memory technology develops. It doesn't state a per-module limit, so 2 x 16 GB is simply what the 32 GB total implies.

Speed depends on your processor. Core i5, i7 and i9 chips can run memory at DDR4-2666, while Celeron, Pentium and Core i3 chips run it at DDR4-2400. Lenovo's summary page quotes DDR4-2666 generally, but its per-CPU table shows 2400 for those lower-end chips. The system clocks faster memory down automatically, so it will still work.

Buying tips

  • Buy DDR4 SO-DIMM (laptop-size), non-ECC. Desktop DIMMs and ECC modules won't fit or work.
  • Don't pay extra for 2666 modules if you have a Celeron, Pentium or Core i3. They will run at 2400.
  • If you fit just one module, use DIMM1.
  • For dual-channel, buy a matched pair.

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Storage: 2.5" SATA bay plus an M.2 NVMe slot

There are two places for drives. The 2.5" bay takes a SATA 6 Gb/s hard drive (5.4K or 7.2K rpm) or SSD, and there is one onboard SATA connector for it. Lenovo's tested maximums are 1 TB for a hard drive and 256 GB for an SSD, but these are tested figures, not hard limits. The maximum drive thickness isn't documented. This bay shares its space with the PCIe 3.0 x8 low-profile slot, so you can use one or the other. Some units may also ship without the drive cage or SATA cabling, so check your configuration before buying a 2.5" drive.

The M.2 SSD slot takes NVMe drives in 2242 or 2280 length. A 2280 drive runs at PCIe 3.0 x4, while a 2242 drive runs at PCIe 3.0 x2. Lenovo's tested maximum is 1 TB. Only NVMe is listed, and Lenovo doesn't document whether SATA M.2 drives work, so stick with NVMe. The second M.2 slot is for the Wi-Fi card only and can't hold an SSD.

An Intel Optane Memory M10 is an optional part for the M.2 slot, but Lenovo says it isn't supported with Celeron or Pentium CPUs.

Buying tips

  • For the fastest speeds, choose an NVMe M.2 2280 drive.
  • A 2242 drive will be limited to PCIe x2 speeds.
  • Avoid SATA-only M.2 drives, since support isn't documented.
  • Open the case and check that the 2.5" drive cage and SATA cable are present before buying a 2.5" drive.
  • Drives larger than Lenovo's tested sizes will likely work, but Lenovo doesn't guarantee it.

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CPU: 35 W T-series chips, 8th and 9th generation

Lenovo lists 8th and 9th generation Intel 'T' low-power processors (Celeron, Pentium Gold, Core i3, i5, i7 and i9), running from the Celeron G4900T up to the Core i9-9900T. The i9-9900T has 8 cores and 16 threads, at 2.1 GHz base and 4.4 GHz boost. The board uses an Intel B360 chipset.

Lenovo's documents don't name the CPU socket. These CPUs are generally LGA1151 (version 2) parts, but please check Lenovo's service documentation before you buy a processor. Stay with 35 W T-series chips, since that's all Lenovo lists for this machine.

The generations may depend on your model. The 10T7 datasheet lists only 8th generation CPUs, while the 10T8 sheet adds 9th generation ones such as the Core i5-9400T. That split is our reading of the datasheets rather than an explicit Lenovo statement, so check which machine type you have (10T7 or 10T8) before buying a 9th generation chip.

Buying tips

  • Buy only 35 W 'T' processors, such as the i5-9400T or i9-9900T. Don't buy standard 65 W desktop chips.
  • Check your machine type (10T7 or 10T8) before buying a 9th generation chip.
  • Remember that moving up from a Celeron, Pentium or i3 to an i5, i7 or i9 also unlocks DDR4-2666 memory.
  • Verify the socket and compatibility in Lenovo's service documentation before ordering.

How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Back up your important files, especially before changing a drive.
  • Check your machine type (10T7 or 10T8) on the label, as it affects which CPU generation is listed.
  • Have your owner's manual to hand for exact disassembly steps.
  • Check the specifics of your configuration: whether the 2.5" cage and SATA cable are fitted, and which CPU you have.
  • Prepare a clean, static-free work surface.

Steps

  1. Back up and shut down
    Save your data, then shut the PC down completely rather than using sleep or hibernate.
  2. Unplug everything
    Disconnect the power adapter and all cables, then leave the PC for a moment before opening it.
  3. Ground yourself
    Touch bare metal on the case or use an anti-static wrist strap before handling components, and hold parts by their edges.
  4. Open the case
    Follow the owner's manual for exact disassembly. Lenovo lists tool-less chassis opening only when the optional tool-less chassis screw is fitted, so you may need a screwdriver.
  5. Install the new part
    For RAM, fit modules in DIMM1 first, then DIMM2. For storage, use the 2.5" bay or the M.2 SSD slot, not the Wi-Fi M.2 slot. For a CPU, follow the manual and Lenovo's service documentation, and use only a compatible 35 W T-series part.
  6. Close up and reconnect
    Refit the cover, reconnect the cables and power on.
  7. Check that the system sees the part
    Enter the BIOS/firmware setup and confirm the new memory, drive or processor is detected. A new drive will then need an operating system installed or your data restored.

Good to know

  • Lenovo's 32 GB RAM, 1 TB HDD, 256 GB 2.5" SSD and 1 TB M.2 figures are tested limits, not hard limits.
  • Lenovo's documents don't name the CPU socket. Check Lenovo's service documentation before buying a processor.
  • The split of CPU generations between the 10T7 (8th gen) and 10T8 (9th gen) is based on reading datasheets, not an explicit Lenovo statement.
  • The maximum 2.5" drive thickness and SATA M.2 support aren't documented.
  • Some units may ship without the 2.5" drive cage or SATA cabling.
  • Always follow the owner's manual for exact disassembly.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny take?

Lenovo lists 32 GB in total across two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots. This is a tested limit, and Lenovo says the system may support more, but it isn't guaranteed. Lenovo doesn't state a per-module limit; 2 x 16 GB is what the 32 GB total implies.

What type of RAM does the M720q Tiny use?

Non-ECC DDR4 SO-DIMM (laptop-style, 260-pin). Desktop DIMMs and ECC modules don't work. Speed is up to DDR4-2666 with Core i5/i7/i9 CPUs and DDR4-2400 with Celeron, Pentium and Core i3.

Does the M720q Tiny support NVMe SSDs?

Yes. The M.2 SSD slot takes NVMe drives in 2242 or 2280 length. A 2280 drive runs at PCIe 3.0 x4 and a 2242 drive at PCIe 3.0 x2. Lenovo doesn't document SATA M.2 support.

Can I fit both a 2.5" drive and a PCIe card?

No. The 2.5" bay shares space with the PCIe 3.0 x8 low-profile slot, so you can use only one of them.

Can I upgrade the CPU in the M720q Tiny?

Lenovo lists 8th and 9th generation 35 W 'T' processors, from the Celeron G4900T to the Core i9-9900T. The 10T7 sheet lists only 8th generation chips, while the 10T8 adds 9th generation. Lenovo's documents don't name the socket (these chips are generally LGA1151 v2), so verify with Lenovo's service documentation first.

Is the M.2 Wi-Fi slot usable for an SSD?

No. The separate M.2 slot is for the Wi-Fi card only. The only M.2 storage slot is the M.2 SSD slot.

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.