Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Gen 5 Tiny (AMD) RAM and SSD Upgrade Guide
Updated Oct. 9, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications
This guide covers adding memory and storage to the Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Gen 5 Tiny (AMD). The short answer: it has two DDR5 SODIMM slots and two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots, all user-accessible, and many configurations ship with one free slot of each.
At a glance
- Two DDR5 SODIMM slots (DIMM1/DIMM2), dual-channel, running at 5200 MT/s.
- 32GB (2x16GB) is the standard maximum; 64GB (2x32GB) is listed as special bids only on the spec sheet, but other Lenovo documents say up to 64GB.
- Two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe slots; Lenovo lists up to 1TB each based on tested drives.
- No 2.5 inch or 3.5 inch drive bay is listed.
- Lenovo's documents don't describe a CPU upgrade, so this guide covers RAM and storage only.
| DDR5 SODIMM (DIMM1/DIMM2) | 2 × DDR5 SO-DIMM · up to 64 GB total · 5200 MT/s |
|---|---|
| M.2 SSD slot (PCIe 4.0 NVMe) | 2 × SSD M.2 2280 (NVMe) |
Lifecycle and support
A current model: sold new and supported. Support is planned until Jan. 11, 2031.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Release First available to buy. |
June 11, 2024
Estimate
Earliest PSREF 'Announce Date' across 12RQ SKUs; an announce date, not a confirmed ship date Source ↗ |
| End of standard support (EOSL) Standard warranty and support contracts can no longer be renewed. |
Jan. 11, 2031
Official
PSREF 'End of Support' date, identical on every listed SKU across regions Source ↗ |
Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.
RAM: two DDR5 SODIMM slots
The M75q Gen 5 Tiny has two laptop-size DDR5 SODIMM slots, labelled DIMM1 and DIMM2 in the service manual, and they work in dual-channel mode. The memory module is a self-service customer-replaceable part. No memory is soldered to the board. The example configuration ships with a single 16GB module, so one slot is free.
Lenovo's spec sheet lists 32GB (2x16GB) as the standard maximum and describes 64GB (2x32GB) as special bids only. The Linux user guide and Lenovo's datasheets say up to 64GB. These documents disagree, so 32GB is the safe target. 64GB is likely to work with two 32GB modules, but the spec sheet does not treat it as a standard option.
Memory runs at 5200 MT/s. Lenovo notes that its installed modules are rated DDR5-5600 but run at 5200 because of the processor's memory support, so faster modules will not run any faster. Lenovo doesn't say whether ECC memory is supported, so stick to standard non-ECC modules.
Buying tips
- Buy DDR5 SODIMM (laptop-size), not full-size desktop DIMMs.
- DDR5-5200 is enough; paying extra for faster modules gains nothing.
- To go from one 16GB module to 32GB, add a second 16GB module in the free slot.
- For 64GB, expect to buy two 32GB modules, and know that Lenovo's spec sheet doesn't list this as standard.
- Choose standard non-ECC modules.
Cheapest compatible right now
- Crucial 16GB DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM $204.95 eBay US
- Crucial 32GB Kit (2 × 16GB) DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM $527.95 eBay US
Storage: two M.2 2280 NVMe slots
There are two M.2 SSD slots, both for 2280-length PCIe NVMe drives. They are PCIe 4.0 x4 slots, and both are user-accessible self-service parts. Lenovo doesn't mention SATA M.2 drives, so buy NVMe. The example configuration ships with one 512GB SSD, leaving one slot free for a second drive.
Lenovo's spec sheet states up to 1TB per drive, based on the drives it has tested, and says this is not a hard limit. Larger drives may work but are unvalidated. The sheet is also a little inconsistent, because it lists 2TB factory options in a Performance tier while keeping the 1TB maximum. If you want a 2TB drive, treat it as untested by Lenovo.
The machine has a third M.2 slot, but it is for the Wi-Fi card and not for storage. The Wi-Fi card is not a customer-replaceable part. No 2.5 inch or 3.5 inch bay is listed, so older SATA drives have nowhere to go.
Buying tips
- Choose an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD; PCIe 4.0 drives suit the slots, and Lenovo doesn't mention SATA M.2.
- 1TB drives are the largest size Lenovo lists as the per-drive maximum; 2TB drives are unvalidated.
- Adding a second SSD in the free slot avoids cloning and reinstalling.
- Expect the capacity Windows reports to be lower than the label figure.
- Don't use the Wi-Fi slot for storage.
Cheapest compatible right now
- Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe $159.99 eBay US
- Crucial P3 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe (Gen3) $198.00 eBay US
- Samsung 990 PRO 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe $200.00 eBay US
How to upgrade
Before you start
- Back up your important files, especially if you plan to replace the SSD that holds your system.
- Check which power adapter (65W, 90W or 135W) your configuration uses before adding components.
- Look at your current setup to see which memory and SSD slots are already filled.
- Have the owner's manual (hardware maintenance manual) open for exact disassembly instructions.
- Let the computer cool for several minutes after shutting it down before you open it.
Steps
- Back up and shut down
Save your data to an external drive or cloud storage, then shut the computer down fully (not sleep or hibernate). - Unplug and let it cool
Disconnect the power adapter and all cables, then wait several minutes for the computer to cool. - Ground yourself
Touch a bare metal surface or use an anti-static strap before handling any parts, and hold memory and SSDs by their edges. - Open the case
Follow the owner's manual to remove the cover. Lenovo's spec sheet mentions tool-free access, but its wording is ambiguous about whether a chassis screw is needed, so check the manual for your unit. - Install memory
Fit the module in the order shown in the manual's illustration and press it in until the latches click. - Install the SSD
Insert the M.2 2280 drive into a free SSD slot and secure it as the manual shows. Don't touch the drive's contact edge and avoid pressure or shock. Lenovo says the slot isn't designed for frequent drive changes. - Close up and reconnect
Refit the cover and reconnect the cables and power adapter. - Check it in the BIOS
Power on and enter the BIOS/firmware setup to confirm the new memory total and SSD are listed. A new blank SSD will then need formatting or an operating system installed.
Good to know
- Lenovo's own documents disagree on maximum memory: 32GB standard on the spec sheet, up to 64GB on the datasheets and Linux guide.
- The 1TB-per-SSD limit is based on tested drives, so larger SSDs are unvalidated rather than confirmed not to work.
- The user guide we found is the Linux edition, so other operating system variants may have their own guides.
- Check which power adapter (65W, 90W or 135W) your configuration uses before adding components.
- The example configuration's end of support is listed as 2031-01-11.
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM can the ThinkCentre M75q Gen 5 Tiny take?
Lenovo's spec sheet lists 32GB (2x16GB) as standard and 64GB (2x32GB) as special bids only. Lenovo's datasheets and the Linux user guide say up to 64GB. 32GB is the safe choice.
What type of RAM does the M75q Gen 5 Tiny use?
Two DDR5 SODIMM (laptop-size) slots, running dual-channel at 5200 MT/s. ECC support isn't stated, so use standard non-ECC modules.
Does it support DDR5-5600 memory?
Lenovo says its modules are rated 5600 but run at 5200 because of the processor's memory support. Faster modules will not run faster.
How many SSDs can I install, and how big can they be?
Two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs. Lenovo lists up to 1TB each based on tested drives, but this is not a hard limit; larger drives may work but are unvalidated.
Can I add a 2.5 inch or 3.5 inch drive?
No such bay is listed for this model. Storage is via the two M.2 slots.
Can I upgrade the CPU?
Lenovo's documents list the memory module and M.2 SSD as self-service parts but don't describe a CPU upgrade, so we can't confirm one.
Official documents and references
- PDF Lenovo PSREF specifications: ThinkCentre M75q Gen 5
Official memory, storage and slot specifications - PDF ThinkCentre M75q Gen 5 Hardware Maintenance Manual
Slot labels and replaceable-part details - PDF ThinkCentre M75q Gen 5 User Guide (Linux edition)
Memory installation guidance - PDF ThinkCentre M75q Gen 5 datasheet (2025)
Lenovo's summary specs, including memory maximum - Lenovo PSREF: ThinkCentre M75q Gen 5 (model 12RQ003FGE)
Specs for the example configuration