Lenovo ThinkPad T470 Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD and CPU

Lifecycle and support

Standard support ended on Aug. 28, 2023.

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

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

The T470 has two DDR4 SO-DIMM sockets that work in dual-channel mode. Lenovo lists a maximum of 32GB across both slots. A per-module limit isn't stated, but two 16GB modules is the obvious way to reach 32GB. No memory is listed as soldered to the board, and Lenovo's sample configurations ship with a single 4GB or 8GB module, so your second slot may be empty.

The memory is rated at 2400MHz, but Lenovo's own documents disagree a little on real-world speed. The CPU table lists DDR4-2133 for every 6th- and 7th-generation processor the T470 offers, and the sample configurations ship with DDR4-2133 modules. Treat 2133 as the safe baseline. Faster 2400 modules should work but may run at a lower speed depending on your CPU.

ECC and registered memory aren't mentioned in Lenovo's documents. Stick to standard laptop DDR4 SO-DIMMs.

Buying tips

• Buy DDR4 SO-DIMM, not DDR3 or desktop DIMM modules
• Two matching modules give you dual-channel operation
• Don't pay extra for speed above 2133 unless your CPU is known to benefit; it may clock the memory down
• Lenovo's memory reference guide is a good place to cross-check compatible modules

Storage: 2.5-inch bay, M.2 2280 NVMe and an M.2 2242 option

There are three storage options. The 2.5-inch bay takes a SATA hard drive or SATA SSD, and it must be 7mm thick or less. Lenovo lists drives up to 2TB. The M.2 2280 slot takes a PCIe NVMe SSD and runs at PCIe 3.0 x2 (16Gb/s), so don't expect the full speed of a x4 drive. Lenovo lists SSDs up to 1TB there.

A third option is an M.2 2242 SATA SSD in the WWAN slot, listed as a 128GB drive (or a 16GB Optane module). It is mutually exclusive with WWAN and WiGig, so you lose cellular and WiGig if you use it. Lenovo's datasheet says this second-storage option is offered with HDD configurations only.

One point is unconfirmed. Lenovo's spec says the system has one HDD slot or one M.2 2280 slot exclusively for primary storage. We couldn't confirm whether the 2.5-inch bay and the M.2 2280 slot can be used together, so check the hardware maintenance manual for your exact unit before buying a second drive. Some models also have an optional 4-in-1 SD card reader, which isn't an upgrade path.

Buying tips

• Check that a 2.5-inch drive is 7mm thick; thicker drives won't fit
• For the M.2 slot, buy a 2280 NVMe SSD, not a SATA M.2 drive
• Don't buy both a 2.5-inch drive and an M.2 2280 SSD for simultaneous use until you've checked the maintenance manual
• Skip the 2242 option if you need WWAN or WiGig
• Some options, such as Optane and 1TB HDDs, were listed as available later, so older units may not have them

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Find your exact machine type (20HD or 20HE) and configuration, because options vary by model
• Download the hardware maintenance manual for exact disassembly instructions
• Check which RAM and storage are already fitted so you know which slots are free
• Have a small screwdriver and a clean, static-safe workspace ready

Steps

1. Back up your data
   Copy your files to an external drive or cloud storage. If you are replacing your main drive, also make recovery media or plan a clean install.
2. Power off and unplug
   Shut the laptop down fully, not just to sleep. Disconnect the charger and any cables. Check the hardware maintenance manual for how to deal with the battery on your model before opening the case.
3. Ground yourself
   Touch bare metal or use an anti-static strap before handling components, and hold modules and drives by their edges.
4. Open the case
   Follow the hardware maintenance manual for your exact model to remove the cover and reach the memory and drive area. Don't force anything.
5. Install the part
   For memory, insert the notched end of the module into the slot, press it in firmly, then pivot it down until it snaps into place. For a drive, follow the manual's steps for the 2.5-inch bay or the M.2 slot you are using, and don't fit a 2.5-inch drive thicker than 7mm.
6. Close up and reconnect
   Refit the cover and any screws, reconnect the battery if you removed it, then plug in the charger.
7. Check that the system sees the part
   Start the laptop and enter the BIOS setup to confirm the new memory size or drive is listed. If you installed a new blank drive, install your operating system from your recovery media.

Good to know

• Check your exact model (20HD or 20HE) and configuration; Lenovo's documents don't distinguish the two for memory or storage
• It's unconfirmed whether the 2.5-inch bay and the M.2 2280 slot can be used together
• The second M.2 2242 SATA slot shares the WWAN slot and excludes WWAN and WiGig
• Memory may run at DDR4-2133 even if you fit 2400 modules
• The maximum size per RAM module isn't stated; 2 x 16GB is implied by the 32GB total
• ECC support isn't documented
• The CPU appears to be soldered, but Lenovo's documents don't state this outright
• The i7-6500U and NVIDIA GeForce 940MX models aren't available in EMEA, and some options such as Optane and 1TB HDDs were listed as available later, so older units may not have them

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the ThinkPad T470 take?

Lenovo lists up to 32GB of DDR4 across its two SO-DIMM slots. A per-module maximum isn't stated, but two 16GB modules is the clear way to reach that total.

Does the ThinkPad T470 support DDR4-2400 memory?

The memory is rated up to 2400MHz, but the CPUs listed for the T470 are specified for DDR4-2133, and the sample configurations ship with 2133 modules. A 2400 module should work but may run slower, depending on the CPU.

Can I put an NVMe SSD in the ThinkPad T470?

Yes. The M.2 2280 slot takes a PCIe NVMe SSD, with Lenovo listing up to 1TB. It runs at PCIe 3.0 x2, so speeds are capped below those of a x4 slot.

Can I use the 2.5-inch bay and the M.2 slot at the same time?

Unconfirmed. Lenovo's spec describes one HDD slot or one M.2 2280 slot exclusively for primary storage. Check the hardware maintenance manual for your exact unit before buying a second drive.

Can I upgrade the CPU in a ThinkPad T470?

Almost certainly not. Lenovo describes an Intel SoC platform and doesn't mention a socket, so the processor appears to be soldered to the board.

Is any RAM soldered to the T470 motherboard?

None is listed as soldered. Both memory slots are described as sockets, so all of the memory should be upgradable.

Official documents and references

• PDF ThinkPad T470 PSREF specifications (PDF)
  Memory, storage and CPU specifications
• PDF ThinkPad T470 User Guide (PDF)
  Official user guide with memory and drive details
• PDF Lenovo T470 datasheet, EMEA (PDF)
  Maximum memory and storage options
• PDF ThinkPad T470 datasheet (PDF)
  Short summary of maximum storage
• Lenovo T470 memory reference guide
  Lenovo support page for memory
• ThinkPad T470 Hardware Maintenance Manual
  Step-by-step disassembly and memory installation
• PSREF: ThinkPad T470 20HE000NAU
  Example configuration with a single 8GB module