Lenovo ThinkPad T480s (Type 20L7 / 20L8) upgrade guide

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

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

Memory (RAM)

How many slots does the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s have?

The T480s has one user-accessible memory slot: a single 260-pin DDR4 SO-DIMM socket, alongside memory that is soldered to the system board. Unlike most laptops, you cannot install a matched pair of modules.

How much RAM can the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s take?

Your ceiling depends on how much memory is soldered to your specific unit — either 4GB or 8GB. Lenovo's official maximum is one 16GB SO-DIMM on top of that, giving 24GB total with 8GB soldered, or 20GB total with 4GB soldered. Check your soldered amount first (Task Manager or CPU-Z will show it), because it can't be changed later.

There is an unofficial option: memory vendors sell a 32GB DDR4 SO-DIMM for this machine and report it works, which would give up to 40GB (or 36GB with 4GB soldered). This is vendor marketing rather than Lenovo documentation, and results can depend on the module's rank and your BIOS version — treat it as 'likely works, not guaranteed', and prefer a seller with easy returns if you want to try it.

What type of RAM does it need?

DDR4 SO-DIMM, 1.2V, non-ECC and unbuffered. The speed ceiling is DDR4-2400: faster modules (DDR4-2666 or 3200) will simply run at 2400, so there's no point paying extra for speed. Buy on capacity instead.

One more thing: because part of the memory is soldered, you get true dual-channel performance only up to the amount matched by your SO-DIMM. With 8GB soldered and a 16GB module, for example, part of the memory runs dual-channel and the rest single-channel.

Buying tips

Buy the biggest module you need in one go — there's only one slot. Don't pay a premium for DDR4-2666/3200 speeds. Avoid ECC or registered modules; they aren't supported.

Buying tips

• Check the soldered amount (4GB or 8GB) first — it sets your maximum
• DDR4-2400 SO-DIMM, 1.2V, non-ECC unbuffered; faster RAM just downclocks
• One slot only, so buy the capacity you want in a single module

Storage (SSD)

What storage does the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s support?

There is a single M.2 2280 (22mm × 80mm) SSD slot. It accepts either a PCIe NVMe SSD (Gen3 x4) or an M.2 SATA 6Gb/s drive, so both common M.2 types fit. There is no 2.5-inch bay, no optical drive and no second internal drive bay — that's the main difference from the standard T480.

How fast a drive can I use?

The slot is PCIe Gen3 x4, with a sequential ceiling around 3.5 GB/s. A Gen4 drive will work but gives no speed benefit here, so any mainstream Gen3 NVMe drive is the sensible choice. Factory machines sometimes use self-encrypting (OPAL 2.0) drives; standard drives work fine too.

How big an SSD can I fit?

Lenovo doesn't document a maximum capacity for this model, and no maximum device count is recorded beyond the single bay — plan for one drive. In practice, 1TB and 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe drives fit well. Prefer a single-sided module: the bay has limited clearance, and double-sided sticks can foul the bottom cover or thermal pad.

Two practical notes. Lenovo lists the M.2 SSD as field-replaceable and provides removal/replacement videos for the T480s (Type 20L7/20L8), so the swap itself is well documented. And on a used machine, check whether the mounting screw is present — bring your own if not.

The other M.2 slots in the machine (WWAN and Wi-Fi, M.2 2242/2230) are for wireless modules, not drives. WWAN support and the SIM tray/antennas are SKU-dependent: many models can't be upgraded to WWAN without also fitting antennas and a SIM tray.

Buying tips

Go for a single-sided M.2 2280 NVMe (Gen3) drive. Skip Gen4 premiums. If your machine came with a small SATA drive, an NVMe drive is the meaningful upgrade.

Buying tips

• M.2 2280 form factor only — NVMe Gen3 x4 or M.2 SATA
• Prefer single-sided modules; buy a mounting screw for used units
• Gen4 drives offer no benefit here

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Back up your data first — an SSD swap means cloning or reinstalling your system.
• Shut the machine down fully and unplug the charger. Lenovo documents a 'Disable Internal Battery' service step, since the battery is internal.
• Ground yourself to avoid static damage — touch a grounded metal object or use a wrist strap.
• Open the case following the owner's manual or Lenovo's removal/replacement videos for the T480s (Type 20L7/20L8) — the videos cover the M.2 SSD and other components step by step.
• Install the new part, close the case, then power on and confirm the BIOS/firmware sees it (memory amount in the BIOS or Task Manager; the drive listed in the boot menu).

Steps

1. Back up your data
   Clone your drive or make sure your backups are current before touching anything.
2. Power off and unplug
   Fully shut down, unplug the charger, and disable the internal battery if you'll be working inside the case.
3. Ground yourself
   Discharge static before handling the memory module or SSD.
4. Open the case
   Follow the owner's manual or Lenovo's official removal/replacement videos for exact disassembly — the SO-DIMM and M.2 SSD are both user-replaceable.
5. Install the part
   Seat the SO-DIMM or M.2 2280 SSD firmly in its slot at the correct angle and secure it.
6. Close up and check
   Reassemble, power on, and confirm the BIOS/firmware and your operating system recognise the new hardware.

Good to know

• Max RAM differs between sources: Lenovo documents 24GB, while memory vendors advertise up to 40GB with a 32GB module. Treat the higher figure as experimental.
• Both 7th-gen (2-core) and 8th-gen (4-core) models exist in the 20L7/20L8 range — check your exact machine before buying parts or a board.
• Lenovo doesn't state a maximum SSD capacity; 1–2TB single-sided M.2 2280 drives are the practical choice.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s take?

Officially 24GB: one 16GB DDR4 SO-DIMM plus 8GB soldered (20GB if your unit has 4GB soldered). A 32GB module giving up to 40GB is reported to work by memory vendors, but it's unofficial and can depend on module rank and BIOS.

How many RAM slots does the ThinkPad T480s have?

One DDR4 SO-DIMM slot, plus memory soldered to the system board. You can't install a matched pair.

Does the ThinkPad T480s support NVMe SSDs?

Yes. The single M.2 2280 slot supports PCIe NVMe Gen3 x4 as well as M.2 SATA drives. Gen4 drives work but add no speed benefit.

Can you upgrade the CPU in a ThinkPad T480s?

No — the processor is soldered to the system board. The only way to change it is to fit a different system board.

Does the ThinkPad T480s have a 2.5-inch drive bay?

No. Storage is M.2 2280 only; there's no 2.5-inch bay and no second drive bay (those belong to the standard T480).

Can I add WWAN later?

Only if your model already has the antennas and SIM tray — these are SKU-dependent, and many machines can't be upgraded without also fitting those parts.

Official documents and references

• Lenovo — Removal and replacement videos, ThinkPad T480s (20L7/20L8)
  Official Lenovo disassembly videos.
• kataban.fyi — Lenovo ThinkPad T480s specifications
  Detailed slot, memory and parts data.
• PHS Memory — ThinkPad T480s memory datasheet
  Vendor memory specifications, including the unofficial 40GB configuration.