How to open Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i (16″, Gen 10) – disassembly and upgrade options
Step 1: Opening the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i (16″, Gen 10)
- Power off the laptop and place it on a flat surface.
- Undo the six Torx T5 screws securing the bottom plate.
- Use a plastic pry tool to release the clips. Start from one corner and work your way around until the panel lifts off.
Battery Removal
- This model has a 60Wh lithium-ion battery.
- Detach the connector from the motherboard.
- Undo the two Phillips-head screws that secure the battery, then lift it out.
Memory Upgrade
- The notebook has two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, located next to the fan shroud.
- They support dual-channel configurations with DDR5-5600 RAM, up to 64GB.
You can buy DDR5 RAM modules here: Buy from Amazon.com.au (#CommissionsEarned)
Storage Upgrade
- There are two M.2 slots available.
- One 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot is pre-populated with a Western Digital SN740 drive.
- A second 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot is free for future expansion.
Hint: Consider reviewing our Top M.2 SSDs Performance Rankings to select the best storage solution for your needs.
You can buy Gen 4 NVMe SSDs here: Buy from Amazon.com.au (#CommissionsEarned)
Wireless Module
- The MediaTek MT7925 Wi-Fi 7 card is installed in a standard M.2 slot.
- It is user-replaceable, secured by a single screw and two antenna leads.
Cooling System
- The cooling solution consists of a single blower-style fan and two heat pipes.
- Heat is directed to a rear fin stack, covering the CPU and VRM components.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i (16", IRH10R / 16IRH10, Gen 10) in-depth review
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i (16", Gen 10) looks and feels like a premium machine far above its starting price. Its all-metal chassis is elegant and sturdy, and its internal design offers a level of upgradeability that's almost unheard of in a slim laptop today. But this excellent foundation can be paired with some deeply disappointing components. Our review unit, the base model, reveals a story of stark contrasts - a beautiful shell housing a dull screen and a processor that struggles with heat. It’s a laptop that has the potential to be fantastic, but only if you choose your configuratio[...]
Pros
- Excellent and elegant all-aluminium construction
- Fantastic upgradeability with two RAM and two M.2 slots
- Comfortable keyboard with a dedicated NumPad
- Good selection of practical ports
- PWM-free display ensures eye comfort
- IR camera with a physical privacy shutter
Cons
- Base model display has extremely poor color coverage
- CPU runs hot under load
- Base model performance is weak for heavy tasks
- Mediocre sound quality
Author: Dimitar Stalev
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Where is second free m2 slot? I can’t see it. I can see – first m2 is with the SSD disk, second is with wifi, and there is no free slot for another drive