How to open Lenovo Legion Slim 5 (16, Gen 9) – disassembly and upgrade options

Ensure the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 is powered off and placed on a non-scratch surface.
Undo the 10 Phillips-head screws from the back panel of the laptop.
Use a thin plastic tool to pry the front edge of the bottom panel, and then carefully work your way around the sides and the rear to remove the panel.

Note: Remember to insert the tool horizontally between the plate and the base and lift upwards to release the clips securely without causing damage.

Step 2: Battery Removal

Disconnect the 80Wh battery by pulling out its connector from the motherboard.
Remove the six Phillips-head screws and lift the battery out of the laptop.

More info: This battery supports approximately 11 hours of web browsing or 10 hours of video playback, providing all-day productivity without needing a power source.

Memory Upgrade

Locate the metal shield covering the memory slots and use a lever tool to pop it open.
Notice the two thermal pads making direct contact with the RAM modules for improved thermal management.

More info: The laptop supports up to 64GB of DDR5-5600MHz RAM in dual-channel configuration. The CPU’s capability to handle up to 256GB suggests potential compatibility with more memory than officially stated.

You can buy DDR5 RAM modules here: Buy from Amazon.com (#CommissionsEarned)

Hint: Don’t forget to check out our Top M.2 SSDs Performance Rankings for insights on the best storage options available.

Storage Upgrade

Identify the two M.2 slots designed for Gen 4 SSDs, located beneath the cooling system.
Consider upgrading to a higher capacity or faster SSD to enhance overall system performance and storage capability.

Upgrade Tip: SSD upgrades can significantly increase your system’s responsiveness and speed up data access.

You can buy Gen 4 M.2 SSD modules here: Buy from Amazon.com (#CommissionsEarned)

Step 3: Cooling System Overview

Examine the extensive cooling system, which includes two large fans and multiple heat pipes that distribute thermal energy efficiently across the CPU and GPU.
Note the additional dedicated heat pipe for the GPU, enhancing its cooling during high-performance tasks.

More info: The robust cooling setup ensures optimal performance under load, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining system stability.

Lenovo Legion Slim 5 (16", Gen 9) in-depth review

Thin gaming laptops are a specific niche of machine for people who need a device with gaming capabilities that don't weigh a ton. The Legion Slim 5 (16, Gen 9) is part of Lenovo's Slim lineup. The manufacturer states that their creation is suitable for "gamers and students". Perhaps these days people need a lot of power for educational purposes. Yep, this notebook relies on the new Hawk Point-HS AMD Zen 4 chip called AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS. This means 16 threads and a TDP of 45W. The maximum possible GPU option for the series is the 140W GeForce RTX 4070 and we bought a device with this graphics c[...]

Read the full review

Pros

Long battery life
Zen 4 CPU
Solid build
Modern port selection
PWM-free (BOE NE160QDM-NYC (BOE0B38))
98% sRGB coverage + great color accuracy when our "Design and Gaming" profile is applied (BOE NE160QDM-NYC (BOE0B38))
165Hz refresh rate and 1600p resolution (BOE NE160QDM-NYC (BOE0B38))
The fans aren't too noisy in "Balance" mode
Has an optional 1080p Web camera with an E-shutter
High CPU and GPU clocks during long loads
Comfortable keyboard
Supports NVIDIA G-SYNC and Advanced Optimus (BOE NE160QDM-NYC (BOE0B38))
Has a MUX switch