How to open Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 (AMD) – disassembly and upgrade options
Step 1: Accessing the Internal Components
- Ensure the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 (AMD) is powered off and placed on a soft, clean surface to avoid damage.
- Remove the 7 captive Phillips-head screws from the bottom of the laptop.
- Using a plastic tool, start prying the bottom panel off, beginning from the zone behind the hinge area.
Hint: The screws will stay attached to the panel, so you don’t have to worry about losing them.
Step 2: Removing the Battery
- Disconnect the battery by detaching the connector from the motherboard.
- Remove the three Phillips-head screws fixing the battery in place to lift it away from the chassis.
Caution: Be careful when disconnecting the battery to avoid damaging the connector.
More info: The laptop comes with an optional 57Wh battery, offering up to 14 hours and 17 minutes of web browsing, or 10 hours of video playback. The default battery is a 47Wh unit.
Step 3: Upgrading Memory
- Locate the memory section covered by a metal plate.
- Every device has 8GB of soldered RAM, but there is an additional SODIMM slot for future upgrades.
- Upgrade memory to achieve up to 40GB of DDR4-3200 MHz in dual-channel mode.
Hint: When upgrading, ensure the new module is compatible with the soldered RAM for optimal performance.
You can buy DDR4 RAM modules here: Buy from Amazon.com (#CommissionsEarned)
Step 4: Upgrading Storage
- Identify the two M.2 slots, one for 2280 and one for 2242 NVMe SSDs.
- Install or upgrade SSDs as needed. Note that while the slots support Gen 4 SSDs, their speed will be limited to Gen 3 standards.
More info: A thin thermal pad is placed below the NVMe for cooling. Ensure it’s properly positioned when installing the SSD.
You can buy Gen 3 M.2 SSD modules here: Buy from Amazon.com (#CommissionsEarned)
Step 5: Examining the Cooling System
- Inspect the cooling system, which includes a single fan, two heat pipes, one heat sink, and a heat spreader.
More info: The cooling configuration is adequately designed for the laptop’s iGPU, ensuring efficient heat management for sustained performance.