Storage Architecture SpecificationPhysical Clearance VerifiedReleased 2023-2024

Lenovo Legion Pro 5 16IRX8 SSD Compatibility & Clearance Guide

In-depth hardware analysis of the internal storage architecture on Lenovo Legion Pro 5 16IRX8. Learn exact M.2 slot form factors (2280 vs 2242), PCIe bus bandwidth, underside millimeter thickness clearances, and heatsink installation warnings.

Total M.2 Bays
2x M.2 Slots

All slots user-accessible

Slot 1 Form Factor
M.2 2280

PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe

Slot 2 Form Factor
M.2 2280

PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe

Max Underside Clearance
≤2.38mm

Strictly Single-Sided PCB

Critical Mechanical Clearance Warning

Clearance is strictly 2.38mm. Double-sided SSDs risk shorting against SMD capacitors underneath the slot. Single-sided drives only.

Heatsink Interference Rule:Lenovo supplies built-in aluminum Coldfront shield covers for both slots. Do NOT buy SSDs with thick integrated heatsinks.
Slot Architecture

Detailed M.2 Bay Breakdown for Lenovo Legion Pro 5 16IRX8

Slot #1M.2 2280
  • Interface & Protocol:PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe
  • Underside Max Clearance:≤2.38mm
  • PCB Layer Requirement:Single-Sided Only
  • Verified Max Capacity:4TB

Primary boot drive slot with factory aluminum heatsink shield.

Slot #2M.2 2280
  • Interface & Protocol:PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe
  • Underside Max Clearance:≤2.38mm
  • PCB Layer Requirement:Single-Sided Only
  • Verified Max Capacity:4TB

Secondary full-length 2280 slot with factory aluminum shield.

Both slots are full-bandwidth PCIe 4.0 x4. Total potential storage is 8TB (2x 4TB single-sided NVMe).

Certified Single-Sided SSDs

Verified Fit M.2 NVMe SSDs for Lenovo Legion Pro 5 16IRX8

Prices updated regularly via Amazon Associates
Top Esports Drive$169.99

Samsung 990 Pro 2TB (Non-Heatsink)

M.2 2280 · PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe
Sequential Read:7,450 MB/s
Sequential Write:6,900 MB/s
Endurance Rating:1,200 TBW
Double-Sided:No (Single-sided)
100% Verified Fit (Single-Sided)
Best Value Gen4$119.99

WD_BLACK SN770 2TB

M.2 2280 · PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe
Sequential Read:5,150 MB/s
Sequential Write:4,850 MB/s
Endurance Rating:1,200 TBW
Double-Sided:No (Single-sided)
100% Fit (Cool Thermals under sustained gaming)

Looking for RAM & Memory Upgrades?

Inspect memory slot types (2x 262-Pin DDR5 SO-DIMM), tested maximum capacities (64GB), and DDR5 JEDEC downclocking behaviors.

View RAM Upgrade Guide