Storage Architecture SpecificationPhysical Clearance VerifiedReleased 2023-2024

Lenovo LOQ 15IRH8 (2023-2024) SSD Compatibility & Clearance Guide

In-depth hardware analysis of the internal storage architecture on Lenovo LOQ 15IRH8 (2023-2024). 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 2242 (2280 with Lenovo adapter bracket)

PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe

Max Underside Clearance
≤2.38mm

Strictly Single-Sided PCB

Critical Mechanical Clearance Warning

CRITICAL CLEARANCE ALERT: Lenovo LOQ chassis has strictly <=2.38mm underside clearance. Double-sided SSDs (such as Kingston KC3000, WD SN850X 4TB, or Corsair MP600 Pro) have NAND chips on the bottom that will press against the motherboard PCB traces, risking short circuits and physical bending.

Heatsink Interference Rule:Do NOT purchase aftermarket SSDs with thick aluminum heatsinks (e.g., Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink). The laptop case will NOT close. Re-use the factory pre-installed thermal shield or apply a thin 0.5mm copper shim.
Slot Architecture

Detailed M.2 Bay Breakdown for Lenovo LOQ 15IRH8 (2023-2024)

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 (Single-Sided Only)

Primary boot drive slot with factory thermal pad. Directly routed to CPU PCIe lanes.

Slot #2M.2 2242 (2280 with Lenovo adapter bracket)
  • Interface & Protocol:PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe
  • Underside Max Clearance:≤2.38mm
  • PCB Layer Requirement:Single-Sided Only
  • Verified Max Capacity:2TB

Secondary storage slot. Factory screw standoff is set to 2242 length; to install a 2280 SSD, relocate standoff or use Lenovo extension bracket.

Both slots support full PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth delivering up to 7,450 MB/s sequential read speeds. Always select single-sided M.2 NVMe drives without factory heatsinks.

Certified Single-Sided SSDs

Verified Fit M.2 NVMe SSDs for Lenovo LOQ 15IRH8 (2023-2024)

Prices updated regularly via Amazon Associates
Fastest Read / Write$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 PCB)
Best Value & Battery Life$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% Verified Fit (Single-sided, Low Operating Heat)
Most Affordable 2TB$109.99

Crucial P3 Plus 2TB

M.2 2280 · PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe
Sequential Read:5,000 MB/s
Sequential Write:4,200 MB/s
Endurance Rating:440 TBW
Double-Sided:No (Single-sided)
100% Verified Fit (Single-Sided Design)

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