Lenovo ThinkPad X230 Tablet - Upgrade Memory (up to 16GB RAM)

Gear: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2x8GB), X230T Accessories.

Most X230T systems will ship with 4 to 8 GB of RAM. This amount is sufficient enough for most programs. However, there are a few people that do need more memory RAM.


Those that may need more RAM are people who do things like HD video editing and run multiple virtual machines at the same time.

The X230T allows you to upgrade to 16GB with 2 SODIMM cards (2x8GB configuration). The RAM increase also improves graphics performance (the Intel HD 4000 gets more memory to work with).

Compatible RAM
I got a Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2x8GB) kit. This is compatible and the price is about $120. The Corsair Vengeance is a far better deal than paying Lenovo over $1,000 more for the 16GB RAM configuration. (check the prices at Lenovo's shop).

How to upgrade RAM:

• Shut down Windows.
• Take out the the battery, and press the power button (this drains any remaining electricity).
• Remove RAM plastic cover.
• Remove the existing RAM, and place in the new RAM.
• Turn on the X230T.
• Once in Windows, verify that the RAM works through DXDIAG.
• Press Win key and type "dxdiag".
• Locate the "Memory" field and ensure your RAM is working.
• If the RAM doesn't work, turn off the system and recheck the RAM cards.
• If the RAM is faulty then you may have to get a replacement.
• If the RAM works then secure the plastic cover.
• You are done.

There are a few changes that will happen to the system in the Windows Experience Index (WEI). Most noticeably the Memory (RAM) and Graphics scores, and even the drive performance went up.

4GB RAM
Memory (RAM): 5.9
Graphics: 5.1
Primary Hard Disk: 5.6

16GB RAM
Memory (RAM): 7.6
Graphics: 6.4
Primary Hard Disk: 5.9

So, some people may need/want to get more RAM, and hopefully this post clarifies what the effects of the upgrade will be.


WEI Scores

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4GB RAM

16GB RAM

(63m)