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Use Lenovo’s Hardware Maintenance Manual for the Legion 5i (15-inch, Gen 11) for the correct bottom-cover and component procedures. Before opening the laptop, identify its exact machine type: Lenovo groups multiple Gen 11 configurations, and their parts may differ. The manual’s illustrations may also vary from the product, and features can vary by region.
Find the guide for your exact Legion 5i
Start with the machine type shown on the laptop’s label or in system information. Use that identity—not just “Legion 5i”—when checking Lenovo documentation and replacement parts. Lenovo’s Hardware Maintenance Manual (HMM) for the Lenovo Legion 5i (15-inch, Gen 11) is the model-family-specific source for servicing. Its contents include safety requirements, general servicing guidelines, lower-case removal, M.2 SSD removal and installation, memory-module shielding and replacement, and parts, screws, and tools.
Lenovo’s removal and replacement video index, published February 16, 2026, lists Legion 5i 15IPH11 machine types 83RW and 83QB. It includes videos for the bottom cover, battery, SSD, wireless LAN card, memory module, and heatsink/fan assembly. Treat those videos as a visual supplement for the named types, not as confirmation that every Gen 11 configuration is identical.
How to approach removing the bottom cover
Follow the HMM’s safety requirements and general guidelines before servicing. The manual distinguishes customer-replaceable units (CRUs) from field-replaceable units (FRUs); the fact that Lenovo documents how to remove or replace a component does not automatically make it a self-service upgrade.
#1 Best Overall
- EXPLORE YOUR PASSION, ELEVATE YOUR GAME – The Lenovo Legion 5i empowers university gamers to explore their latest passions. With a thinner, lighter design and a Lenovo PureSight OLED display, it excels in gaming, streaming, and coursework on the go.
- GAME WITHOUT COMPROMISE – The Intel Core i7-14700HX processor features newly optimized hybrid architecture and industry leading technology that enables you to go beyond gaming and creation. With Intel, you can do it all.
- GAME CHANGER – Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell, the GeForce RTX 5070 graphics bring game-changing capabilities to gamers and creators. Equipped with incredible AI horsepower, prepare to unleash your creativity and experience next-level graphics fidelity.
- 3-MONTHS PC GAME PASS – Play hundreds of high-quality PC games with your new Lenovo Legion device and 3 months of PC Game Pass, including EA Play. With new games added all the time, there’s always something new to play.
- EXPERIENCE INTELLIGENT DESIGN –Lenovo AI Engine+ enhances FPS in today’s top AAA games while also reducing render times in today's premier creation apps. Easily managed through Legion Space, you can enjoy AI-tuned performance effortlessly.
- Confirm the model. Record the exact machine type, then open the matching Gen 11 HMM and confirm it covers your device.
- Review the lower-case procedure. Use the HMM’s illustrated lower-case removal section for the actual screw locations and cover-removal sequence. Do not substitute a guide for an earlier Legion generation.
- Check the target component’s procedure and classification. If you plan to access memory, storage, or another assembly, consult its HMM section and verify whether Lenovo identifies it as a CRU or FRU.
- Use the matching visual aid, if available. The Lenovo video index covers 15IPH11 types 83RW and 83QB; use it only if your machine type matches.
The available documentation identifies the relevant sections but does not reproduce every individual step here. Use Lenovo’s manual itself for the illustrated sequence rather than relying on generic screw or prying instructions.
What you may be able to upgrade
Lenovo’s HMM provides procedures for memory-module and M.2 SSD replacement, alongside lower-case removal and service procedures for components such as the battery and Wi-Fi card. Check the classification and your exact configuration before treating any component as a user upgrade.
Rank #2
- Powered by Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, a 24-core CPU (8P+16E) reaching up to 5.4 GHz, built for top-tier gaming, multitasking, and creative workflows.
- Equipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7 GPU, delivering advanced ray tracing, DLSS acceleration, and excellent performance in modern AAA titles.
- 16" WQXGA (2560×1600) IPS display with 240Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, HDR 400, Dolby Vision, and 100% DCI-P3 color for vivid and fluid visuals.
- High-speed 32GB DDR5-5600 memory and 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD ensure rapid load times and smooth multitasking across demanding applications.
- Next-gen Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity deliver ultra-fast, stable wireless performance for gaming, streaming, and seamless device connections.
Memory on the 15IPH11 variant
For Legion 5 15IPH11, Lenovo’s PSREF dated September 10, 2026 lists two DDR5 SODIMM slots and support for up to 32 GB based on Lenovo’s current memory offerings. These figures apply to that PSREF variant; check the specification for your own machine type before buying memory.
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The same PSREF describes support for up to two M.2 SSDs and identifies the second slot as available for user self-expansion. It lists M.2 2242 SSD offerings up to 2 TB while also identifying two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots. Because the listed dimensions do not align clearly, do not assume a drive length or fit from the family name alone.
Rank #3
- [Powerful AI Performance] The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX processor features 20 cores, speeds up to 5.20 GHz, and integrated smart AI capabilities to maximize system efficiency. This high-speed performance allows you to multi-task seamlessly, tackle demanding workloads, and run your favorite applications without any slowdowns.
- [Immersive Display & Audio] The brilliant 15.1-inch WQXGA 2560*1600 non-touch 165Hz display combined with integrated speakers and a built-in microphone provides stunning visuals and clear communication to elevate your gaming and multimedia experience.
- [Fast Memory & Storage] Experience seamless multitasking and lightning-fast load times with 1GB DDR5 RAM and a spacious 2GB PCIe M.2 SSD for all your gaming needs.
- [All-Day Power & Seamless Connectivity] Equipped with a reliable 80Wh battery and versatile USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI ports, this laptop provides long-lasting endurance and fast data transfers to ensure efficient, high-speed performance for all your daily tasks.
- [Next-Gen Stamina: Intelligent Battery Life] Powered by an advanced high-capacity battery system, this device delivers exceptional longevity and optimized power management to sustain your futuristic workflow without interruption.
Before purchasing an SSD, confirm the exact machine type, the physical slot, drive length, interface, and applicable Lenovo parts information. Lenovo documents M.2 storage replacement and expansion, but the fit of a particular drive depends on the specific system.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check replacement parts before buying
Use Lenovo Parts Lookup to identify compatible CRU or FRU parts, descriptions, part numbers, and substitutions. Lenovo’s HMM says to search by product name, machine type, or serial number; the machine type or serial number is the safer way to narrow results when configurations differ. For memory or storage, verify the relevant PSREF and HMM information as well as the Parts Lookup result.
Quick Recap
- Do not choose a part solely because it is advertised for “Legion 5i Gen 11.”
- For an SSD, check the physical dimensions and interface against the actual slot and system documentation.
- For any component whose CRU/FRU status is unclear, follow Lenovo’s classification in the HMM rather than assuming it is intended for owner replacement.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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