The ThinkPad X1 Extreme is one of the most powerful laptops in the Lenovo ThinkPad family, and that’s no different with the latest model. Out of the box, you can configure it with up to an Intel Core i9-12900H CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics, 64GB of RAM, and 4TB of storage (8TB if you opt for a weaker GPU). Thankfully, there’s also some degree of upgradability, so if you want, you can buy a lower configuration and upgrade later. In this article, we’ll take a look at how you can upgrade the memory on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5.
There are a few reasons you might want to upgrade the memory later. For one thing, the RAM upgrades on Lenovo’s configurator are very expensive, especially if you want to go beyond 16GB. If you’re willing to put in some work, you can save some money by buying a lower configuration and upgrading it yourself after the fact. You may also just not need a ton of RAM right now, but a few years down the line, it may come in handy. Whatever your motive, we’re here to help.
What you’ll need
If you’re going to upgrade the memory inside the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5, you’re going to need some tools. Here’s a short list:
Philips-head screwdriver
Prying tool (may be optional)
Anti-static wrist strap
SODIMM RAM module
A good way to get a Philips-head screwdriver and prying tool is with the iFixit Essential Electronics Toolkit. If you’re working with electronics pretty often, this has a few tools you might need, including the two we just mentioned. The anti-static wrist strap is also recommended to avoid electrostatic discharges while you work on the computer, since they can cause damage. Otherwise, you can ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface.
Of course, you’re going to need a RAM module to install onto your Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme. It’s important that the RAM modules match up in terms of speed, so if you’re only going to upgrade one module, make sure to look for DDR5 RAM at 4800MHz. A great option is this one from Crucial, which comes in different capacities depending on your needs:
Before you get started with the upgrade process, you’re also going to want to make sure you can do it safely. First, you might want to back up your important data before starting. There’s no reason why you should lose any data during this process, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
You’re also going to want to disable the built-in battery inside the laptop. This makes it so that there isn’t any residual current running through the computer while you work on it, preventing damage from potential electric discharges. Here’s how to do it:
Go to the Control Panel and change the view from Categories to either Large icons or Small icons. The list is sorted alphabetically, and you need to find a link called Power options.
Here, click Choose what the power buttons do in the side menu on the left.
Click Change settings that are currently unavailable near the top of the page (you’ll need to have an administrator account on the PC). Then, uncheck the box that says Turn on fast startup (recommended) and click Save changes.
Restart your PC and press F1 when the Lenovo logo appears to enter the ThinkPad setup menu.
Navigate to Config> Power. In this submenu, choose Disable built-in battery.
Confirm your choice and then the computer will power off.
You’ll want to reverse this once you’re done with the RAM upgrade, and you can follow the same steps to do it. For now, let the computer cool for a few minutes before you start woking on it.
Upgrade the memory in the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5
Now that everything is prepared, we can start working on upgrading the RAM. Here’s what you need to do:
Lay the laptop with bottom base cover facing up, and remove the seven screws holding it in place using the Philips-head screwdriver.
Lift up the base cover starting around the hinge – a prying tool may help with this. Then, remove the base cover completely.
Image credit: Lenovo
The memory modules are near the center of the laptop, slightly off to the left. They’re covered by black flaps you can simply lift up.
If you have an empty slot, you can simply insert the new RAM module in the next step. To remove an installed memory module, carefully pull on the sides of the metal bracket to release the module, then simply slide stick out of its slot.
Image credit: Lenovo
To insert a new module, slide it into the slot at an angle until the contacts are completely hidden. The memory chips and label on the module should be facing up.
Press the memory module down until you hear it click as the bracket locks it in place. This shouldn’t require excessive force.
If you’re installing two new modules, simply repeat the process on the other slot.
Once you’ve installed your memory, re-attach the base cover, then tighten the seven screws to old it in place. Be careful not to overtighten them, as it can damage the computer.
And that’s it! Once this is done, simply plug in your laptop and turn it on to see if everything is in working order. You can head back into the ThinkPad menu at startup to re-enable the battery, and then enable fast startup in Windows, too.
If you haven’t yet and you’re interested, you can buy the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme using the link below. Lenovo offers plenty of configuration options, and since you can upgrade the RAM and storage yourself, you can try to save some money by opting for a lower configuration.
If this laptop doesn’t sound like your thing, you can always check out the best Lenovo laptops to find something a little different. Alternatively, you can also check out the best laptops overall to see what else is out there from other brands.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is a powerful business laptop with Intel H-series processors and NVIDIA RTX graphics to handle the most demanding workloads. It also comes with space for RAM and storage upgrades.
If you use your Microsoft Surface Pro 8 for work or school, you could use it with a docking station and external monitor. Using an external monitor can provide more screen real estate, and docking stations can offer additional ports for multi-tasking. Professional creative users may also need a monitor with excellent color calibration and accuracy. Whether you’re a pro, or just looking to watch Netflix on a bigger screen, our list of the best external monitors for the Surface Pro 8 has something for everyone.
Monitors come in a variety of sizes, and span the price spectrum from fairly cheap to incredibly expensive. When choosing an external monitor to use with your new Microsoft PC, you should carefully consider your use-case as well as your budget. Keep in mind the Surface Pro 8 has Thunderbolt 4 ports, so you can consider a Thunderbolt-compatible monitor. In general, these monitors are quite expensive, but we’ve included a selection of Thunderbolt monitors for your consideration.
If you need to expand your port selection, the aforementioned docking stations and dongles work in tandem with your new monitor. We’ve rounded up the best monitors for 4K performance, creative professionals, and those looking to get the best overall bang for their buck.
The UHD 4K resolution displays breathtaking clarity and fine detail with four times the resolution of Full HD. Plus this monitor is designed to work with compatible calibration devices that ensure precise adjustments of color, brightness and more.
Looking for an external monitor you can carry with you? Lenovo offers its customers the ThinkVision M14 that features a 14 inch full-HD panel and dual USB-C ports for a seamless connectivity experience.
HP's U28 features a factory-calibrated 4K HDR IPS panel which is great for studio work and also features a host of I/O ports. If you want a 4K model with a solid price, this is an excellent option to consider.
The ASUS ProArt PA279CV is suited for customers looking for an external display for the purpose of photo or video editing. It features a 27 inch 4K resolution IPS panel that offers 100% sRGB coverage, factory calibrated for Delta E < 2 color accuracy and a USB-C port for seamless connectivity.
If you want a huge external monitor that isn't an UltraWide, consider BenQ's EW3280U. The monitor is beautiful and comes with two USB-C ports that let you daisy-chain two monitors together, along with HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. This monitor also includes a remote so you can switch inputs, change the picture quality, and control the volume without having to reach up to the monitor itself.
Want an extra screen without spending a lot? This 21.5-inch monitor comes in Full HD resolution and has a 75Hz refresh rate so you get a solid baseline experience. Plus, it's an IPS panel with great viewing angles. It may not have anything too fancy, but this is a great budget option.
If you like the look of a curved monitor, Sceptre has a nice option here. This monitor features a 2560 x 1080 resolution, which isn't the highest for a large display, but should work for basic use. You can also use a VESA mount to optimize your desk space and workflow. At under $250, this is solid value for curved screen enthusiasts.
If you like the look of LG's 29WP60G-B but want a bigger display, check out this 34 inch option. LG’s 34 inch UltraWide monitor is a great pick if you want a relatively affordable ultrawide display. With a Full HD display and AMD FreeSync, you should be able to make the most of LG’s impressive display. This 34 inch LG monitor is HDR10 ready with Maxx Audio speakers in the bottom bezel.
Those that want 4K and excellent gaming options should look at the LG 24UD58-B. Use your Surface Pro 8 to watch Netflix in 4K, or play some of the newest Stadia games. This monitor isn't quite as attractive as others, but it makes up for it with performance and features.
These are our picks for the best monitors to use with your Microsoft Surface Pro 8. You can find a monitor for any size preference or use-case. If you need professional-level color accuracy, definitely pick up the ASUS ProArt Display 27. Those looking to get the best 4K experience for Netflix will surely enjoy either the HP U28 4K or the LG 24UD58-B, depending on size preference.
No matter which monitor you choose, make sure you have the proper cables and ports available to connect your Surface Pro 8. Let us know about your favorite monitors to pair with your PC in the comments section below.
Whether you’re a first-time iPhone buyer or a seasoned iOS veteran, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro is a smartphone that you can count on for practically all situations. It is the best iOS smartphone you can purchase, but it isn’t the one that offers the most value, so the recommendation leans on you being a power user.
If you’re someone that has an iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro, this upgrade isn’t going to add that much on top of what you already have. If you’re an iPhone user with an iPhone 11, 12, or 13, or something even older, the Pro model is going to be a worthy upgrade. If you’re an Android user that’s curious about the world of iOS, the Pro model is great, but it isn’t the best smartphone out there on the market when you consider other ecosystems.
In short, the iPhone 14 Pro is a solid smartphone. It offers a refined design that won’t turn any heads, but Apple still manages to add little things here and there that make the experience feel refined and refreshed. However, don’t let buzzwords like Dynamic Island or Crash Detection lure you into making a purchase.
3,200mAh rated for up to 23 hours of video playback, 20 hours of streaming video, up to 75 hours of music playback
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB
Sensors
Face ID with LiDAR Scanner,
Barometer
High dynamic range gyro
High-g accelerometer
Proximity sensor
Dual ambient light sensors
Ports
Apple Lightning port
OS
iOS 16
Colors
Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple
Dimensions
147.5 mm x 71.5mm x 7.85mm
Weight
206 grams
Price
$999 (128GB)
$1,099 (256GB)
$1,299 (512GB)
$1,499 (1TB)
About this review:I purchased the Apple iPhone 14 Pro for personal use. Apple did not have any input into the contents of this review. As a bit of added perspective, I have used the iPhone 13 Pro as my daily driver since launch, prior to upgrading.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro: Price and Availability
The iPhone 14 Pro is now available directly from Apple, wireless carriers, and electronics retailers globally. Be sure to keep an eye out on our deals page to get the best possible pricing. The iPhone 14 Pro is priced at:
$999 for the 128GB model
$1099 for the 256GB model
$1299 for the 512GB model
$1499 for the 1TB model
Design
It’s hard to get excited or compliment the look of the Apple iPhone 14 Pro because, in my eyes, after so many years, the shape, while refined, just looks spent. If you didn’t have the Dynamic Island as a hint, you could easily mistake the iPhone 11 Pro for the iPhone 12 Pro, the iPhone 12 Pro for the iPhone 13 Pro, and so on. Now, this is where you have to give credit to Apple for being able to refine a look over several years and have millions of people come along for the ride with cash in hand. Apple’s quite masterful in this respect, knowing just when to add something new so that people feel comfortable enough to part with their money and move on to a new model.
For the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple keeps the same size display as the previous model but uses a new 6.1-inch 120Hz OLED LTPO panel that has a variable refresh rate that can go as low as 1Hz. Implementing this kind of technology was necessary so that it could introduce the world to its interpretation of an Always-On Display. The notch at the top has been replaced with a hole and a pill cutout that’s disguised by the new Dynamic Island, which cleverly conceals the miniaturized 12MP TrueDepth camera. The company once again relies on surgical-grade stainless steel for the frame and textured matte glass on the rear. This year, three noticeably thicker camera lenses sit on a more pronounced camera plate. This added thickness accommodates Apple’s move to a 48MP main camera sensor after years of sticking with a 12MP sensor.
In hand, the iPhone 14 Pro feels solid, hefty, and sharp due to its flat edges. The display is crisp and bright, even under the most demanding conditions, achieving a claimed 2000 nits at peak brightness. While I don’t get excited about the look or the design, it’s become a timeless classic in the minds of many. The years of refinement have brought it to this point, and I think for most, the iPhone 14 Pro sits on solid ground.
Camera
While the iPhone used to take the crown for its photo and video prowess year after year, in more recent times, it has vacated the thrown to competitors like Samsung and Google. This year, Apple finally ditched the 12MP main sensor in exchange for a 48MP quad-pixel sensor. The quad-pixel sensor works by combining every four pixels into one large quad pixel resulting in enhanced optical quality and better low-light captures. Needless to say, if you’re shooting with the main camera, the pictures look good. The quality of the photos taken with the ultra-wide and telephoto are also improved from last year’s model. This is most likely due to the new “Photonic Engine,” which makes use of computational photography.
But where Apple really shines is with their video, and this year’s model is no exception. In addition to great image quality, the iPhone 14 Pro offers impressive stabilization, taking things even further with its new Action Mode. Action Mode can capture the smoothest handheld video, even when shakes or bumps get violent. I liken the experience to shooting a video with a gimbal. The footage is so smooth that it really is a game changer. Now, there are caveats with this mode, like requiring a lot of light and only being able to shoot in 2.8K at 60 fps, but it’s a great feature to have in the tool bag.
Apple hits the sweet spot with its camera, offering good to great quality photos and video. The iPhone 14 Pro offers a simplified experience where you just point, shoot, and feel good about the results. Whether it’s a bright sunny day or a dimly lit interior shot, the iPhone usually gets it done. Now, is it going to be better than what you might find on a top-of-the-line Android handset? Probably not, but for the majority, it’ll be more than enough. But I’ll let you be the judge by checking out the samples. If you’re looking for a more in-depth deep dive, I’d recommend checking out my colleague Ben Sin’s iPhone 14 Pro Max review, as that phone also has the same sensors found in the iPhone 14 Pro.
iOS 16
With the latest iOS update, Apple continues to build on its OS platform, keeping much the same but adding little features and enhancements. For iOS 16, the company is putting a focus on its customizable Lock Screen, its updated notification system, new Focus modes, and enhancements to messages. But what makes the experience unique on the iPhone 14 Pro is the inclusion of Dynamic Island. The Dynamic Island is a new piece of software that camouflages the hole and a pill cut out of the new 12MP TrueDepth camera.
As the name suggests, it’s dynamic and responds to different apps and situations, expanding when needed to house more icons or information. This is still a new addition, and the functionality is quite limited, but it gives users a new way to interact with notifications or apps, as we have never seen before. Now, as far as usefulness is concerned, this will vary from person to person. But for my daily use, I rarely see the Dynamic Island react, and rightfully so, as there is limited support for third-party apps at the moment. That means when you use apps like WhatsApp, Slack, Gmail, Twitter, Google Chrome, YouTube, and TikTok, the Dynamic Island will remain dormant. Now, do I yearn for the notch, no, but did I expect more from the Dynamic Island, certainly.
But being let down by iOS 16’s new additions doesn’t really paint the whole picture, as iOS has never been about just one feature. The true strength of iOS lies in its cohesive experience and excellent integration with its hardware components, whether it’s an iPhone or smartwatch, it all works together like a well-oiled machine. On the flip side, this cohesive system comes at a cost, with its super-rigid UI that lacks any kind of flair and the restrictive nature of the OS itself that some have referred to as having features that make it a walled garden. Again, you can either love it or hate it, but it’s just one of those things that consistently just works, and for someone like me, that’s perfect.
Performance
With its A16 Bionic processor and 6GB RAM, the iPhone 14 Pro is an all-around excellent performer. The phone can process anything that you can throw at it. Whether it’s games, web browsing, video editing, taking pictures and videos, you name it, it can be done. During my time with the phone, there hasn’t been a moment that I feel things are sluggish. If there is a complaint, it would be when running intensive processes, as the back of the phone does tend to get really hot. This can happen during intensive gaming sessions or using an app that requires a lot from the SoC.
For those that like to look at benchmark numbers, you can see the results from 3DMark and Geekbench above. The scores should speak for themselves, but this is a capable smartphone, and there really isn’t much out there that can slow it down. With the Apple silicon, what you get is not only a capable performer right now, but also one that ages gracefully, marking it as one of those devices that you should consider if future-proofing is higher on your priority list.
Charging and battery life
Although Apple doesn’t provide battery numbers, sources have found that the iPhone 14 Pro has a 4,323 mAh battery, which is just a touch smaller than its predecessor. Apple states that the phone can offer video playback for up to 23 hours, streamed video playback for up to 20 hours, and can do audio playback for up 75 hours on a single charge.
What really changed the experience for the better was turning off the Always-On Display, it was like night and day, with the iPhone 14 Pro providing all-day battery life without breaking a sweat.
Unfortunately, these numbers mean nothing outside of a controlled environment. With just under a week of use, the battery life is pretty bad when compared to the previous iPhone 13 Pro. Despite Apple’s use of an OLED LTPO panel that can go as low as 1Hz, the battery life still gets hit pretty badly when the Always-On Display is enabled.
For those that tend to eat through battery on their phones, you won’t be happy to hear that the iPhone 14 Pro offers a rather sluggish charging rate, going from zero to 50 percent in roughly 30 minutes if you’re using a 20W adapter. The phone can also charge wirelessly using a MagSafe wireless charger at 15W or a Qi wireless charger at 7.5W. This is far from the fastest charging speed available, but it’s adequate enough, considering that depleting the battery can sometimes be a challenge in day-to-day use. This experience is obviously going to be different, as everyone uses their phone in their own unique way.
Is the Apple iPhone 14 Pro the right smartphone for you?
You should buy the iPhone 14 Pro if:
You want the latest and most powerful iPhone from Apple
You are an iPhone user that has been looking to upgrade and owns an iPhone 11 or older
You are looking to switch from an Android smartphone and want the best iPhone experience
You should not buy the iPhone 14 Pro if:
You are just interested in the Dynamic Island or Apple’s new AOD
You already own the iPhone 12 Pro
You own an iPhone and can hold out another year
When you peel back all of the layers of the iPhone, what are you left with? In fact, I think the better question is when you peel back the layers of any smartphone, what are you left with? At its core, to me, a smartphone is about communication, entertainment, and connectivity. In our current climate, pretty much any smartphone, Android or iOS, can easily deliver on these core values. So I’ll say the obvious at this point: it’s just a matter of preference because there are plenty of choices out there.
I keep gravitating back to an iPhone because the experience is reliable and consistent.
Now, as I said before, the iPhone 14 Pro isn’t exciting, but in my day-to-day use, I keep gravitating back to an iPhone because the experience is reliable and consistent. This also applies to other iOS devices, no matter what kind of device or how old it is, the experience is always the same. It works well for the things I do, and it can keep doing it for prolonged periods of time. There are lots of other scenarios I can expand on, but the bottom line is that it just consistently and reliably works.
