Home 2025 06 11 How-to-upgrade-ram-and-ssd-in-lg-gram-17-complete-memory-storage-installation-tutorial

How to Upgrade RAM and SSD in LG Gram 17: Complete Memory & Storage Installation Tutorial

Jun 11, 2025

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1. LG Gram 17 Upgrade Compatibility: Official Specifications

RAM Requirements

Specification Details Verified Models
Type DDR4 SODIMM Crucial Compatibility Tool
Speed 3200MHz (JEDEC standard) No XMP support
Capacity Max 32GB (2x16GB) 16GB soldered + 16GB slot (2022 models)

SSD Specifications

  • Interface:
    • M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 (NVMe 1.4)
    • Backward compatible with Gen3
  • Form Factor:
    • 2280 (80mm length)
    • Single-sided recommended
  • Verified Compatible:
    • Samsung 980 Pro
    • WD Black SN850X

Year-Specific Differences

  1. 2021 Models:
    • PCIe Gen3 only
    • One RAM slot (8GB soldered)
  2. 2022-2023 Models:
    • PCIe Gen4 support
    • 16GB soldered + empty slot

How to Check Your Model

  • Method 1:
    • Press Win+R, type msinfo32
    • Check "System Model"
  • Method 2:
    • Check sticker under battery
    • Format: 17Z90P-Kxxx (2021), 17Z90P-Lxxx (2022)

Warranty Considerations

  • RAM/SSD upgrades don't void warranty per LG's policy
  • Keep original components for service requests
  • Document installation with photos

2. Essential Tools for LG Gram 17 Upgrades: Professional-Grade Kit

Core Toolset

Tool Purpose Recommended Product
Precision Screwdriver Case and component screws iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit (PH000)
Plastic Pry Tools Case opening without scratches Nylon spudger set
Anti-static Wrist Strap ESD protection iFixit Grounding Strap

Specialized Equipment

  • Thermal Interface Materials:
    • 1mm thermal pad (Arctic Thermal Pad)
    • For SSD heat management
  • Magnification:
    • Head-mounted loupe (2x magnification)
    • For small connectors

Workspace Preparation

  1. Lighting:
    • 500+ lux brightness
    • Adjustable desk lamp
  2. Organization:
    • Magnetic project mat
    • Screw sorting containers

LG Gram-Specific Notes

  • Screw Types:
    • PH000 Phillips (bottom case)
    • T5 Torx (internal shields)
  • Special Considerations:
    • Ultra-thin prying tools (0.6mm)
    • Plastic card alternative for clips

Budget-Friendly Options

Tool Alternative Cost Savings
ESD Mat Aluminum foil on cardboard 90% less
Spudger Guitar pick 95% less

0:17 Unscrew and pull off bottom case 2:38 Disconnect battery 2:24 Take our original RAM 2:55 Install new RAM Module 2:57 Connect Battery 3:10 Turn on and Test Laptop 3:27 Disconnect battery 3:31 Take out Original SSD 3:57 Install New SSD Drive 4:17 Connect Battery 4:25 Put Bottom Case Back On 5:15 Test Laptop 5:45 Connect to the Internet and Run Windows Updates

3. LG Gram 17 RAM Installation: Professional Memory Upgrade Guide

Pre-Installation Safety

  1. Power Down Properly:
    • Shut down Windows completely
    • Hold power button for 15 seconds to discharge
    • Disconnect charger and peripherals
  2. ESD Protection:

Accessing RAM Slots

Step Key Detail Tool
1. Bottom Cover Removal 10x PH000 screws (4 long, 6 short) Magnetic screwdriver
2. Case Opening Start near hinge with 0.6mm spudger iFixit opening picks
3. Shield Removal 2x T5 screws on metal cover Precision Torx set

RAM Installation Process

  1. Existing RAM Removal:
    • Push outward on retention clips
    • Module pops up at 30° angle
    • Remove gently straight out
  2. New RAM Installation:
    • Align notch with slot key
    • Insert at 45° angle first
    • Press down until clicks lock

BIOS Configuration

  • First Boot:
    • Power on with F2 for BIOS
    • Verify RAM detection
  • Optimization:
    • Enable memory XMP profile if available
    • Set speed to 3200MHz

Troubleshooting

Issue Solution
RAM not detected Reseat module, check alignment
System beeps Test with single module
Running at 2400MHz Update BIOS to latest version

Performance Verification

  • Run MemTest86 for 4 passes
  • Check dual-channel status in CPU-Z
  • Compare benchmarks with UserBenchmark

4. LG Gram 17 SSD Replacement: Professional Storage Upgrade

Pre-Installation Checklist

  • Data Backup:
    • Create full system image
    • Verify backup integrity
  • Component Verification:
    • Confirm SSD is M.2 2280 NVMe
    • Check thermal pad thickness (1mm)

Accessing SSD Slot

  1. Remove bottom cover (10x PH000 screws)
  2. Locate SSD near right hinge area
  3. Identify metal shielding bracket

Existing SSD Removal

Step Key Detail
1. Shield Removal Remove 2x T5 screws (note spring tension)
2. SSD Ejection Push retention screw sideways while lifting SSD
3. Thermal Material Preserve existing pad if reusable

New SSD Installation

  • Preparation:
    • Clean slot with isopropyl alcohol
    • Apply new thermal pad if needed
  • Installation:
    • Insert SSD at 30° angle
    • Secure with retention screw (0.5 Nm torque)
    • Reattach heatsink shield

Post-Installation Setup

  1. Power on and enter BIOS (F2)
  2. Verify SSD detection
  3. Secure erase old drive if reusing
  4. Install OS or clone existing drive

Performance Optimization

  • Enable PCIe Gen4 in BIOS (2022+ models)
  • Update SSD firmware
  • Configure over-provisioning (10% recommended)

Troubleshooting

Issue Solution
SSD not detected Reseat drive, check BIOS version
Overheating Verify thermal pad contact
Slow speeds Check PCIe link speed in BIOS

5. LG Gram 17 BIOS Optimization: Post-Upgrade Tuning

Accessing BIOS Settings

  1. Boot Method:
    • Power on while pressing F2
    • For advanced options: F2 + Ctrl
  2. Navigation:
    • Use arrow keys and Enter
    • F9 resets to defaults
    • F10 saves and exits

RAM Configuration

Setting Recommended Value Note
Memory Speed 3200MHz JEDEC standard only
Memory Remap Enabled For full 32GB recognition

SSD Performance Settings

  • PCIe Generation:
    • Set to Gen4 (2022+ models)
    • Gen3 for 2021 models
  • NVMe Configuration:
    • Enable ASPM L1.2 for battery life
    • Disable Link Power Management

Security Adjustments

  1. Secure Boot:
    • Disable for drive cloning
    • Re-enable after OS install
  2. TPM Management:
    • Clear TPM if reusing motherboard
    • Reinitialize for Windows 11

Power Optimization

Setting Battery Mode Performance Mode
Processor Power Balanced Turbo Boost
Fan Control Quiet Performance

BIOS Version Verification

  • Current version shown on Main tab
  • Check LG support site for updates
  • Update via Windows if newer available

6. LG Gram 17 Post-Upgrade Testing: Performance Validation

Initial System Verification

  1. BIOS Recognition:
    • Confirm RAM capacity in system info
    • Verify SSD model and interface speed
  2. Basic Functionality:
    • Test all USB ports
    • Check Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity

RAM Stability Testing

Test Expected Result Duration
Windows Memory Diagnostic No errors 30 minutes
Extended Stress Test Stable at 3200MHz 4 hours

SSD Performance Validation

  • Speed Verification:
    • Sequential reads: 3500MB/s+ (Gen3)
    • Sequential writes: 3000MB/s+ (Gen3)
  • Latency Checks:
    • 4K random read: 50MB/s+
    • Access time: 0.1ms or lower

Thermal Performance

  1. Baseline Temperatures:
    • Idle: Below 45°C
    • Load: Below 75°C
  2. Throttling Test:
    • Sustained workload for 15 minutes
    • Monitor clock speed consistency

Battery Life Assessment

Usage Scenario Expected Duration Tolerance
Video Playback 17+ hours ±5%
Office Productivity 12+ hours ±7%

Application Benchmarks

  • Before/After Comparison:
    • Photoshop load time
    • Visual Studio compile speed
  • Multitasking:
    • 30+ Chrome tabs with Office apps
    • Virtual machine performance

7. LG Gram 17 Resale Optimization: Upgrade Value Preservation

Professional Listing Techniques

  • Title Optimization:
    • "2023 LG Gram 17 (Model 17Z90R) | 32GB RAM + 2TB SSD | 100% Battery Health"
    • Include weight: "Under 2.98 lbs"
  • Key Specs Highlight:
    • Mention MIL-STD-810G durability
    • Note Thunderbolt 4 certification

Best Resale Platforms

Platform Best For Fee Structure
SellBroke Quick corporate buybacks No listing fees
SellLaptopBack Bulk enterprise equipment 12% commission
GovDeals Government auctions (.gov) 10% buyer premium
PublicSurplus Educational institutions (.edu) 7-15% fees

Value-Boosting Documentation

  1. Proof of Upgrades:
    • Original component receipts
    • Pre-upgrade benchmark comparisons
  2. Warranty Transfer:
    • LG warranty status check
    • Original purchase invoice

Competitive Pricing Guide

  • Base Value Factors:
    • Battery cycles under 100: +15%
    • Original box included: +8%
  • Upgrade Premiums:
    • 32GB RAM: +20-25%
    • 2TB SSD: +18-22%

Corporate Seller Strategies

  • Offer bulk discounts for 5+ units
  • Provide IT asset tags documentation
  • Include LG Commercial Warranty transfer

Pre-Sale Security Protocol

  1. Perform secure drive wipe (DoD 5220.22-M)
  2. Remove from LG account registration
  3. Reset BIOS to factory defaults

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