> My old thinkpad maxes out at 8gb, even though I could change the stick to a 16 or 32gb.

I don't know what model of ThinkPad you have, but on most of them for at least the last 10 years, if the RAM is the right type it will work.

ThinkPads traditionally have had PSREF and datasheets that specify the max RAM based on the modules available when they were released. But generally they will also work with larger memory modules of the same type. They just don't list them because they weren't available for testing at the time.

Which ThinkPad model do you have? Perhaps it is one that I or someone else may be familiar with.

I was thinking of my X240.

Ah yes, that has a single RAM slot. Crucial only shows an 8GB module for it:

https://www.crucial.com/compatible-upgrade-for/lenovo/thinkp...

So I don't know, that may well be the limit. OTOH, if there a larger compatible module from another manufacturer, it wouldn't surprise me if it just worked. Lenovo generally doesn't put arbitrary restrictions on RAM size.

Processors have RAM limit as well, independent of vendor. https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/75992/i...

Look at "Memory specification" part.

Can you call it a limitation of the processor? I thought it was with the accompanying chipset - https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-the-difference-betwee... .

Sure, the only real limitation inside the processor is the number of addressing bits if I remember correctly. However, in case of laptops I think it doesn't matter since they're kind of sold as a platform. The main point was - it might not be possible to extend RAM.

Thanks for the link. Indeed, that page lists a 16GB limit, so if that is the processor in OP's machine there may be hope. I do have 16GB (8GBx2) in my older X220 Tablet.

For the X250, I can confirm that it handles the 16GB. Investigated it once, haven't bothered actually upgrading, though.

I have 32GB in my T420s, works great.

Yep, I should have mentioned, running 32GB in my W520 too.

Previously, it used to be the case that if you don’t want to repair your device or upgrade your RAM you wouldn’t have used Thinkpads, as a MacBook is better at showing you websites. Now, unfortunately, not so much.