The LG Gram 16 (2024) is one of the world’s lightest 16-inch laptops, weighing just 1.2kg while maintaining a 16″ WQXGA display and all-day battery life. It’s powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and features an 80Wh battery — exceptional specs for its weight. Like other modern ultrabooks, the RAM is soldered, but the SSD is fully upgradeable, and the USB-C Power Delivery charging offers excellent third-party charger compatibility. This guide covers all upgrade and accessories options.
RAM Compatibility & Upgrade Options
The LG Gram 16 uses LPDDR5x memory soldered directly to the motherboard, making it non-upgradeable. Your RAM allocation is fixed at either 16GB or 32GB depending on your configuration at purchase. The soldered design contributes significantly to the Gram 16’s exceptionally low weight — traditional SO-DIMM slots would add grams and complexity.
For everyday productivity, web browsing, and office work, 16GB is sufficient. If you multitask heavily or work with multiple browser tabs, video editing, or coding, the 32GB model is worth the investment. Since RAM cannot be changed after purchase, decide this carefully at purchase time.
External Expansion Options
While internal RAM cannot be expanded, external Thunderbolt SSDs connected via the Gram 16’s Thunderbolt 4 port provide fast supplementary storage. This is ideal if you work with large files (video, high-res images, design files) but don’t want to upgrade your SSD.
SSD Compatibility & Upgrades
The LG Gram 16 features 1x M.2 2280 slot supporting PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSDs. The SSD is fully user-upgradeable, which is excellent if you need more storage as your files grow. You can replace it with virtually any modern PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 drive.
Compatible M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 Drives
Popular options include:
- Samsung 990 EVO — Excellent all-rounder, reliable, up to 5GB/s read speeds
- WD Black SN850X — High performance (7GB/s), superior thermals
- Crucial P5 Plus — Great balance of performance and cost
- SK Hynix Platinum P41 — Exceptional power efficiency, low heat
- Samsung 870 QVO — Budget-friendly high-capacity option (QLC NAND)
- Seagate FireCuda 530 — High-capacity (up to 4TB) with integrated heatspreader
All M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 drives are mechanical plug-and-play replacements. Remove the single access screw, pull the existing drive out at 45 degrees, insert the new one, and secure it. No drivers or software installation needed.
Storage Recommendations
The Gram 16 ships with either 512GB or 1TB. If you work with large files or keep extensive media libraries, upgrading to 2TB is sensible for long-term use. The Gram 16’s exceptional battery life makes it ideal for travel, and having more onboard storage reduces dependence on cloud services or external drives while mobile.
Charger & Power Bank Compatibility
The LG Gram 16 supports USB-C Power Delivery charging at 65W. The laptop comes with a 65W USB-C charger, but you have excellent third-party alternatives from Anker, Baseus, RAVPower, and other brands. USB-C PD 65W is a popular standard, meaning you can charge the Gram 16 with chargers designed for other ultrabooks.
Compatible USB-C PD Chargers (65W+)
Anker 737 Charger — Compact GaNPrime design, dual USB-C ports. Charges the Gram 16 fully in roughly 90 minutes. Ideal for travel — it’s lighter than LG’s original charger.
Baseus 65W Charger — Multi-port USB-C charger, lets you power the laptop and charge accessories simultaneously. Slightly larger than Anker but more port options.
RAVPower 65W GaN Charger — Reliable, affordable, compact. Excellent value for backup or travel chargers.
USB-C Power Banks for Travel
For travel, a USB-C power bank with 60W+ output can provide emergency top-ups. The Anker 737 Power Bank (25,000mAh, 140W max output) will partially charge the Gram 16 in a pinch, extending runtime on long flights or field work.
Docking Station & Thunderbolt 4 Accessories
The LG Gram 16 features Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, which is excellent for desk setups. Thunderbolt 4 docks provide:
- Multiple USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 ports
- Daisy-chaining of multiple Thunderbolt devices
- Power delivery (up to 100W) back to the laptop
- Dual 4K or single 6K display support
- External Thunderbolt storage
- SD card readers and audio I/O on premium models
Thunderbolt 4 Dock Options
Any Thunderbolt 4 dock is compatible. Caldigit, OWC, and ASUS make quality options. For a lightweight ultrabook like the Gram 16, a portable USB-C hub might be more practical than a full docking station — it matches the lightweight philosophy of the device.
If you work primarily at a desk, a Thunderbolt 4 dock with multiple ports, full 100W power delivery, and high-speed storage support will significantly improve your workflow and desk setup.
LG Gram 16 Specifications Table
| Component | Specification | Upgradeable? |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 | No |
| RAM | LPDDR5x 16GB or 32GB (soldered) | No |
| SSD | M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe (512GB/1TB) | Yes (full swap) |
| Display | 16″ WQXGA IPS (2560 x 1600) | No |
| GPU | Intel Arc Graphics (integrated) | No |
| Charging | USB-C PD 65W | Multi-brand compatible |
| Battery | 80Wh | No |
| Weight | 1.2kg (~2.65 lbs) | N/A |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C, 1x 3.5mm audio | External only |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM in the LG Gram 16?
No. The LPDDR5x RAM is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded or replaced. Choose 16GB or 32GB at purchase time. The soldered design contributes to the Gram 16’s ultralight weight, but it means RAM capacity must be decided at purchase.
What SSD upgrades are compatible with the Gram 16?
Any M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD is compatible. Samsung 990 EVO, WD Black SN850X, Crucial P5 Plus, and SK Hynix Platinum P41 are all excellent choices. Simply swap the drive — no drivers needed.
Can I use third-party chargers with the Gram 16?
Yes. Any USB-C PD charger rated 65W or higher is compatible. Anker 737, Baseus, and RAVPower chargers all work perfectly. The Gram 16 will charge slower with lower-wattage chargers but will still function correctly.
How much does the LG Gram 16 weigh?
The LG Gram 16 weighs just 1.2kg (2.65 lbs), making it the lightest 16-inch laptop available. This exceptional weight is achieved through magnesium alloy construction and soldered RAM.
What docking stations work with the Gram 16?
Any Thunderbolt 4 dock is fully compatible. Caldigit, OWC, and ASUS offer quality options. For portability, a USB-C hub is a lighter alternative that still provides external storage and monitor support.
Recommended Products
These are the products we recommend based on this guide. All links go to Amazon UK where you can check current prices and availability.
| Product | Why We Recommend It | Amazon UK |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair Vengeance DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 5600MHz | Top-rated DDR5 kit for gaming & productivity | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 5600MHz | Excellent DDR5 alternative with XMP support | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial DDR5 SO-DIMM 16GB 5600MHz | Affordable single-stick DDR5 | View on Amazon UK |
| G.Skill Ripjaws DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB 5600MHz | High performance DDR5 for enthusiasts | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe M.2 2280 | Fastest consumer NVMe — ideal for gaming & editing | View on Amazon UK |
| WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe | Excellent Gen4 speed with heatsink option | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial P5 Plus 1TB NVMe | Great value Gen4 SSD | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston NV2 1TB NVMe | Budget-friendly with solid reliability | View on Amazon UK |
Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
