Best accessories for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 in 2023
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is a very powerful business laptop, featuring 12th-generation Intel Core H-series processors and up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU. With that kind of power, this is a laptop basically ready for anything, and a great choice for anyone with demanding workloads, especially in a professional environment. Of course, even the best laptop in the world isn’t perfect, and you can always make your experience with the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 a bit better by using some accessories.
Whether you need an extra screen to increase your productivity, a larger keyboard, or anything else, we’ve got you covered. These are the best accessories for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5
External monitors
A powerful laptop like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme is prime for multitasking, and while the 16-inch screen on the laptop is already fairly large, having an extra screen can definitely help take the multitasking experience that much further. Here are some great external monitors you can use to boost your productivity at the office or on the go.
Lenovo ThinkVision P27h-20
Editor’s Choice
The Lenovo ThinkVision P27h-20 is a great 27-inch monitor with Quad HD resolution, great for getting work done and multitasking. It has great color coverage and connects via USB-C.
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE
Premium Pick
One of the best monitors around for most people, the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE uses IPS Black technology to deliver a 2000:1 contrast ratio while still having fantastic viewing angles. It’s an extremely sharp 4K display and it also has great color coverage.
Samsung S65UA Ultra WQHD Monitor
Extra wide
You can’t talk about multitasking without bringing up ultrawide monitors, and this is a great choice that doesn’t break the bank. It’s a large 34-inch panel with UWQHD resolution, and it connects via USB-C for easy setup.
LG 28MQ870-B DualUp Monitor
Two screens in one
What if instead of an ultrawide monitor, you had an extra-tall one? That’s the LG DualUp, a 28-inch monitor that’s essentially the same as having two 21.5-inch displays on top of each, each one with a very sharp Quad HD panel.
Samsung Odyssey G5 (G50A)
Try some gaming
With the kind of power inside the ThinkPad X1 Extreme, gaming makes at ton of sense, and this is a great monitor to do it. It has Quad HD resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, so all your games look crisp and smooth.
LG Gram +View
Best portable monitor
If you’re too used to working with two screens, you might want to take that on the go. The LG gram +View is the perfect pair for the ThinkPad X1 Extreme, being a 16-inch panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio and Quad HD+ resolution.
If these don’t sound quite right to you, you may want to check out the best monitors overall to see some more options.
Docks and adapters
Truth be told, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 already has a very generous setup of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 connections, two USB Type-A ports, HDMI, and an SD card reader. But if you have a big office setup or a lot of peripherals, it may still not be enough. Or maybe you just want the convenience of plugging in all your peripherals at once using a docking station. If you need a few more ports for accessories on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5, here are some great options.
Kensington SD5780T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station
Premium Pick
Aimed at those with plenty of money to spend, the Kensington SD5780T is one of the best docks you can buy. It has HDMI, two Thunderbolt downstream ports, USB Type-A, Ethernet, and a full-size SD card reader, so you can connect just about anything you want.
Lenovo ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Official Lenovo dock
The Lenovo ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock ads multiple USB ports and display outputs to your laptop, plus it delivers up to 100W of power.
Plugable 16-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Editor’s Choice
This Plugable docking station comes with a whopping 16 ports in a relatively compact design, including four display outputs, 2.5Gb Ethernet.
Anker 777 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
All-metal chassis
This Anker dock features a sleek all-metal design that looks and feels durable, plus it has a lot of ports including dual HDMI, gigabit Ethernet, downstream Thunderbolt, an SD card reader, and more.
Insignia 7-Port Type-C Hub
Simple USB hub
The Insignia 7-Port USB Type-C Hub gives you a few extra ports wherever you are, including gigabit Ethernet for fast wired internet access, which the ThinkPad X1 Extreme lacks.
Mokin 9-in-1 USB-C Hub
Best Value
For a few extra ports on the cheap, this Mokin USB-C hub includes a total of 9 ports, including HDMI and Ethernet, so you can expand the capabilities of your laptop without spending too much.
External GPU enclosures
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is a very powerful laptop already, but if you chose a lower-end configuration or you simply want more power later on, external GPUs are accessories that let you get even more power. With an external GPU enclosure, you can install a desktop graphics card and connect it to your laptop using a Thunderbolt cable, so you have more power when you need it, but you also have the freedom to disconnect. There are a few more external GPU enclosures out there, but they’re frequently out of stock and hard to find, so we recommend sticking with these three.
Razer Core X Chroma
Editor’s Choice
Potentially the best external GPU enclosure out there, the Razer Core X Chroma is powered by a 750W PSU, and it can fit up to triple-slot graphics cards, so you can get as much power as you need. Plus, it features RGB lighting and 100W of power delivery.
Sonnet Breakaway Box 750
For creative work
If you want something a bit more subdued that still looks sleek, the Sonnet Breakaway Box 750 is also a great option. It has a more powerful 750 PSU, but oddly enough, it can only deliver 375W of continuous power to the GPU, with an additional 85W for peak loads. Plus, it charges your laptop at up to 85W, too.
AKiTiO Node Titan
Easy to carry
The Akition Node Titan is an older model, but it still has a 650W PSU that can deliver up to 500W to your GPU, and it has a tool-less design so you can easily install or switch GPUs.
Mice and keyboards
Lenovo makes excellent keyboards for laptops, and for many, the built-in keyboard is probably all you need. However, if you need that extra bit of comfort and productivity at the office, an external keyboard can go a long way. Plus, no one really likes using a touchpad, so you might want a traditional mouse, too. If you need some of these accessories for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme, we’ve got you covered.
Lenovo ThinkPad Wired USB Keyboard with TrackPoint
For TrackPoint fans
If you’re a fan of ThinkPads, there’s a good chance you’re a fan of the TrackPoint, and this keyboard lets you get that experience on the desktop, while offering more comfortable typing.
Razer Pro Type Ultra
Premium Pick
Mechanical keyboards are often the preferred choice of professional typists, and the Razer Pro Type Ultra is a great option if you want a productivity keyboard. It looks incredibly clean with its white design, and it uses silent linear switches so you can still use it in an office. It also includes a wrist rest.
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
All-day comfort
If you spend all day working at your computer, comfort is of the utmost importance, and an ergonomic keyboard like this is ideal. It keeps all the keys easily within reach while keeping your wrists in a natural resting position so you stay comfortable for long periods.
Source: HyperX
HyperX Alloy Origins Core TKL
For the gamers
The HyperX Alloy Origins Core TKL is one of the best affordable TKLs out there that comes with per-key RGB lighting and tactile switches.
Logitech MX Master 3S
Best mouse
The Logitech MX Master 3S is basically the king of productivity mice, with a fast and precise sensor that works on any surface, a MagSpeed scroll wheel, and a premium ergonomic build. It’s impossible not to recommend it.
Lenovo ThinkPad Wireless Mouse
ThinkPad design
If all you need is a basic mouse, this ThinkPad mouse might just do the trick. It’s a perfect match for ThinkPad laptops thanks to the black and red aesthetic.
Headphones
Like most laptops, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme does have built-in speakers, but sometimes, it’s not a great idea to use them. There may be people around you, and you don’t want to be the person blasting your sound for everyone to hear. Whether you’re in the office or on the move, headphones and earbuds are great accessories for your ThinkPad X1 Extreme, and we’ve chosen a few of the best options below.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Editor’s Choice
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are some of the best true wireless earbuds on the market, with great audio quality and noise cancelation. They also have a Windows app, so you can adjust them more easily.
Apple AirPods 3
Premium Pick
AirPods are incredibly popular, and the third-generation model has a new, more comfortable design, on top of delivering a great audio experience across the board.
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
Great alternative
The Elite 7 Pro are Jabra’s latest true wireless earbuds, and they deliver fantastic audio with 6mm drivers, plus they have ANC. They also have a more professional and subdued design than some competitors.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Premium headphones
Sony is known for making some of the best audio products in the world, and the WH-1000XM5 is the cream of the crop of Bluetooth headsets, with fantastic audio quality, top-notch noise cancellation, and a more modern design than its predecessors.
Bose QuietComfort 45
Great noise cancelation
A great rival to Sony’s headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 45 are another pair of sleek headphones with exceptional ANC performance and clean, bur professional design.
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming H100 Headset
Budget pick
If you want a good audio experience on the cheap, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming H100 headset is a comfortable pair of wired headphones with a built-in microphone, ideal for online gaming and calls. It has a subdued design despite its gaming roots.
Webcams
Webcams have become extremely important accessories in the past couple of years, and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 has a decent 1080p webcam already. Still, you might want better quality if you’re participating in meetings frequently, and there are a few great options out there if you’re looking for an upgrade. If you want to check out a few more options, we have a roundup of the best webcams overall that might be interesting for you.
Logitech C920S Pro HD Webcam
Best Value
It may be Full HD resolution, but the Logitech C920S is one of the best webcams you can buy for the price, and it’s a great upgrade for your office compared to the built-in webcam.
HP 965 Streaming Webcam
Editor’s Choice
The HP 965 4K Streaming webcam uses a high-resolution 8MP sensor and it’s optimized for low light, so you always look your best regardless of your environment.
Insta360 Link
Premium Pick
For the ultimate webcam experience, the INsta360 Link features a gimbal and AI-based tracking to ensure you’re always in the frame. It’s also one of the best webcam sensors out there, so it always looks great.
Cases and bags
Being as powerful as it is, and especially with it being a business laptop, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is a very expensive laptop, and you might want to protect it so it lasts as long as possible. That’s where bags and cases come into the frame. There’s no shortage of bags you can put your laptop in, but here are a few we like.
Lenovo ThinkPad Essential 15.6 Topload
Editor’s Choice
Carry your laptop, charger, and any extras you need with this ThinkPad topload bag. It matches the design language of Lenovo’s ThinkPad laptops, so it’s great for fans of the brand.
Tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Shoulder Bag
Best Value
This clean-looking Tomtoc bag offers top-tier protection with lots of cushioning and reinforced corners so your laptop can survive drops and bumps with ease. Plus, it looks great.
Lenovo ThinkPad Professional 15.6-inch Backpack
For easy travel
Carry your laptop and anything else you might need easily with this backpack from Lenovo, designed to match its ThinkPad laptops. It looks and feels great, and it has plenty of space to make your travels easier.
External storage
Lenovo is pretty generous with the storage options available for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme, and you can get up to a massive 8TB if you don’t need the more powerful GPU models. Still, getting that much storage out of the gate can be very expensive, and you might still need a way to make data more portable. Here are a few ways you can expand your storage or move files around if you need to.
Plugable Thunderbolt 3 SSD
Super-fast Thunderbolt storage
Similar to the Sabrent SSD, this one from Plugable uses Thunderbolt to deliver incredibly fast read and write speeds, but it has a built-in cable so you never have to worry about losing it.
TEKQ SuperVeloce SSD
Upgradeable storage
External storage isn’t usually easy to upgrade, but this SSD enclosure comes with a standard M.2 2280 SSD you can change later if you ever need to. It also supports Thunderbolt 3 for read speeds over 2,400MB/s.
Samsung T7 Touch Portable SSD
Convenient security
Keeping your data safe is crucial, and the Samsung T7 Touch makes it easy thanks to the built-in fingerprint reader. It keeps your data away from prying eyes, but accessible at a moment’s notice.
SanDisk Extreme Pro V2 SSD
Durable storage
The SanDisk Extreme Pro V2 portable SSD is the right choice for professionals who need the extra transfer speeds and extra durability. Just be sure your device can handle the USB 3.2 (Gen 2×2) to maximize its potential.
Seagate Expansion HDD
Mass storage
Most people may want fast storage, but sometimes, you just want a massive backup. And this massive Seagate HDD comes in capacities up to 18TB, so you can store just about all your files for a much lower price than you’d pay for the same amount of SSD storage.
SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive
Extra portable
Want storage for your PC and phone? This flash drive has both USB Type-A and Type-C ports so it works with almost any device you could want to use it with.
Chargers
One of the most important accessories for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme is undoubtedly a charger. Of course, one comes in the box, but if you need an extra charger or you happen to lose yours, it’s important to find replacement options. Because of the high power requirements, it doesn’t use USB-C and your best option is to buy straight from Lenovo. Here are the options available:
Lenovo Slim 135W AC Adapter
For the base model
This official 135W AC adapter can charge more powerful Lenovo laptops, though it may not be enough for the top-tier models.
Lenovo ThinkPad 170W charger
For more demanding models
This is Lenovo’s official charger for obile workstations, and it should be enough to power most models of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme thanks to the 170W power supply.
Lenovo ThinkPad 230W charger
Maximum power
The most powerful charger offered by Lenovo, this 230W power adapter can keep the most powerful version of the ThinkPad X1 Extreme running even under full load with no issues. Of course, it’s quite expensive.
Miscellaneous
At this point, you’ve likely found the accessories you’re looking for, but there are a couple more recommendations we think are worth making. These accessories don’t really fit in a specific category, but they might still make a big difference when it comes to making the mot out of your Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme.
Moft Z Inivisble Laptop Stand
Raise your laptop
We’ve all had times where using the laptop at a desk wasn’t quite as comfortable as we’d like, and the Moft Z is a versatile laptop stand that addresses that problem. It lets you use the laptop in different positions and heights so you can be more comfortable and work more efficiently.
Xbox Wireless Controller
Play some games
Cloud gaming is one of best ways to play games on the Surface Pro 9, and if you’re going to be using Xbox Cloud Gaming, the Xbox Wireless Controller is a must. It’s very comfortable and comes in a range of colors that’s always growing.
Screen Mom Screen Cleaner
Keep it clean
It’s probably the most basic things you can think of, but keeping our laptops clean is something we all try to do, and this screen cleaner kit makes it easier to do just that. It includes the screen cleaner solution and a microfiber cloth.
And those are all the accessories we recommend getting for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5. We’ve covered a lot of ground, whether you want something as simple as a case, or something as advanced (and expensive) as an external GPU. Everyone has different needs, and these aren’t all for everyone, but if there’s something you’ve been wanting, it’s very likely it’s on this list.
If you haven’t yet, for whatever reason, you can buy the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 using the links below. It’s one of the most powerful ThinkPads in Lenovo’s lineup, and one of the best Lenovo laptops in general. Alternatively, you can check out the best laptops overall if you want to see some other options.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is a super powerful business laptop with Intel H-series processors and up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti.