Upgrading RAM and installing second hard drive Acer Aspire 5 A515-44-R3YH

Dom_the_nom

Hello!

I recently purchased an Acer Aspire 5 A515-44-R3YH, and I understand it has an extra slot for adding another stick of RAM and space for another hard drive (this model comes with AMD Ryzen 4700u, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD).

Does anyone know what RAM would be compatible with this device? I am not exactly sure what speed the currently installed RAM is; CPUz tells me the motherboard is RO Calla_RN, the memory is DDR4 8GB, channel # 'Dual' (does this mean it is already running in dual channel?), and on the SPD tab it states slot one is 'DDR4' module size '4GB', & Max bandwidth is 'DDR4-3200 (1600MHz)'.

I am also considering installing a second SSD - does this model take 2.5 or 3.5 inch drives? Also is the factory installed RAM soldered or replaceable and what speed is it?

Thank you

JackE

This machine comes in a 4GB and an 8GB soldered socket mainboard. Sounds like you have the 4GB soldered board with 4GB in the replaceable socket in 2667MHz dual channel mode. So the max would be 20GB with a 16GB DDR4 module with a 2667MHz or higher frequency module. You have a 2.5" SSD/HDD mainboard socket and an m.2 SSD card socket. You should check your BIOS Information tab to see if you have a 512GB 2.5" SSD (laptops don't take desktop 3.5") or an m.2 SSD card installed. Better yet, I'd open the machine to see what you have since you have to do it anyway if you're gonna change things. Jack E/NJ

brummyfan2

Hi,
Could you please post the pictures of CPU-z for Memory tab and SPD tab, for both slots, also post the Memory tab of the Task Manager like my snip, we have to make sure whether you have 8GB onboard memory or 4GB onboard memory, as for the information you have already provided, it looks like you have 4GB onboard memory and 4GB removable RAM but according to manual this model comes with 8GB onboard memory.
You can install a 2.5" HDD/SSD but need to check whether you have the SATA cable and the bracket for HDD/SSD, if you don't have them you have to buy online.
Part number for cable: 50.HGLN7.003
Part number for bracket:33.HGLN7.001
Screw sizes are in my snip.

Dom_the_nom

Thanks for that info. The SSD from the BIOS information seems to be a wdc pc sn520 sdapnuw-512g-1014 which from a google looks like an m.2 SSD card - in this case I will look at 2.5" SSDs to install.

CPUz's SPD tab has a drop down for Memory slot selection - slot#1 shows DDR4 with module size of 4GB and slot 2 is blank. Would this suggest that the replaceable socket is not being used at present?

If there is 4gb soldered ram what would be the best option for the replaceable slot? I have read that it is best to match RAM for speed and size. Would there be much benefit for example of getting a 16gb 3200MHz module to pair with the soldered 4gb over an 8gb module or indeed staying with the present configuration? I am asking this in the context of reading that the 4700u processor can only utilize its full potential with 16gb RAM or more. Cheers!

brummyfan2

No problem, yes you have 512GB NVMe SSD and you can add another 2.5" HDD/SSD.
Yes, you have 4GB onboard memory and 4GB removable 3200MHz module, if you don't use much RAM for your work, you can leave the memory at 8GB dual-channel than upgrading it, BTW, CPU- doesn't recognize the onboard RAM module.

JackE

Since you must open it up to install the upgrades anyway, I suggest you open it up just before ordering to make sure you know what you have rather than rely too much on freeware hardware scanners that aren't always accurate. Jack E/NJ

Hpm

Hi
I have also just received the same laptop and want to upgrade the ram due to using photoshop.
I have taken the back off and picture is attached which shows it only has only one ram slot that presently has 4gb (is 8gb version so must have 4gb built in),Is it OK to put 16gb in instead and does it have to be a particular type.
Also going to move 1tb ssd from my old laptop which I assume I can just fix in gap using cable and cradle from box.
Thank you for any advice

brummyfan2

Hpm said:

Hi
I have also just received the same laptop and want to upgrade the ram due to using photoshop.
I have taken the back off and picture is attached which shows it only has only one ram slot that presently has 4gb (is 8gb version so must have 4gb built in),Is it OK to put 16gb in instead and does it have to be a particular type.
Also going to move 1tb ssd from my old laptop which I assume I can just fix in gap using cable and cradle from box.
Thank you for any advice

Hi,
Yes, you can replace the removable module with a 16GB module, buy the new module with the same specs as your current module and install, you can also use the old 1TB SSD in the HDD bay.
Can I add 8GB of Ram to my Acer Aspire 5 A515-44-R4M5? — Acer Community

Hpm

brummyfan2 said:

Hpm said:

Hi
I have also just received the same laptop and want to upgrade the ram due to using photoshop.
I have taken the back off and picture is attached which shows it only has only one ram slot that presently has 4gb (is 8gb version so must have 4gb built in),Is it OK to put 16gb in instead and does it have to be a particular type.
Also going to move 1tb ssd from my old laptop which I assume I can just fix in gap using cable and cradle from box.
Thank you for any advice

Hi,
Yes, you can replace the removable module with a 16GB module, buy the new module with the same specs as your current module and install, you can also use the old 1TB SSD in the HDD bay.
Can I add 8GB of Ram to my Acer Aspire 5 A515-44-R4M5? — Acer Community

Thanks for the super fast response, just checked that link and now worried maybe I need to swop my laptop for one where I can upgrade to give me dual channel 16gb, although would rather not? I don't game so it is photoshop that is my memory hungry problem, will this be less of an issue in the difference between dual and single channel ram performance?
Also not sure what spec I need to match, as no idea what spec this is from the label?

JackE

If PS is rapidly moving a lot of stuff in/out of RAM,  you should probably get a dual channel module. Even a small advantage can compound into a huge advantage with enough cycles. Jack E/NJ 

https://beebom.com/single-channel-vs-dual-channel-memory/

brummyfan2

Hi,
There's not much difference between dual-channel and single-channel memory as the memory speeds are high nowadays, you have a PC4-3200 module, so I would suggest you buy another 8GB or16GB PC4-3200 module and install, you can buy any brand of modules but avoid any modules with XMP profiles(eg. HyperX modules) and any modules especially made for a particular brand of laptop.
https://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/1349-ram-how-dual-channel-works-vs-single-channel?showall=1
https://www.trustedparts.com/en/part/micron/MTA4ATF51264HZ-3G2J1
https://www.trustedparts.com/en/part/micron/MTA8ATF1G64HZ-3G2J1
https://www.trustedparts.com/en/part/micron/MTA16ATF2G64HZ-3G2J1

MTmann

I have a similar setup Acer A515-44-R41B but not the same, I'm looking for some advice. I'm trying max out my memory, determine if I can run 3200 speed or if I'm stuck at 2666 and confirm the maximum memory size is either 24gb or 32gb or 67gb (see below). Crucial shows I currently have (1) 8gb stick of 2666 Hynix HMAA1GS6CMR6N-VK that I'm planning to replace with 2 sticks. I contemplated keeping this stick to save $ but don't see anything out there with the same exact timings, I see many people have just added another random 8 or 16gb stick (crucial, samsung...etc) with same speed and have had no issues but I'm leery about doing that. 

The Ryzen 5 4500U cpu says it supports 3200 but then it depends upon my mother board and bios. I have the same mother board as mentioned above "RO Calla_RN" but don't see any option in my bios for xmp and I have the latest available bios. It's a simple bios with no advanced tweaking capabilities. Don't I need to be able to turn on xmp to run 3200 speeds?

Then there is my memory capacity discrepancy. I used the crucial scan and some other resources that say I can support up to 32gb but my spec only says 24gb but when I check CMD it tells me 67gb????

Spec:


CMD:




I'm trying to only shop Amazon because I have gift cards.

These are the ram I'm looking at for 2666:
Teamgroup 2666 CL 18 (best because of CL and price)
Crucial 2666 CL19 Dual Ranked (best because of dual ranked)
G.Skill 2666 CL 18
Crucial 2666 CL19

There are some better CL speeds here but I'm trying to stay around $100 pcpartpicker.com

These are the ram I'm looking at for 3200:
Crucial 3200 CL22
Crucial 3200 CL22 Dual Ranked (same price as single ranked)

One last thing, when I use CPU-Z my SPD column is blank in both slot #1 and slot #2 but the memory is shown. I haven't taken off the back cover just yet to check for my 2 slots but Crucial says they are there. I don't think I have soldered ram.




Any help will be appreciated!!! 

JackE

If Ctrl+S doesn't reveal any hidden options in any of the BIOS tabs, your mainboard's max bus frequency to the module is 1333MHz. Single rank modules should be slightly faster but hardly noticeable. Original specs indicate 8GB dual channel soldered  2667MHz RAM and up to 16GB max replaceable RAM for a total of 24GB. Dual channel should be slightly faster but hardly noticeable. Shop price for  anything 2667MHz or higher. WMIC doesn't necessarily reflect what the BIOS will recognize. 24GB is advertised max. It might or might not recognize a 32GB module. Try it and see.    Jack E/NJ

MTmann

JackE said:

If Ctrl+S doesn't reveal any hidden options in any of the BIOS tabs, your mainboard's max bus frequency to the module is 1333MHz. Single rank modules should be slightly faster but hardly noticeable. Original specs indicate 8GB dual channel soldered  2667MHz RAM and up to 16GB max replaceable RAM for a total of 24GB. Dual channel should be slightly faster but hardly noticeable. Shop price for  anything 2667MHz or higher. WMIC doesn't necessarily reflect what the BIOS will recognize. 24GB is advertised max. It might or might not recognize a 32GB module. Try it and see.    Jack E/NJ

Wow I never expected such a quick response, thanks JackE!! You are correct, no advanced features with Ctrl-S. So it seems I have 4 options here.
1) Buy an 8gb 2666 with lower CL so it will as close as possible to the soldered ram. This will give me dual channel.
2) Buy a 16gb 2666 with lower CL so it will as close as possible to the soldered ram. Will I lose dual channel using 2 different size memory? 
3) Buy dual-ranked? Will this have any benefit or cause more trouble?
4) Buy higher than 2666 speed. This wouldn't yield any benefit and be throttled down to soldered ram speeds, correct? 

Again thx for ur help and quick reply!! 

JackE

No, single rank modules should be slightly faster than dual rank modules. Shop price. Don't fret about rank or higher speeds than 2667MHz. Dual channel operation should be retained with either an 8GB or 16GB dual channel-capable module. I think an additional 8GB module is probably more than enough for a noticeable performance improvement. An additional 16GB module is probably overkill with bragging rights. And if you can get a 32GB module to be recognized by the BIOS and available in Windows, you'll have a lot more bragging rights.   Jack E/NJ

MTmann

JackE said:

No, single rank modules should be slightly faster than dual rank modules. Shop price. Don't fret about rank or higher speeds than 2667MHz. Dual channel operation should be retained with either an 8GB or 16GB dual channel-capable module. I think an additional 8GB module is probably more than enough for a noticeable performance improvement. An additional 16GB module is probably overkill with bragging rights. And if you can get a 32GB module to be recognized by the BIOS and available in Windows, you'll have a lot more bragging rights.   Jack E/NJ

I see memory specifying if its single or dual rank, that I get. How do I know if its a "dual channel-capable module"??

JackE

Dual-channel is usually specified as it means it's capable of using two paths instead of one to&fro the CPU if the mainboard is so equipped. So in theory it should be faster. It might not be too much noticeably faster though.  Jack E/NJ

MTmann

MTmann said:

JackE said:

No, single rank modules should be slightly faster than dual rank modules. Shop price. Don't fret about rank or higher speeds than 2667MHz. Dual channel operation should be retained with either an 8GB or 16GB dual channel-capable module. I think an additional 8GB module is probably more than enough for a noticeable performance improvement. An additional 16GB module is probably overkill with bragging rights. And if you can get a 32GB module to be recognized by the BIOS and available in Windows, you'll have a lot more bragging rights.   Jack E/NJ

I see memory specifying if its single or dual rank, that I get. How do I know if its a "dual channel-capable module"??

I'm looking at these 3, They are all about the same price, Any preference here?
Crucial, TeamGroup and G.Skill 

JackE

Crucial. Jack E/NJ

MTmann

Thank u JackE!!!!

JackE

Good luck with it. Let us know if you notice any apparent improvements in how you usually run the machine. Jack E/NJ