Acer Aspire A514-52-570U RAM Upgrade [ Multiple Doubts ]

My computer is an Acer Aspire A514-52-570U (SN: NXHMHEB005XXXX)
It has an Intel Core i5-10210U 1.60GHz with 8GB RAM (4GB Soldered + 4GB RAM Stick)

I want to upgrade the external RAM from 4GB to 20 GB (That's because I THINK my computer allows 20GB according to wmic information, this page and the information of the microprocessor)

CURRENT RAM SETUP
-----------------------------------

Here is the information of the 2 current RAM (soldered and external) I guess the soldered one must be the one with the SN=00000000.

EXTERNAL: Micron MTA4ATF51264HZ-3G2J1 (4GB DDR4-3200 PC4-25600 1.2V SO-DIMM)
SOLDERED (Just Guessing…) Micron MTA4ATF51264HZ-2G6E1 (4GB DDR4-2400 ¿?)

According to Windows Task Manager, they are set in DUAL Channel, running at 2400 MT/s.

Here is the picture of the external RAM and here the datasheet.

NEW DESIRED RAM SETUP
----------------------------------------

EXTERNAL: Crucial CT16G4SFD824A (16GB DDR4 2400MHz CL17 1.2V)
SOLDERED: The same one, obviously.

Here is a picture of the NEW RAM STICK and here the information that provides Crucial

MY DOUBTS

Here are my questions:

It is correct that my laptop model ( Aspire A514-52) allows 20GB of RAM?

If the first question is affirmative:

Is the NEW CRUCIAL RAM a good choice? Is it compatible?

I ask this because I have inserted the NEW RAM and my laptop doesn't boot up… The keyboard lights on, but the screen is black and nothing happens. I don't know why.

Do I have to change something in the software to make the new RAM work (something like updating the BIOS?)

Something that could help to understand the problem: when I reinserted the ORIGINAL RAM Stick, it didn't work either. I had to remove the RAM stick, disconnect the internal battery, do a power reset (30 secs pressing the power button with the laptop unplugged), plug the RAM Stick again and then it worked again when powering on the computer.

Why is this happening? I have read in related posts that it could be related to the CMOS battery. But I don't have enough knowledge to understand these things.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[Edited the content to hide sensitive information]

Accepted answers

GAMING6698

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/724037/can-i-upgrade-aspire-a514-52-570u-to-20gb-ram-new-crucial-fails-to-boot-after-ram-upgrade

At your own risk, return this crucial 2400mhz RAM and get the Crucial 16GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM model CT16G4SFRA32A. If you want to get 20GB.

Officially, I am not able to find if it support for 16GB in the empty slot, but it’s rare to get a 16GB RAM with with 1Rx16 configuration. So, it’s not the best option for you, even though one user were able to install 16GB and Crucial also says it can run at 20GB. But they won't get best performance.

By the way if I guess then most probably your laptop probably support 4GB (onboard) + 8GB = 12GB max officially.

Edit, I am right here as well. Check below image. If acer says that same model with better CPU can only support max 12GB ram then your's with weaker can't support 20GB max.

The main reason why 2400mhz Crucial RAM is not working well is due to mixing rams. 1Rx16 onboard with this new 1Rx8 Crucial can work together and it has less chances it cause any compatibility issue. It may work with slightly higher latency and reduced performance. But here you mixed 2400mhz ram with 3200mhz ram.

See, You remove the 3200MHz ram from second slot which was working in dual channel with onboard memory. This means the onboard memory, originally 3200MHz, which is clocked down to 2400MHz. So, you can’t use 2400MHz RAM. Both RAM specs need to be the same, even if the speed is downclocked.

If you want to stay safe, then get this RAM: it is the same spec 3200MHz 8GB RAM with 1Rx16 configuration, and it will work without any issues at max performance.
Transcend JM3200HSG-8G is the perfect RAM for your laptop. It is 8GB RAM with 1Rx16 configuration and exact same specs.

StevenGen

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/724037/can-i-upgrade-aspire-a514-52-570u-to-20gb-ram-new-crucial-fails-to-boot-after-ram-upgrade

The Crucial 8GB DDR4-2400MT/s CL17 type memory is the wrong ram and that is why your laptop doesn't boot.

The below listed memory is from the Aspire A514-52 service guide and what Acer tested and recommends for your model laptop, so use those memory modules only,

Btw, the Crucial ram is a Micron made ram and Crucial brands the as their own ram, and its the same as the Micron ram listed below, so use the Micron 8GB DDR4-3200MT/s CL22 type ram as that will work 100% with your laptop and your laptop will boot 100% and properly and will give you a total ram capacity of 20GB in Task Manager memory speed which will be ONLY 2666MT/s as that is what the 8th Gen Intel cpu's max ram speed works at and your Aspire A514-52 laptop is governed to. Good luck and hope this helps you out.

Acer tested memory compatible with the Aspire A514-52 laptop, use the 8GB max Micron highlighted and Acer part number ram below, here is one on eBay 8GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM Micron MTA8ATF1G64HZ-3G2J1 Equivalent Laptop Memory RAM, so purchase this ram as it will work 100%.

If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful👍

All comments

AnhEZ28

After installing the new RAM, turn the laptop on and wait around 30 second for the BIOS to recognize new RAM.

GAMING6698

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/724037/can-i-upgrade-aspire-a514-52-570u-to-20gb-ram-new-crucial-fails-to-boot-after-ram-upgrade

At your own risk, return this crucial 2400mhz RAM and get the Crucial 16GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM model CT16G4SFRA32A. If you want to get 20GB.

Officially, I am not able to find if it support for 16GB in the empty slot, but it’s rare to get a 16GB RAM with with 1Rx16 configuration. So, it’s not the best option for you, even though one user were able to install 16GB and Crucial also says it can run at 20GB. But they won't get best performance.

By the way if I guess then most probably your laptop probably support 4GB (onboard) + 8GB = 12GB max officially.

Edit, I am right here as well. Check below image. If acer says that same model with better CPU can only support max 12GB ram then your's with weaker can't support 20GB max.

The main reason why 2400mhz Crucial RAM is not working well is due to mixing rams. 1Rx16 onboard with this new 1Rx8 Crucial can work together and it has less chances it cause any compatibility issue. It may work with slightly higher latency and reduced performance. But here you mixed 2400mhz ram with 3200mhz ram.

See, You remove the 3200MHz ram from second slot which was working in dual channel with onboard memory. This means the onboard memory, originally 3200MHz, which is clocked down to 2400MHz. So, you can’t use 2400MHz RAM. Both RAM specs need to be the same, even if the speed is downclocked.

If you want to stay safe, then get this RAM: it is the same spec 3200MHz 8GB RAM with 1Rx16 configuration, and it will work without any issues at max performance.
Transcend JM3200HSG-8G is the perfect RAM for your laptop. It is 8GB RAM with 1Rx16 configuration and exact same specs.

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/724037/can-i-upgrade-aspire-a514-52-570u-to-20gb-ram-new-crucial-fails-to-boot-after-ram-upgrade

Hi, Kingston is recommending 8GB maximum for the removable ram slot, install this module instead of the 16GB one: 8GB DDR4 3200MT/s Non-ECC Unbuffered SODIMM CL22 1RX8 1.2V 260-pin 8Gbit: Memory for a Acer - Aspire 5 (A514-52-xxx) / (A514-52G-xxx) - Kingston Technology

StevenGen

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/724037/can-i-upgrade-aspire-a514-52-570u-to-20gb-ram-new-crucial-fails-to-boot-after-ram-upgrade

The Crucial 8GB DDR4-2400MT/s CL17 type memory is the wrong ram and that is why your laptop doesn't boot.

The below listed memory is from the Aspire A514-52 service guide and what Acer tested and recommends for your model laptop, so use those memory modules only,

Btw, the Crucial ram is a Micron made ram and Crucial brands the as their own ram, and its the same as the Micron ram listed below, so use the Micron 8GB DDR4-3200MT/s CL22 type ram as that will work 100% with your laptop and your laptop will boot 100% and properly and will give you a total ram capacity of 20GB in Task Manager memory speed which will be ONLY 2666MT/s as that is what the 8th Gen Intel cpu's max ram speed works at and your Aspire A514-52 laptop is governed to. Good luck and hope this helps you out.

Acer tested memory compatible with the Aspire A514-52 laptop, use the 8GB max Micron highlighted and Acer part number ram below, here is one on eBay 8GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM Micron MTA8ATF1G64HZ-3G2J1 Equivalent Laptop Memory RAM, so purchase this ram as it will work 100%.

If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful👍

MacXQuake

Thank you very much for your answers! They have been very helpful.

I just have a final doubt:

@GAMING6698 is suggesting 1Rx16 configuration

@StevenGen, following the Acer Manual, is suggesting 1Rx8

Kingston is suggesting 1Rx16 for the 4GB and 1Rx8 for the 8GB RAM.

I am confused… Which one is the corrrect option?

StevenGen

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1337619#Comment_1337619

Go by the Acer service manual that I've suggested and given you and even given you an eBay link to 😀what more do you want? those modules above all work it works 100% as that is what Acer designed this laptop for its max ram capacity.

If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful

GAMING6698

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1337619#Comment_1337619

Mixing 1Rx16 and 1Rx8 is generally fine for compatibility, but may result in slightly less optimal performance compared to matched pairs. That's why I recommended Transcend JM3200HSG-8G because this ram and your onboard ram both are 1Rx16.

MacXQuake

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1337621#Comment_1337621

@StevenGen I appreciate all the information you have shared with me! I'm just asking because the eBay link you provided isn't a good option for me, as I'm in Spain, and the shipping costs are very high... So I was asking to be entirely sure, as I need to find an alternative place to buy it.

@GAMING6698 Thank you for the clarification as well!

Thank you both. As you may have noticed, I don't know much about RAM, and clear and fast answers like yours are very helpful.