What is the maximum allowable RAM in Acer Aspire 5 - A515-51G-58G3 [NX.GW1EU.003]?

This model has two RAM slots, if I understand things correctly. I've found somewhat conflicting information on the internet about whether I can change the non-soldered 4 GB RAM module to a 32 GB one or just a 16 GB one. Also, what specifics should I make sure to check when choosing a RAM module to buy?

It's really hard to find serious technical information on Acer laptops… Only the user manual is available online. I'm aware that service manuals are not public, but if someone were willing to send it to me under the table, I would be much obliged. This is the way under the table: [Content Removed]

[Edited the content to hide sensitive information]

Accepted answers

RenanVilela

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/726515/what-is-the-maximum-allowable-ram-in-acer-aspire-5-a515-51g-58g3-nx-gw1eu-003

Hello, good morning.
This model, according to the manual, supports a maximum of 20GB total.

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/726515/what-is-the-maximum-allowable-ram-in-acer-aspire-5-a515-51g-58g3-nx-gw1eu-003

Hi @benjaminaaron _m — here's the scoop on upgrading the RAM in your A515-51G-58G3, based on hands-on checks and practical experience:

🔧 Most units in this series have:

4GB soldered to the motherboard (not removable)
One SO-DIMM slot for expansion

📌 That means your max RAM is 20GB (4GB onboard + 16GB in the slot). Ignore suggestions about installing a 32GB stick—they don’t apply if there’s only one slot, and I’ve yet to see a legit A515-51G with dual-slot, no-soldered RAM.

✅ Want to verify what’s soldered and what’s not?

You can:

Physically open the laptop (you'll need to anyway to upgrade). Look for:
- A single SO-DIMM slot
- No second slot = no 32GB dreams
To find the specs. of the soldered RAM, run as Administrator this command: wmic memorychip list full
Match your new RAM to the soldered specs: WMIC often gives a part number (e.g. M471A5244CB0-CRC) — plug that into Google or the vendor’s site to get:
- Speed (e.g. DDR4-2400)
- Timings (e.g. CL17)
- Rank and voltage This helps avoid mixing modules that’ll default to the slower one or cause dual-channel issues.

💡 Bonus tip: If WMIC shows two memory modules, you probably don’t have soldered RAM—just two removable slots (rare for this model, but worth confirming physically).

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1346524#Comment_1346524

Hi, thanks for confirming your config—yep, BANK 0 is your soldered 4GB module running at 2400 MHz. If you're adding a 16GB SODIMM, I'd still go with DDR4-3200 MHz (like Crucial CT16G4SFRA32A or CT16G4SFD832A). It'll downclock to match the soldered stick, but gives you flexibility if you repurpose it later.

✅ Just make sure it's:

DDR4

1.2 V

Non-ECC, unbuffered

Dual rank if you want optimal dual-channel performance

You’ll end up with 20GB total, and the system will run both sticks at 2400 MHz, fully stable. Good upgrade path 👍

All comments

RenanVilela

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/726515/what-is-the-maximum-allowable-ram-in-acer-aspire-5-a515-51g-58g3-nx-gw1eu-003

Hello, good morning.
This model, according to the manual, supports a maximum of 20GB total.

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/726515/what-is-the-maximum-allowable-ram-in-acer-aspire-5-a515-51g-58g3-nx-gw1eu-003

Hi @benjaminaaron _m — here's the scoop on upgrading the RAM in your A515-51G-58G3, based on hands-on checks and practical experience:

🔧 Most units in this series have:

4GB soldered to the motherboard (not removable)
One SO-DIMM slot for expansion

📌 That means your max RAM is 20GB (4GB onboard + 16GB in the slot). Ignore suggestions about installing a 32GB stick—they don’t apply if there’s only one slot, and I’ve yet to see a legit A515-51G with dual-slot, no-soldered RAM.

✅ Want to verify what’s soldered and what’s not?

You can:

Physically open the laptop (you'll need to anyway to upgrade). Look for:
- A single SO-DIMM slot
- No second slot = no 32GB dreams
To find the specs. of the soldered RAM, run as Administrator this command: wmic memorychip list full
Match your new RAM to the soldered specs: WMIC often gives a part number (e.g. M471A5244CB0-CRC) — plug that into Google or the vendor’s site to get:
- Speed (e.g. DDR4-2400)
- Timings (e.g. CL17)
- Rank and voltage This helps avoid mixing modules that’ll default to the slower one or cause dual-channel issues.

💡 Bonus tip: If WMIC shows two memory modules, you probably don’t have soldered RAM—just two removable slots (rare for this model, but worth confirming physically).

benjaminaaron_m

@RenanVilela @Puraw

Thank you for your answers! I've run wmic memorychip list full, and the output surprised me:

BankLabel=BANK 0

Capacity=4294967296

DataWidth=64

Description=Fizikai memória

DeviceLocator=ChannelA-DIMM0

FormFactor=12

HotSwappable=

InstallDate=

InterleaveDataDepth=1

InterleavePosition=1

Manufacturer=SK Hynix

MemoryType=0

Model=

Name=Fizikai memória

OtherIdentifyingInfo=

PartNumber=HMA851S6AFR6N-UH

PositionInRow=

PoweredOn=

Removable=

Replaceable=

SerialNumber=00000000

SKU=

Speed=2400

Status=

Tag=Physical Memory 0

TotalWidth=64

TypeDetail=16512

Version=





BankLabel=BANK 2

Capacity=4294967296

DataWidth=64

Description=Fizikai memória

DeviceLocator=ChannelB-DIMM0

FormFactor=12

HotSwappable=

InstallDate=

InterleaveDataDepth=1

InterleavePosition=2

Manufacturer=04CB

MemoryType=0

Model=

Name=Fizikai memória

OtherIdentifyingInfo=

PartNumber=AM1P24HC4R1-BUNS

PositionInRow=

PoweredOn=

Removable=

Replaceable=

SerialNumber=E1510200

SKU=

Speed=2400

Status=

Tag=Physical Memory 1

TotalWidth=64

TypeDetail=16512

Version=

In particular, the speed of 2400 MHz instead of 2133 MHz caught my eye. I also tried the Free PC Audit tool, and it had another surprising result:

Specifically, it lists 32 GB as the max capacity (which I understand as total max capacity, not per-slot). So I thought I'd better take a look with my own eyes. I have 4 GB soldered to the motherboard, manufactured by SK Hynix (part number: HMA851S6AFR6N-UH). In addition to that, I have a replaceable 4 GB module from ADATA (part number: AM1P24HC4R1-BUNS):

My conclusions:

Despite Free PC Audit listing 32 GB as the max capacity, it's impossible for me to reach exactly 32 GB, since there are no 28 GB RAM modules. So I would need to buy a 16 GB RAM module.
On the other hand, what would happen if I installed a 32 GB module? Would the system cap the total RAM at 32 GB, leaving 4 GB unused? Or would something worse happen — like the 32 GB module not being recognized at all?
Speed: 2400 MHz
CAS# Latency (CL): 17
Voltage: 1.2 V

Are my conclusions correct, or am I misunderstanding something?

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1346524#Comment_1346524

Hi, thanks for confirming your config—yep, BANK 0 is your soldered 4GB module running at 2400 MHz. If you're adding a 16GB SODIMM, I'd still go with DDR4-3200 MHz (like Crucial CT16G4SFRA32A or CT16G4SFD832A). It'll downclock to match the soldered stick, but gives you flexibility if you repurpose it later.

✅ Just make sure it's:

DDR4

1.2 V

Non-ECC, unbuffered

Dual rank if you want optimal dual-channel performance

You’ll end up with 20GB total, and the system will run both sticks at 2400 MHz, fully stable. Good upgrade path 👍

benjaminaaron_m

@Puraw Do I understand correctly that it's unnecessary to match the CL of the soldered and the new module?

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1346582#Comment_1346582

Hi, mixing RAM modules with different latencies is usually fine. The system will default to the slower one to maintain stability, so as long as the frequency and voltage match (ideally 2400MHz, DDR4, 1.2V), it shouldn’t cause issues. This is especially true for the Acer Aspire 5 A515-51G, which doesn’t support XMP or aggressive memory tuning. Unless you're chasing benchmarking symmetry, the performance difference will be negligible in everyday use.

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