Acer Nitro 5 AN515-57 (Intel) Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD and CPU

Updated Oct. 9, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

This guide covers what you can upgrade in the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-57 (Intel, 11th Gen): memory, storage and the processor. The short answer: RAM and storage are easy upgrades, with two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots (32 GB total), two M.2 slots and a 2.5-inch SATA bay. The CPU is most likely soldered, so don't plan on a processor swap.

At a glance

  • RAM: 2 x DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, 32 GB maximum (2 x 16 GB) at up to 3200 MT/s.
  • Some SKUs ship with 8 GB as a single module, which leaves a free slot for an easy upgrade.
  • Storage: two M.2 2280 slots (one PCIe-only, one PCIe or SATA) plus a 2.5-inch SATA bay.
  • CPU: almost certainly soldered, so it is not upgradable. Acer's documents don't state this outright.
  • There is no memory card reader.
SO-DIMM memory2 × DDR4 SO-DIMM · up to 32 GB total · 3200 MT/s
M.2 slot (PCIe only)SSD M.2 2280 (NVMe)
M.2 slot (PCIe or SATA)SSD M.2 2280 (NVMe / SATA)
2.5" SATA bayHDD / SSD 2.5" (SATA)
2 × SO-DIMM · DDR4up to 32 GB totalM.2 slot (PCIe only)SSD M.2 2280 (NVMe)M.2 slot (PCIe or SATA)SSD M.2 2280 (NVMe / SATA)2.5" SATA bayHDD / SSD 2.5" (SATA)
Schematic of the upgradeable slots (not to scale). Check the owner's manual for their exact positions.

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

2021202220232024202520262027Today11 · Release · September 2021
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 September 2021 Estimate Inferred from the earliest dated third-party reviews (early September 2021) listed on Notebookcheck; Acer does not publish a release date, so the actual launch may be earlier.
Source ↗

Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.

RAM: two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB

The laptop has two user-accessible DDR4 SO-DIMM slots and no soldered memory. Acer's spec pages and LaptopMedia's teardown both list 32 GB as the maximum, and LaptopMedia gives DDR4-3200 as the top speed. Acer doesn't state a per-module limit, but 32 GB across two slots points to 16 GB per module.

You may see claims of 64 GB or even 128 GB. LaptopMedia's series page says 64 GB, but that page covers the AN515-56 as well. A forum post quotes a CPU-level figure of 128 GB. Neither is an Acer-validated limit for this laptop, so treat 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) as the safe maximum and anything higher as unverified.

Acer doesn't say whether it uses ECC or registered memory, but this is a standard consumer laptop, so ordinary unbuffered, non-ECC DDR4 SO-DIMMs are the sensible choice. Acer lists factory configurations of 8 GB and 16 GB. Some 8 GB models appear to use a single module, which would leave a slot free, so open yours up and check before ordering a matched pair.

Buying tips

  • Buy DDR4 SO-DIMMs rated 3200 MT/s; this is the top speed listed.
  • Fit two matched modules for dual-channel performance.
  • If you have one 8 GB module, you can add a second, ideally the same size and speed.
  • Stick to 2 x 16 GB (32 GB) as the largest configuration.

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Storage: two M.2 slots and a 2.5-inch SATA bay

There are two M.2 slots, both listed as 2280 size, and RAID 0 is supported across them. One slot is PCIe-only (NVMe). LaptopMedia lists it as PCIe 3.0 x4. The other slot accepts either PCIe (NVMe) or SATA M.2 drives. Some SKUs may only have one M.2 slot populated from the factory. Factory SSDs are 512 GB or 1 TB.

The laptop also has a 2.5-inch SATA bay, which suits a large hard drive or SSD for storage and backups. Acer doesn't document a drive thickness limit, so check the height of any 9.5 mm or thicker drive before buying. Whether a bracket or cable comes with your unit may depend on the SKU.

Acer doesn't publish a maximum capacity. Community posts say a 2 TB M.2 SSD works and that Acer's site allows a hard drive up to 2 TB, but these are not Acer specs. If you run RAID 0, remember a striped pair has no redundancy: if one drive fails, you lose the data on both.

Buying tips

  • Put a SATA M.2 drive only in the PCIe-or-SATA slot, never in the PCIe-only slot.
  • For the PCIe-only slot, choose an NVMe M.2 2280 drive.
  • Check the thickness of a 2.5-inch drive before buying; the limit isn't documented.
  • A 1 TB NVMe drive is a safe choice; 2 TB is reported to work by owners but isn't an Acer spec.
  • Don't count on a card reader: the laptop has none.

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How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Check your exact SKU: specs vary, and the specs on Acer's pages differ between configurations.
  • Find out how many RAM modules and M.2 drives you already have fitted before buying.
  • Download the owner's manual for exact disassembly steps. The Acer manual covers several Nitro models, so use it as a general guide.
  • Back up your files, and have a small screwdriver and an anti-static strap or surface ready.

Steps

  1. Back up your data
    Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage, especially before swapping or cloning an SSD.
  2. Power off and unplug
    Shut the laptop down fully (not sleep), unplug the charger and disconnect any accessories.
  3. Ground yourself
    Touch a bare metal surface or use an anti-static strap before handling any components, and hold parts by their edges.
  4. Open the case
    Follow the owner's manual to remove the bottom cover. Take care with any screws and connectors, and keep them organised.
  5. Install the new part
    For RAM, seat each SO-DIMM firmly in its slot until it is held in place. For an M.2 SSD, use the correct slot for the drive type and secure it. For a 2.5-inch drive, follow the manual for the bay.
  6. Close the case
    Refit the cover and screws, then reconnect the charger.
  7. Check that it's detected
    Start the laptop and open the BIOS setup to confirm the new memory or drive is listed. A new, blank SSD also needs to be initialised in your operating system or have the OS installed.

Good to know

  • Acer doesn't state a per-module RAM limit; 16 GB per module is inferred from the 32 GB total.
  • Claims of 64 GB or 128 GB RAM are unverified and not Acer specs.
  • The 3200 MT/s speed and the M.2 slot layout come mainly from LaptopMedia's teardown, so check them against your unit.
  • The 2.5-inch drive thickness limit and the maximum drive capacities are not documented by Acer.
  • Specs vary by SKU, so check your exact model before buying.
  • That the CPU is soldered is an assumption based on how 11th Gen H-series laptops are normally built; it isn't confirmed in Acer's documents.
  • The owner's manual covers several Nitro models, so it may not match your laptop's exact disassembly steps.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-57 take?

Acer's spec pages and LaptopMedia's teardown list 32 GB maximum, as two 16 GB DDR4 modules at up to 3200 MT/s. Claims of 64 GB or more are unverified.

Does the Nitro 5 AN515-57 have a free RAM slot?

It has two SO-DIMM slots. Some SKUs ship with a single 8 GB module, which leaves one slot free. Open the cover to check your own unit.

Can I add a second SSD to the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-57?

Yes, in most cases. There are two M.2 2280 slots, one PCIe-only and one accepting PCIe or SATA, plus a 2.5-inch SATA bay. Some SKUs may have only one M.2 slot populated, so check inside yours.

Can I upgrade the CPU in the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-57?

Almost certainly not. 11th Gen Intel H-series processors are normally soldered to the motherboard. Acer's documents don't state this explicitly, but you should not plan on a CPU upgrade.

Does the Nitro 5 AN515-57 have an SD card reader?

No. Acer's spec pages list no memory card reader, so you will need a USB card reader.

Can I use a SATA M.2 SSD in this laptop?

Only in the second M.2 slot, which accepts PCIe or SATA. The other M.2 slot is PCIe-only.

Official documents and references

This guide was written with AI assistance from the compatibility data PartsPrices verified against the manufacturer's documents. Always check your exact model and the owner's manual before buying or opening your computer.