Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 (12th Gen) RAM and SSD Upgrade Guide

Updated Oct. 10, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

This guide covers adding RAM and storage to the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 (Intel 12th Gen). The short answer: memory and SSDs are easy to upgrade, but the CPU is soldered and can't be replaced. Check whether your laptop uses DDR4 or DDR5 before you buy memory.

At a glance

  • Two SO-DIMM slots; Acer lists 32 GB as the maximum.
  • Most models use DDR4-3200, but some later models (NH.QLZ... part numbers) use DDR5. The two types are not interchangeable.
  • Two M.2 2280 NVMe slots; many models ship with the second one empty.
  • A 2.5-inch SATA bay exists, but models sold without a hard drive may lack the bracket and cable.
  • The 12th-gen H-series CPU is soldered and can't be upgraded.
SO-DIMM slots2 × DDR4 / DDR5 SO-DIMM · up to 32 GB total
M.2 SSD slot 1 (mainboard)SSD M.2 2280 (NVMe)
M.2 SSD slot 2 (next to the USB board)SSD M.2 2280 (NVMe)
2.5-inch drive bayHDD / SSD 2.5" (SATA)
2 × SO-DIMM ·DDR4/DDR5up to 32 GB totalM.2 SSD slot 1 (mainboard)SSD M.2 2280 (NVMe)M.2 SSD slot 2 (next to the USB board)SSD M.2 2280 (NVMe)2.5-inch drive 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.

202220232024202520262027Today11 · Release · May 2022
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 May 2022 Estimate Third-party retailer catalog says the AN515-58-71H1 was 'Added to E-Catalog May 2022'. This is the listing date, not an official launch date. A video dated 5 January 2022 suggests an earlier announcement, which is unconfirmed.
Source ↗

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

RAM: two SO-DIMM slots, 32 GB listed maximum

The laptop has two SO-DIMM slots under a metal shield, which is held by one screw and then unclips. There is no soldered memory, so both slots are yours to fill. Acer lists 32 GB as the maximum. We can't confirm whether larger kits work, so treat 32 GB as the safe ceiling.

The memory type depends on your model. Most AN515-58 laptops use DDR4-3200 (Acer's service guide shows PC4-3200 modules), but some later models with NH.QLZ... part numbers list DDR5 instead. DDR4 and DDR5 modules are not interchangeable. Acer's regional spec pages show DDR5 on the AN515-58-52E8 and AN515-58-73RS, and DDR4 on the 57AN, 52C2, 50YE, 74TW and 72YA.

One Acer page (AN515-58-75NB) lists DDR4 at 4800 MHz. That is not a normal DDR4 speed and conflicts with the other pages, so don't rely on it. If you aren't sure which type you have, check your exact model number or run CPU-Z.

Buying tips

  • Confirm DDR4 or DDR5 from your exact model number (the part after AN515-58- or the NH. part number) or CPU-Z before ordering.
  • Buy standard non-ECC SO-DIMMs, and buy a matched pair if you want to fill both slots.
  • For DDR4 models, look for DDR4-3200 (PC4-3200) modules.
  • Stay within 32 GB total unless you're happy to test larger kits yourself.

Cheapest compatible right now

See all compatible parts and prices →

Storage: two M.2 NVMe slots plus a 2.5-inch bay

There are two M.2 2280 NVMe slots. Slot 1 sits on the mainboard, and Acer's guide shows a Samsung PM9A1 NVMe SSD there. Slot 2 sits next to the USB board, and many models ship with it empty, which makes it the easiest way to add a second drive. Each drive is held by a single M2x2.5 screw. Acer doesn't state the PCIe generation of slot 2, or a maximum capacity for either slot, so we can't promise full Gen4 speed on the second slot.

There is also a 2.5-inch SATA bay. It uses a bracket and a ribbon cable (HDD FFC) to the mainboard. Models sold without a hard drive may be missing the bracket (Acer part 33.QFJN2.001) and the cable, and you would need to buy both.

The spec pages we checked list no memory card reader, so use a USB reader if you need one.

Buying tips

  • Use an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD. SATA-only M.2 drives are not what these slots are listed for.
  • Check whether your second M.2 slot is empty before buying a drive for it.
  • If your 2.5-inch bay is empty, confirm you have the bracket and the ribbon cable before buying a SATA drive.
  • To clone your old drive, a USB-to-NVMe enclosure makes the job easier.

Cheapest compatible right now

See all compatible parts and prices →

How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Back up your files, or make a full image of your drive.
  • Have a small Phillips screwdriver and a plastic pry tool ready. Acer lists M2.5x8 screws for the bottom cover and M2x2.5 screws for the memory shield and SSDs.
  • Note your exact model number and whether it uses DDR4 or DDR5.
  • Download the latest BIOS and drivers from acer.com/support if you need them.
  • Acer says damage caused during self-repair isn't covered by the warranty. Read Acer's guide and your owner's manual for exact disassembly.

Steps

  1. Back up and power off
    Save your data, shut the laptop down completely, and unplug the charger and any accessories.
  2. Ground yourself
    Touch bare metal or use an anti-static strap before handling internal parts.
  3. Open the bottom cover
    Remove the 11 screws (M2.5x8) from the bottom cover, then pry the cover off starting from the hinge side.
  4. Disconnect the battery
    Unplug the battery cable before you touch the memory or drives. Acer's guide also removes the battery itself (one M2x4 screw).
  5. Install RAM
    Remove the single screw on the metal memory shield and unclip it. Swap or add SO-DIMMs, making sure they click in fully, then refit the shield and its screw.
  6. Install an SSD
    Remove the M2x2.5 screw from the M.2 slot, seat the 2280 drive and secure it with the screw. For the 2.5-inch bay, fit the drive in the bracket and connect the ribbon cable.
  7. Close up
    Reconnect the battery (and refit it if you removed it), then replace the bottom cover and all screws.
  8. Check it in BIOS
    Power on and enter the BIOS to confirm the new memory or drive is detected. If a new SSD is blank, install your operating system or restore your backup.

Good to know

  • Acer's spec pages vary by region and model, so check the page for your exact part number.
  • One Acer page lists DDR4 at 4800 MHz, which conflicts with the other pages and with normal DDR4 speeds. Don't rely on it.
  • Acer lists 32 GB as the maximum, but we can't confirm whether larger kits work.
  • Acer doesn't state the PCIe generation of the second M.2 slot.
  • Acer doesn't state a maximum capacity for the M.2 slots or the 2.5-inch bay.
  • Acer says damage caused during self-repair isn't covered by the warranty.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 take?

Acer lists 32 GB as the maximum across two SO-DIMM slots. Larger kits may work, but Acer doesn't list them, so we can't confirm it.

Does the Nitro 5 AN515-58 use DDR4 or DDR5?

It depends on the model. Most use DDR4-3200, but some later models (NH.QLZ... part numbers) use DDR5. Check your model number or CPU-Z before buying.

Can I upgrade the CPU in the Nitro 5 AN515-58?

No. The Intel 12th-gen H-series processor is soldered to the mainboard, so it can't be swapped.

Can I add a second SSD?

Yes. There are two M.2 2280 NVMe slots, and many models ship with the second one empty. Acer doesn't state that slot's PCIe generation, so its top speed is unconfirmed.

Does it have a 2.5-inch drive bay?

Yes, a SATA bay with a bracket and a ribbon cable to the mainboard. Models sold without a hard drive may be missing the bracket and cable.

Do I need to disconnect the battery?

Yes. Acer's guide disconnects the battery cable first, before you touch the memory or drives.

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.