Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 upgrade guide

Updated Oct. 31, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

The Nitro 5 AN515-58 (2022, 12th-gen Intel Core i5-12500H / i7-12700H) is one of the friendlier gaming laptops to upgrade. Memory and storage are both user-accessible, and you can install the parts yourself with a screwdriver. The processor is another story. Here is what fits, what the limits are, and what to watch out for before you order.

At a glance

  • RAM: 2x DDR5 SO-DIMM, up to 64 GB in practice, DDR5-4800 only
  • Storage: 2x M.2 2280 NVMe slots; a 2.5-inch SATA bay is unconfirmed
  • CPU: soldered to the board, not upgradeable
2x DDR5 SO-DIMM (user accessible)2 × DDR5 SO-DIMM · up to 64 GB total · 4800 MT/s
2x M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots2 × SSD M.2 2280 (NVMe)
2 × SO-DIMM · DDR5up to 64 GB total2x M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots2 × SSD M.2 2280 (NVMe)
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 · 2022
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 2022 Estimate Article discussing price of the AN515-58 12th-gen model, indicating it was available to buy; exact first-available date not published in sources.
Source ↗

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

RAM: two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots

You have two user-accessible SO-DIMM slots, and none of the memory is soldered down, so you can replace whatever is in there. They take DDR5-4800 SO-DIMMs only. DDR4 modules will not work, and some of the low-latency DDR4 kits discussed online relate to other Nitro 5 variants, so check your exact SKU's spec sheet before ordering.

Buying tips

  • Buy a matched pair (same size and speed) so the machine runs in dual channel. Some configurations ship with a single stick.
  • 64 GB total (2x 32 GB) is the working maximum reported by owners. Acer's own documentation does not clearly quote a maximum module size, and 32 GB per slot is inferred from the 12th-gen platform rather than officially stated, so verify BIOS support before buying 2x 32 GB.
  • Faster DDR5 sticks work but run at 4800 MT/s at most. The NitroSense app and BIOS do not expose XMP profiles, so memory always runs at JEDEC 4800 MT/s. Don't pay extra for very high rated speeds you can't enable.
  • ECC or registered memory is not supported; use standard unbuffered SO-DIMMs.

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Storage: two M.2 NVMe slots

There are two M.2 2280 NVMe slots (PCIe x4), so you can add a second SSD or swap the boot drive for a bigger one. At least one slot is PCIe Gen 4 capable on the 12th-gen models, though the manufacturer does not state a minimum generation, so Gen 3 drives also work. The speed of the second slot is not clearly documented.

Buying tips

  • There is no documented per-drive capacity limit. 2 TB drives are widely used with no reported problems. 4 TB single-sided drives should physically fit, but that is unverified.
  • Check the SSD's thickness. The heatsink and thermal pad can foul thicker double-sided drives, so single-sided models are the safe choice.
  • Whether a 2.5-inch SATA bay exists (it would need a cable and bracket) varies by configuration and is not confirmed in the available documentation. If you want a SATA HDD or SSD, check the service manual for your exact SKU before buying a drive plus caddy and cable.

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How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Back up your data first.
  • Shut the laptop down fully and unplug the AC adapter.
  • Ground yourself to avoid static damage to the components.
  • Open the case by removing the bottom panel. Your owner's manual shows the exact screw locations and any clips for your configuration.
  • Install the new part and close the case again.
  • Power on and check that the BIOS and firmware see the new RAM or SSD, and that the full capacity is recognised.
  • Remember that the NitroSense app and BIOS do not expose XMP, so memory runs at JEDEC 4800 MT/s.

Steps

  1. Step 1
    Back up your data before you touch anything.
  2. Step 2
    Shut the laptop down completely and unplug the AC adapter.
  3. Step 3
    Ground yourself (for example, touch an earthed metal object) so static does not damage the parts.
  4. Step 4
    Remove the bottom panel to reach the RAM and M.2 slots. Your owner's manual covers the exact disassembly for your configuration.
  5. Step 5
    Install the new RAM module(s) or M.2 SSD and secure them as the manual describes.
  6. Step 6
    Close the case, plug the adapter back in and power on.
  7. Step 7
    Check in the BIOS and firmware that the new part is detected and the full capacity shows.

Good to know

  • The 2.5-inch SATA bay is not confirmed and may not exist on your configuration. Check the service manual for your exact SKU.
  • Acer's documentation does not clearly state a maximum RAM module size; 32 GB per slot is inferred from the 12th-gen platform.
  • The PCIe generation of the second M.2 slot is not clearly documented.
  • Exact disassembly details vary by configuration. Use your owner's or service manual for your exact SKU.

Frequently asked questions

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

Two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, with 64 GB total (2x 32 GB) the working maximum reported by owners. Acer's documentation does not clearly quote a maximum module size, and 32 GB per slot is inferred from the 12th-gen platform, so check BIOS support before buying 2x 32 GB.

Does the AN515-58 support DDR4 RAM?

No. The slots take DDR5-4800 SO-DIMMs only. Low-latency DDR4 kits mentioned online belong to other Nitro 5 variants, so always check your exact SKU's spec sheet.

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

No. The processor is soldered to the motherboard with no socket, so there is no CPU upgrade. The graphics chip is not upgradeable either.

Can I add a second SSD?

Yes. There are two M.2 2280 NVMe slots (PCIe x4). At least one is Gen 4 capable, and Gen 3 drives also work. Mind the thickness of the drive, since the heatsink and thermal pad can interfere with thick double-sided models.

Does the Nitro 5 AN515-58 have a 2.5-inch SATA bay?

It varies by configuration and is not confirmed in the available documentation. Check the service manual for your exact SKU before buying a SATA drive, caddy and cable.

Will faster RAM run at its rated speed?

No. The NitroSense app and BIOS do not expose XMP, so modules run at JEDEC 4800 MT/s at most, regardless of their rated speed.

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.