ASUS VivoBook 15 X515EA upgrade guide

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

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

Memory (RAM)

The X515EA has one DDR4 SO-DIMM slot you can use, plus memory that is soldered to the board and cannot be replaced. Depending on the SKU, 4 GB or 8 GB is soldered, so check what your machine has before buying - Task Manager (Memory) or CPU-Z will show you how much is on board.

The slot takes a standard DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM, non-ECC and unbuffered. Faster modules are not a problem - they simply run at 3200 MT/s or lower, because the memory controller tops out there. XMP is not supported, so don't pay extra for overclocked memory. ECC and registered modules are not supported.

On capacity, the sources don't fully agree. ASUS's global spec sheet lists 8 GB as the largest module and 16 GB as the maximum total (8 GB on board + 8 GB in the slot). On the 4 GB-onboard models, the official ceiling is 12 GB. However, ASUS India advertises 24 GB for this model, and many owners report a 16 GB module working alongside the soldered memory (8 + 16 = 24 GB). That's outside ASUS's published spec and depends on the module and BIOS, so treat it as a maybe rather than a promise. If you need 32 GB, this laptop is not a safe bet - we can't confirm any configuration that reaches it.

One more thing: the integrated Iris Xe graphics on the i5 and i7 versions only run in dual-channel mode with the SO-DIMM slot populated. If your machine ships with only the soldered memory, adding a module is good for graphics performance as well as capacity.

Buying tips

• Match DDR4-3200, non-ECC, unbuffered SO-DIMM - don't buy ECC, registered or XMP memory
• 8 GB is the safe, spec-compliant choice; a 16 GB module may give you 24 GB total but isn't guaranteed
• Buy from an authorised retailer so you're covered if the module is faulty

Storage (SSD and HDD)

There are two drive bays, so you can run a fast boot drive and a big secondary drive at the same time.

First, an M.2 2280 slot (22 x 80 mm, Key M) for an NVMe SSD over PCIe 3.0 x4. ASUS lists NVMe only - SATA-based M.2 drives are not listed as supported, so buy NVMe. ASUS publishes no maximum capacity for this slot; large NVMe drives of this generation generally work fine. Note that some factory-fitted SSDs are slower PCIe x2 parts even though the slot is x4, which is worth knowing if the laptop feels slower than the drive you're replacing.

Second, a standard 2.5-inch SATA bay for a mechanical hard drive or a SATA SSD. This chassis only takes 7 mm drives - 9 mm and thicker drives will not fit. ASUS publishes no capacity limit here either. If your X515EA shipped with SSD-only storage, the bay usually arrives without the ribbon cable and mounting bracket, so you'll need to buy the ASUS HDD holder and cable separately; availability varies by region.

ASUS doesn't state a thickness limit in its own documents, but the chassis physically fits 7 mm drives only - that's a case clearance limit, not a spec-sheet figure.

Finally, the microSD card reader exists on selected SKUs only. Some X515EA configurations have no card reader at all, so don't buy a microSD card expecting it to work.

Buying tips

• For the M.2 slot: any M.2 2280 NVMe SSD (PCIe 3.0 drives are the natural match)
• For the 2.5-inch bay: any 7 mm SATA drive - check the height before ordering
• SSD-only laptops: add the ASUS HDD holder and ribbon cable to your basket too

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Confirm your exact model name first. The X515 chassis is sold as X515EA (11th-gen Intel), X515JA, X515IA and X515MA, and the internals differ between them. ASUS's support FAQ explains how to find your full model name.
• Back up anything important, shut the laptop down fully and unplug the charger and all peripherals.
• Ground yourself before touching components - an anti-static strap or touching a metal object helps prevent static damage.
• Open the case and install the parts. ASUS's self-repair guide covers RAM, M.2 and 2.5-inch drive installation for this model; for exact screw locations and disassembly order, use the owner's manual for the X515 series.
• Close the case, power on and check that the BIOS and your operating system see the new memory or drive.
• Warranty: ASUS Japan states that additions and replacements are not supported, while ASUS's global self-repair guide documents RAM, M.2 and HDD replacement as customer self-repair. What this means for your warranty depends on your region - if in doubt, ask ASUS support before opening the case.

Steps

1. Memory (RAM)
   Back up your data, power off and unplug the laptop, then ground yourself. Open the base cover as described in the X515 owner's manual. Seat the DDR4 SO-DIMM in the free slot at an angle and press it down until the clips click. Close the case, power on and confirm the new total in the BIOS or Task Manager.
2. Storage (SSD and HDD)
   Back up your data, power off and unplug the laptop, then ground yourself. Open the base cover as described in the owner's manual. For the M.2 drive, insert the SSD into the slot and secure it with its screw. For the 2.5-inch bay, fit the drive in the ASUS holder, connect the ribbon cable and seat the assembly - remember the drive must be 7 mm thick. Close the case, power on and check the BIOS sees both drives, then install or clone your operating system as needed.

Good to know

• These upgrades affect parts of the machine not covered by ASUS's standard user-serviceable list in some regions. Check your local warranty terms before opening the case, and if in doubt, have an authorised service centre do the work.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the ASUS VivoBook 15 X515EA take?

Officially 16 GB: 8 GB soldered on board plus an 8 GB DDR4 SO-DIMM. The 4 GB-onboard SKUs officially top out at 12 GB. A 16 GB module (8 + 16 = 24 GB) is reported to work and is advertised by ASUS India, but it's outside the global spec and not guaranteed. 32 GB is not something we can confirm.

Can I upgrade the CPU in the VivoBook 15 X515EA?

No. The processor is soldered to the motherboard - i3-1115G4, i5-1135G7 or i7-1165G7 depending on the SKU. There is no socket and no supported CPU swap. The upgrade budget is better spent on RAM and an SSD.

Does it support 32 GB of RAM?

We can't confirm it. ASUS's published maximum is 16 GB, with 24 GB widely reported as working via a 16 GB SO-DIMM. We haven't found evidence of a working 32 GB configuration, so treat it as unsupported.

Does the X515EA support NVMe or SATA M.2 SSDs?

NVMe. The M.2 2280 slot is listed as PCIe 3.0 x4 (NVMe). SATA-based M.2 drives are not listed as supported, so buy an NVMe SSD. Note that some factory SSDs are slower PCIe x2 drives even though the slot itself is x4.

How many SSDs or hard drives can I install?

Two drives: one M.2 2280 NVMe SSD and one 2.5-inch SATA drive (HDD or SATA SSD) in the second bay. The 2.5-inch drive must be 7 mm thick, and SSD-only models usually need the ASUS HDD holder and ribbon cable bought separately.

Will upgrading my VivoBook void the warranty?

It depends on where you are. ASUS Japan says additions and replacements are not supported, while ASUS's global self-repair guide documents RAM, M.2 and HDD replacement as customer self-repair (with parts bought from authorised retailers). Check with ASUS support in your region if warranty cover matters to you.

Official documents and references

• ASUS VivoBook 15 X515 (11th Gen Intel) - official tech specs
  Slot types, memory maximums, storage options and expansion slots.
• PDF ASUS X515EA Customer Self-Repair Guide (PDF)
  Official procedures for RAM, M.2 and 2.5-inch drive replacement.
• PDF ASUS Japan spec sheet for the X515EA (PDF)
  Memory speed and factory SSD details; also the regional note that upgrades are not supported.
• PDF X515 series E-Manual (PDF)
  Owner's manual covering the X515 family - use it for exact disassembly details. The filename says X515MA, but it's the manual ASUS serves for the X515EA too.
• ASUS support FAQ - how to find your full model name
  Useful for confirming your exact SKU before buying parts.