Dell G15 5520 Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD and CPU Options

Updated Oct. 8, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

This guide covers what you can upgrade in the Dell G15 5520 (P105F): the memory and the SSD. The short answer is that RAM goes up to 32 GB of DDR5-4800 across two SO-DIMM slots, the single M.2 slot takes one NVMe drive, and the processor is not a realistic upgrade.

At a glance

  • RAM: 2 DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB total (2 x 16 GB) at 4800 MT/s.
  • Storage: one M.2 NVMe slot that takes a 2230 or a 2280 drive, so an upgrade means replacing your current drive.
  • The 2230 size is listed up to 1 TB; the 2280 size is listed up to 2 TB.
  • CPU: Core i7-12700H or Core i5-12500H. Treat it as not upgradable.
  • Match your SSD length to the bracket already in your laptop.
SO-DIMM memory slots2 × DDR5 SO-DIMM · up to 32 GB total · 4800 MT/s
M.2 SSD slot (2230 or 2280)SSD M.2 2230 / M.2 2280 (NVMe)
2 × SO-DIMM · DDR5up to 32 GB totalM.2 SSD slot (2230 or 2280)SSD M.2 2230 / M.2 2280 (NVMe)
Schematic of the upgradeable slots (not to scale). Check the owner's manual for their exact positions.

RAM: two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, 32 GB maximum

The G15 5520 has two SO-DIMM slots that take DDR5 memory running at up to 4800 MT/s. Dell's official maximum is 32 GB total, as two 16 GB modules. Dell lists supported setups of 8 GB (one 8 GB module), 16 GB (two 8 GB) and 32 GB (two 16 GB), all at DDR5-4800. Nothing in Dell's documents mentions soldered memory, so both slots look user-accessible.

Dell's spec table is inconsistent: it lists memory sizes of 8, 16 and 32 GB per slot, yet gives a 32 GB maximum overall. Two 32 GB modules would make 64 GB, which contradicts that maximum, so anything above 2 x 16 GB is unofficial and untested by Dell. Dell's documents also don't say whether ECC memory is supported, so stick to standard non-ECC DDR5 SO-DIMMs.

Buying tips

  • For the best result, buy a matched pair of 2 x 16 GB DDR5-4800 SO-DIMMs so the laptop runs in dual-channel.
  • A single 8 GB stick works but runs single-channel, which is slower.
  • Make sure you buy laptop SO-DIMMs, not desktop DIMMs, and DDR5, not DDR4.
  • Treat 32 GB modules as an unsupported experiment, not a safe purchase.

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Storage: one M.2 NVMe slot (2230 or 2280)

There is only one SSD slot, and it takes NVMe drives only. Dell lists the M.2 2230 size as PCIe Gen3 x4 or Gen4 x4 NVMe up to 1 TB, and the M.2 2280 size as PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe up to 2 TB. No SATA M.2 option, 2.5 inch bay or 3.5 inch bay is listed. You can't simply add a second drive, so a bigger SSD means swapping out the existing one, or cloning it first.

The drive bracket is specific to the form factor. Dell says to replace a 2280 drive with a 2280 and a 2230 drive with a 2230, so check which size your unit has before buying. The other M.2 2230 slot inside is reserved for the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth card and is not for storage. Dell's PDF words the storage slot slightly differently from its web pages, but both describe a single SSD slot, and the BIOS shows just one entry, M.2 PCIe SSD-1.

Buying tips

  • Check whether your current drive is 2230 or 2280 before you order, and buy the same length.
  • The largest listed 2230 drive is 1 TB; if you want 2 TB, you need a 2280 drive and the matching bracket setup.
  • Choose an NVMe drive. SATA M.2 drives are not listed for this laptop.
  • Plan how to move your data: clone the old drive before swapping, or be ready to reinstall Windows.

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How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Check your unit's service tag on Dell's support site, since configurations vary by region and order.
  • Back up your files, and have a way to restore or reinstall Windows if you plan to replace the SSD.
  • Look up the exact disassembly procedure in Dell's service manual for the G15 5520 before you open the case.
  • Have the right small screwdriver and an anti-static strap or a grounded metal surface ready.
  • Make sure the new parts match: DDR5 SO-DIMMs for memory, and an NVMe drive in the same length as your current one.

Steps

  1. Back up your data
    Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage. If you are replacing the SSD, also create a clone or recovery media.
  2. Power off and unplug
    Shut the laptop down fully (not sleep), disconnect the charger and any accessories, and wait a moment before opening it.
  3. Ground yourself
    Touch bare metal or wear an anti-static strap before handling any internal parts, and hold memory modules and drives by their edges.
  4. Open the case
    Follow the steps in Dell's service manual to remove the base cover and disconnect the battery if the manual tells you to. The exact screws and order are in the manual.
  5. Install the RAM or SSD
    For memory, fit the SO-DIMMs into the two slots, using a matched pair for dual-channel. For storage, remove the existing M.2 drive and fit the new one, making sure the bracket matches the drive length (2230 or 2280).
  6. Close the case
    Reconnect anything you disconnected, replace the base cover and screws, then reconnect the charger.
  7. Check that the BIOS sees the new part
    Start the laptop and open the BIOS setup. Confirm the total memory size, and for an SSD look for the drive listed as M.2 PCIe SSD-1. Then restore your data or reinstall Windows if needed.

Good to know

  • Dell's spec table lists 32 GB per memory slot but also a 32 GB maximum. Dell's supported maximum is 32 GB total; anything larger is unofficial.
  • Dell's documents don't state whether ECC memory is supported.
  • Dell's documents don't name the CPU socket. These 12th-gen H-series chips are normally soldered, so treat the CPU as not upgradable.
  • Configurations vary by region and order, so check your unit's service tag before buying parts.
  • Card reader details were not covered in Dell's documents we checked; consult the service manual if that matters to you.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Dell G15 5520 take?

Dell's official maximum is 32 GB, as two 16 GB DDR5-4800 SO-DIMMs. Dell's spec table also lists 32 GB per slot, which would make 64 GB and contradicts its own maximum, so treat anything above 32 GB as unofficial.

What type of RAM does the Dell G15 5520 use?

It uses DDR5 SO-DIMM memory at up to 4800 MT/s, in two slots, and Dell lists it as dual-channel. Use two matched modules to get dual-channel performance.

Can I add a second SSD to the Dell G15 5520?

No. There is only one SSD slot, so upgrading means replacing the existing drive. The other M.2 2230 slot inside is for the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth card.

Does the Dell G15 5520 support a 2280 SSD?

Yes. The slot takes either an M.2 2230 or an M.2 2280 NVMe drive. Dell lists 2280 drives as PCIe Gen4 NVMe up to 2 TB, and 2230 drives as Gen3 or Gen4 NVMe up to 1 TB. Match the drive length to the bracket in your laptop.

Can I upgrade the CPU in the Dell G15 5520?

Almost certainly not. The laptop comes with a Core i7-12700H or Core i5-12500H. Dell's documents don't name a socket, but 12th-gen H-series laptop chips like these are normally soldered to the motherboard, so plan on keeping the CPU you have.

Does the Dell G15 5520 support ECC memory?

Dell's documents don't say. Stick to standard non-ECC DDR5 SO-DIMMs, which are the supported types.

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.