Dell Latitude 5420 Upgrade Guide: RAM and SSD Options

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.

RAM: two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, up to 64 GB

The Latitude 5420 has two user-accessible DDR4 SO-DIMM slots running dual-channel. Dell lists 4, 8, 16 or 32 GB modules per slot, for a maximum of 64 GB (2 x 32 GB). Listed configurations are 4 GB (1 x 4), 8 GB (2 x 4 or 1 x 8), 16 GB (2 x 8 or 1 x 16), 32 GB (2 x 16) and 64 GB (2 x 32), all at DDR4-3200. No soldered memory is listed, so both slots should be usable.

For best performance, fit two matching modules so the laptop can run in dual-channel mode. Dell's spec table doesn't mention ECC or registered memory, so standard unbuffered non-ECC SO-DIMMs are the safe choice.

Check which processor generation your unit has. Dell's guide covers both 10th-gen and 11th-gen Intel Core CPUs and gives a single 3200 MHz figure for the whole model. 10th-gen units may officially run memory at DDR4-2666, so DDR4-3200 modules could run slower there. The i5-1145G7 is an 11th-gen chip.

Buying tips

• Buy DDR4 SO-DIMM (laptop-size) modules, not desktop DIMMs.
• Choose a matched pair, such as 2 x 16 GB, for dual-channel.
• Pick DDR4-3200 non-ECC unbuffered modules.
• The 64 GB maximum needs two 32 GB modules.
• Don't use limits from the Latitude 5420 Rugged. It is a different, older machine.

Storage: one M.2 NVMe slot, no 2.5-inch bay

There is one M.2 SSD slot that accepts either 2230 or 2280 length drives. It is PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe, and Dell lists no SATA M.2 option. There is no 2.5-inch bay and no other internal storage slot, so the only way to add internal capacity is to replace the SSD.

Dell's capacity ceilings depend on the drive type: up to 512 GB for 2230 (Class 35), up to 1 TB for 2280 (Class 40), and up to 512 GB for 2280 self-encrypting drives. Larger drives may work, but Dell doesn't list them. Your laptop's installed drive length and type depend on how it was ordered, so check which one you have before buying.

Dell's service manual has separate removal and installation procedures for 2280 and 2230 drives. Swapping between the two lengths may need different mounting hardware, and the details aren't confirmed here, so check the manual first.

The microSD slot (microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC) is handy for extra removable storage, but it is not a substitute for a larger internal drive. The other M.2 slots inside are for the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card and the optional WWAN card, and neither is for storage.

Buying tips

• Buy an NVMe M.2 drive, not a SATA M.2 drive.
• Match the length (2230 or 2280) to your current drive, or confirm the mounting hardware first.
• 1 TB in 2280 is the largest size Dell lists.
• Self-encrypting drives are listed only up to 512 GB.
• For more space beyond one drive, use a microSD card or external USB/Thunderbolt storage.

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Check whether your laptop has a 10th-gen or 11th-gen Intel Core processor, as it can affect memory speed.
• Check which SSD is installed (2230 or 2280, standard or self-encrypting) before buying a replacement.
• Back up your files, and keep your Windows or recovery details to hand if you are replacing the SSD.
• Have the owner's manual or service manual open for exact disassembly instructions.
• Use a small screwdriver set and a clean, static-free work surface.

Steps

1. Back up your data
   Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage, especially if you plan to replace the SSD.
2. Power off and unplug
   Shut the laptop down fully, then disconnect the charger and any cables or accessories.
3. Ground yourself
   Touch an unpainted metal surface or use an anti-static wrist strap before handling internal parts. Hold modules and drives by their edges.
4. Open the case
   Remove the 8 base-cover screws, then pry the cover up carefully, starting near the hinges. Follow Dell's service manual for the exact order and for disconnecting the battery.
5. Replace the memory or SSD
   For RAM, unlatch the module and pull it out, then seat the new module firmly in the slot. For the SSD, follow the manual's separate 2280 or 2230 procedure, including any screw or mounting hardware.
6. Close the case
   Refit the base cover, press it down around the edges, and replace all 8 screws.
7. Check that the laptop sees the new part
   Reconnect power and start the laptop. Open the BIOS setup screen to confirm the new memory size or drive is listed. If you fitted a new SSD, you will need to install an operating system on it.

Good to know

• Dell's spec guide gives one memory speed (DDR4-3200) for both 10th-gen and 11th-gen CPU units. 10th-gen units may officially run at DDR4-2666.
• Larger SSDs than Dell's listed limits may work, but they are not confirmed.
• We could not confirm the exact mounting hardware needed to swap between 2230 and 2280 drives. Check the service manual.
• The service manual we found is dated April 2023 (Rev. A03), so steps may differ slightly on other versions.
• The Latitude 5420 Rugged is a different, older laptop with different memory limits. Don't use its specifications for this model.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Dell Latitude 5420 take?

Up to 64 GB, using two 32 GB DDR4 SO-DIMMs. Dell lists 4, 8, 16 or 32 GB per slot, with a 4 GB minimum.

What speed of RAM does the Latitude 5420 support?

Dell lists DDR4-3200 for the model. Units with 10th-gen Intel CPUs may officially run at DDR4-2666, so faster modules may be slowed down.

Does the Latitude 5420 support ECC memory?

Dell's specifications don't mention ECC or registered memory. Standard unbuffered non-ECC SO-DIMMs are the safe choice.

What SSD fits the Latitude 5420?

One M.2 slot takes a PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe drive in 2230 or 2280 length. Dell lists up to 512 GB for 2230, up to 1 TB for 2280, and up to 512 GB for 2280 self-encrypting drives. No SATA M.2 option is listed.

Can I add a second SSD or a 2.5-inch drive?

No. There is a single M.2 SSD slot and no 2.5-inch bay. You can replace the SSD with a larger one, add a microSD card, or use external USB/Thunderbolt storage.

Can I upgrade the CPU in the Latitude 5420?

Dell's documents don't describe a user-replaceable or upgradeable processor for this laptop. The memory and SSD are the upgrades the documents cover.

Official documents and references

• Latitude 5420 Setup and Specifications: Memory
  Official memory specifications and supported configurations
• Latitude 5420 Setup and Specifications: Storage
  Drive types and capacity limits
• PDF Latitude 5420 Setup and Specifications (PDF)
  Full specification guide
• PDF Latitude 5420 Service Manual (PDF)
  Disassembly and part replacement procedures
• Latitude 5420 Service Manual: Memory module
  Memory removal and installation steps
• How to replace the memory module on Latitude 5420
  Dell's video walkthrough