Dell Latitude 5480 upgrade guide

Updated Oct. 12, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

The Dell Latitude 5480 is a friendly machine to upgrade: both memory slots and the storage bays are user-accessible under the bottom cover. The CPU, however, is fixed at purchase. Here's what fits, what the real limits are, and what to check before you buy parts.

At a glance

  • Two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) total, non-ECC only
  • RAM speed depends on the CPU: dual-core models run at 2133 MHz, quad-core models at 2400 MHz
  • 2.5-inch SATA bay plus an M.2 2280 slot (SATA or NVMe), plus an M.2 WWAN bay
  • The CPU is soldered and cannot be upgraded
2x DDR4 SO-DIMM (max 32 GB)2 × DDR4 SO-DIMM · up to 32 GB total · 2400 MT/s
2.5" SATA + M.2 2280 + WWAN M.23 × SSD / HDD 2.5" / M.2 2280 / M.2 2242 / M.2 2242 (SATA / NVMe) · max 7 mm thick
2 × SO-DIMM · DDR4up to 32 GB total2.5" SATA + M.2 2280 + WWAN M.23 × SSD / HDD 2.5" / M.2 2280 / M.2 2242 / M.2 2242 (SATA / NVMe) ·max 7 mm thick
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.

20172018201920202021202220232024202520262027Today11 · Release · January 2017
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 January 2017 Official Dell spec sheet for the Latitude 5280/5480/5580 family covering the January 2017 launch configuration.
Source ↗

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

RAM: two slots, up to 32 GB of DDR4

The Latitude 5480 has two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, both accessible under the bottom cover, with no memory soldered to the board. Modules of 4 GB, 8 GB or 16 GB per slot are listed by Dell's owner's manual. The real maximum is 32 GB total (2 x 16 GB): larger 32 GB SO-DIMMs are generally not supported by this platform, even if a seller advertises them. Use non-ECC, unbuffered modules only - ECC memory is not supported.

Buying tips

  • Match the speed to your CPU. Dell's manual notes that dual-core (U-series) models run 2400 MHz sticks at 2133 MHz, while quad-core (H-series) models reach 2400 MHz. Paying extra for fast RAM on a dual-core model is wasted money.
  • Non-ECC unbuffered DDR4 SO-DIMMs only.
  • Two 16 GB sticks is the practical ceiling; ignore offers of 32 GB modules for this laptop.

Storage: 2.5-inch SATA plus M.2 NVMe

There are three places for storage. The 2.5-inch SATA bay takes HDDs or SSDs up to 7 mm in height and needs Dell's SATA cable and bracket. The main M.2 slot is 2280 (M-key) and accepts either M.2 SATA or M.2 NVMe drives, with NVMe running at PCIe 3.0 x4; it needs its mounting bracket and screw. Both can be populated at the same time, so a small NVMe boot drive paired with a large 2.5-inch SATA SSD is a common setup. The third spot is the WWAN bay, an M.2 3042/2242 (B+M-key) slot that is SATA/USB only - not NVMe - and it is shared with the optional LTE modem, so you can use it for a small SSD or for mobile broadband, one or the other.

Buying tips

  • Check the used unit before buying parts: the 2.5-inch cable/bracket and the M.2 screw/bracket are often missing on cheap ex-corporate machines.
  • Dell's factory options topped out at 1 TB for the 2.5-inch drive and 512 GB for M.2, but these are not hard limits - 2 TB 2.5-inch SATA SSDs and 1-2 TB NVMe drives are known to work. There is no documented maximum.
  • Make sure an M.2 drive is the right key and length: 2280 M-key for the main slot, 2242/3042 B+M-key for the WWAN bay.

How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Back up your data first.
  • Shut the laptop down fully and unplug the power adapter.
  • Ground yourself (or use an anti-static wrist strap) before touching components.
  • Open the case, install the part, then close everything back up.
  • Power on and check that the BIOS/firmware recognises the new memory or drive.
  • For exact disassembly steps and screw locations, follow Dell's owner's manual for the Latitude 5480.

Steps

  1. Upgrading RAM
    After backing up and unplugging, open the bottom cover and locate the two SO-DIMM slots. Insert each module at an angle and press it down until the side clips click. Reseat the cover, power on and check the memory total in the BIOS screen before booting into the operating system.
  2. Adding or replacing a drive
    Back up, power off, unplug and ground yourself. Fit the 2.5-inch drive with its cable and bracket, or slide the M.2 drive into the 2280 slot and secure it with its screw and bracket. Close the case, then confirm the drive appears in the BIOS; you may need to install an operating system on a new boot drive.
  3. CPU
    No procedure - the CPU is soldered to the system board and is not user-replaceable.

Good to know

  • Some 5480 units may ship with memory soldered alongside the SO-DIMM slots depending on configuration - check the sticker or BIOS on the exact unit before buying modules.
  • One user guide lists DDR3L and 2 GB modules for this platform; that's a document error. The 5480 is DDR4-only with a 4 GB minimum.
  • Dell's documents cover the 12.5-inch 5280, 14-inch 5480 and 15.6-inch 5580 together; this page is for the 14-inch 5480.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Dell Latitude 5480 take?

Up to 32 GB total, using two 16 GB DDR4 SO-DIMMs. Larger 32 GB modules are not supported by this platform.

What RAM speed does the Latitude 5480 support?

It depends on the CPU. Dell's manual notes that dual-core models run 2400 MHz modules at 2133 MHz, while quad-core H-series models reach 2400 MHz.

Does the Latitude 5480 support NVMe SSDs?

Yes. The M.2 2280 slot takes both M.2 SATA and M.2 NVMe drives, with NVMe running at PCIe 3.0 x4. The WWAN-bay M.2 slot, however, is SATA/USB only and does not support NVMe.

Can I upgrade the CPU in a Latitude 5480?

No. The processor is soldered to the system board, so choose the CPU you want when buying the laptop.

Can I install two drives at once?

Yes. The 2.5-inch SATA bay and the M.2 2280 slot can be populated simultaneously, so an NVMe boot drive plus a 2.5-inch SATA SSD is a popular combination.

Does the Latitude 5480 support ECC memory?

No. It takes non-ECC, unbuffered DDR4 SO-DIMMs only.

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.