Dell Latitude 5590 Upgrade Guide

Lifecycle and support

No longer sold new. The manufacturer hasn't published an end-of-support date.

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

RAM: two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB

The Latitude 5590 has two user-accessible SO-DIMM slots, and nothing is soldered to the board, so whatever memory is in there now can be replaced rather than simply topped up.

What fits: standard DDR4 SO-DIMM modules, non-ECC and unbuffered. Any DDR4 SO-DIMM will fit physically.

The limit: Dell's documented maximum is 32 GB, made up of two 16 GB modules, running at 2400 MT/s. Faster DDR4-2666 modules will work but will run at 2400 MT/s, so there is no point paying extra for speed. Modules larger than 16 GB are not documented by Dell for this model, so we would not count on them.

Watch out for: server memory. Registered (RDIMM) and ECC modules are not the right type for this laptop, even if they are DDR4 and the right size. For the best performance, fit a matched pair of identical modules so the machine runs in dual channel; a single module works too, just a little slower.

Buying tip: look for a matched kit of 2 x 16 GB DDR4-2400 SO-DIMMs if you want the documented maximum. If 2666 kits are cheaper, they are a fine buy.

Buying tips

• Matched kit of 2 x 16 GB DDR4 SO-DIMM for the documented 32 GB maximum
• DDR4-2400 is the rated speed; DDR4-2666 modules simply run slower
• Avoid ECC or registered server memory

Storage: M.2 2280 slot plus a 2.5-inch bay

There are two storage options in this chassis, and you can use both at once.

What fits:

1. An M.2 2280 drive. The slot accepts SATA M.2 drives as well as PCIe NVMe drives (PCIe Gen3). Dell does not document a minimum PCIe generation.

2. A 2.5-inch SATA drive, limited to 7 mm thick. If your machine shipped with only an M.2 SSD, this bay will be empty and you will need the mounting bracket (caddy) and the SATA cable to use it.

The limits: the 2.5-inch bay is 7 mm thick, so thicker 9.5 mm hard drives will not fit. Dell documents no capacity limit for either drive, so you can go as large as you like within the usual market sizes. There is also an M.2 3042/2242 slot in this laptop, but that is the WWAN slot for a mobile broadband modem and it is not a storage slot. The SD card reader on the front edge is handy for camera cards but is not a substitute for an SSD.

One uncertainty to know about: shorter M.2 2230 SSDs. Some sources do not confirm support for 2230-length drives in this model, so treat the M.2 slot as 2280-only unless you are willing to test a 2230 drive with the correct standoff yourself.

Watch out for: buying a 2.5-inch drive on its own and then finding the bracket and SATA cable missing. Check your machine first before ordering.

Buying tip: an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD is the simple, fast choice for this laptop. If you want bulk storage as well, add a 7 mm 2.5-inch SATA drive and make sure you have the caddy and cable.

Buying tips

• M.2 2280 NVMe or SATA SSD for the main slot
• 7 mm maximum thickness for 2.5-inch drives
• Check for the 2.5-inch bracket and SATA cable before ordering that drive
• Skip 2230 drives unless you can test one with the right standoff

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Back up your data before you open the case.
• Shut the laptop down fully and unplug the charger.
• Ground yourself to discharge static, and work on a non-conductive surface.
• Open the case and install the new part.
• Close the case and reconnect the charger.
• Start the laptop and check that the BIOS and firmware see the new memory or drive, and that the correct amount is shown.

Steps

1. A safe, general outline
   Back up your data first, then power the laptop off completely and unplug it. Ground yourself before touching any components. Open the case, fit the new memory or drive, close the case again, and then start the machine and confirm the BIOS shows the new part with the right size and type.

Good to know

• Dell's documented memory maximum is 32 GB; larger modules are not confirmed for this model.
• M.2 2230 SSD support is not confirmed by Dell's documents, so treat the slot as 2280-only.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Dell Latitude 5590 take?

32 GB, made up of two 16 GB DDR4 SO-DIMM modules at 2400 MT/s. That is Dell's documented maximum, and both slots are user-accessible with nothing soldered.

Can I upgrade the CPU in the Latitude 5590?

No. The processor is soldered to the motherboard, so there is no socket and no processor upgrade path. Memory and storage are the upgrades available to you.

Does the Latitude 5590 support NVMe SSDs?

Yes. The M.2 slot takes PCIe NVMe drives (PCIe Gen3) as well as SATA M.2 drives.

Can I fit both an SSD and a hard drive?

Yes. Use the M.2 slot for your SSD and the 2.5-inch bay for a SATA drive up to 7 mm thick. If the machine shipped with only an M.2 SSD, you will need the mounting bracket and SATA cable for the 2.5-inch bay.

Does faster RAM work in the Latitude 5590?

DDR4-2666 modules will work, but they run at 2400 MT/s, so there is no benefit to paying for higher speed. Any DDR4 SO-DIMM fits physically; use non-ECC, unbuffered modules.

Will a 2230 M.2 SSD fit?

We cannot confirm it. Dell's documents do not cover 2230-length drives, so treat the slot as 2280-only unless you can test a 2230 drive with the proper standoff.

Official documents and references

• PDF Dell Latitude 5590 Owner's Manual (PDF) - official disassembly and upgrade instructions
  The reference for exact teardown steps and supported parts.
• PDF Latitude 5590 specification sheet (PDF)
  
• PDF iFixit repair documentation for the Latitude 5590 (PDF)
  
• Kingston memory configurator page for the Latitude 15 5590
  Useful for checking module types and part availability.
• Kingston memory shop listing for the Latitude 15 5590
  
• Latitude 5590 owner notes, including the question of 2230-length M.2 drives
  An owner's site rather than a manufacturer document; the useful reference for the 2230 question.