Dell Latitude 7490 Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD and CPU

Updated Oct. 10, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

This guide covers adding RAM, fitting a bigger SSD and what to expect from the processor in the Dell Latitude 7490 (also called Latitude 14 7490, P73G). The short answer: memory and the M.2 SSD are the upgrades to plan for, while the CPU is most likely soldered and not replaceable.

At a glance

  • RAM: 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, 16 GB per module, 32 GB total.
  • RAM speed is 2133 MT/s with 7th-gen Intel CPUs and 2400 MT/s with 8th-gen CPUs.
  • Storage: one M.2 slot (inferred), with SATA and PCIe options in 2280 and 2230 lengths; 1 TB is the largest factory option.
  • CPU: 15 W Intel Core U-series parts, most likely soldered, so don't plan a CPU upgrade.
  • Don't use 7290 or 7390 memory specs; those models have only one memory slot.
SO-DIMM memory2 × DDR4 SO-DIMM · up to 32 GB total · 2400 MT/s
M.2 SSD slotSSD M.2 2230 / M.2 2280 (SATA / NVMe) · up to 1.024 TB
2 × SO-DIMM · DDR4up to 32 GB totalM.2 SSD slotSSD M.2 2230 / M.2 2280 (SATA / NVMe) · up to 1.024 TB
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.

2018201920202021202220232024202520262027Today11 · Release · Jan. 9, 2018
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 Jan. 9, 2018 Estimate Third-party article dated 2018-01-09 relaying Dell's CES 2018 announcement: refreshed Latitude models available starting today on Dell's website. Dell's own press release was not in the sources.
Source ↗

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 7490 has two SO-DIMM slots that take DDR4 memory only. DDR4 is not backward compatible with DDR3, so older modules won't work. Each module can be up to 16 GB, and the largest listed setup is 2 x 16 GB for 32 GB in total. Dell's listed configurations are 1 x 4 GB, 2 x 4 GB, 1 x 8 GB, 2 x 8 GB and 2 x 16 GB, all DDR4-2400. The minimum is 4 GB.

The speed you get depends on the processor. DDR4-2400 modules run at 2133 MT/s with 7th-gen Intel CPUs and at 2400 MT/s with 8th-gen CPUs. To use more than 4 GB you need a 64-bit operating system.

One page of Dell's Owner's Manual says the memory is embedded in the board and not replaceable. That conflicts with the same manual's memory-module removal and installation chapters and with Dell's specifications, which list two DIMM slots supporting up to 32 GB. The note looks like generic text reused from other models, so the two-slot specification is the more credible one. Dell doesn't state whether the memory is ECC, but this class of CPU generally doesn't support it, so buy standard non-ECC SO-DIMMs.

Buying tips

  • Buy DDR4 SO-DIMMs rated DDR4-2400, standard non-ECC.
  • Two matching modules (for example 2 x 8 GB) fill both slots; 2 x 16 GB is the maximum.
  • Check which CPU generation you have: with a 7th-gen CPU, faster memory still runs at 2133 MT/s.
  • Ignore memory specs for the Latitude 7290 and 7390; they have one slot and a lower maximum.

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Storage: one M.2 SSD slot

Dell's factory storage options are all M.2 drives. SATA options are 128, 256 and 512 GB in the 2280 length, plus a 512 GB 2280 SATA self-encrypting drive (SED). PCIe options are 128 GB in 2230, and 256 and 512 GB in 2280, plus 256 and 512 GB PCIe SEDs in 2280. The largest factory option is a 1 TB PCIe drive in 2280.

Dell's specifications list only a single primary storage entry, so treat the laptop as having one M.2 storage slot. This is an inference, so confirm it in the Owner's Manual storage chapter before you buy. Dell's documents don't state the PCIe generation, don't list a second M.2 slot, and don't show any 2.5-inch drive bay. Whether drives larger than 1 TB work is not confirmed.

Buying tips

  • Check your current drive's type (SATA or PCIe) and length (2280 or 2230) before buying a replacement.
  • 1 TB is the largest size Dell offered; larger drives are unconfirmed.
  • If your drive is the short 2230 type, make sure the replacement fits your slot's length.
  • Plan to clone or reinstall: there's no second drive bay to copy across to.

Cheapest compatible right now

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How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Back up your files, and note your Windows and software licence details.
  • Check whether your laptop has a 7th-gen or 8th-gen Intel CPU, as this sets your RAM speed.
  • Use a 64-bit operating system if you're going above 4 GB of RAM.
  • Have the Owner's Manual for the 7490 to hand for exact disassembly steps.
  • Note your current SSD type and length before ordering a replacement.

Steps

  1. Back up and prepare
    Back up your data. If you're replacing the SSD, have a clone tool or installation media ready.
  2. Power off and unplug
    Shut the laptop down fully (not sleep), unplug the charger and disconnect any accessories.
  3. Ground yourself
    Touch bare metal or use an anti-static strap before handling any internal parts, and hold memory and drives by their edges.
  4. Open the case
    Follow the Owner's Manual for the exact order of removing the base cover and disconnecting the battery. Dell's chapters for removing and installing the memory module and the SSD give the details for this model.
  5. Install the new part
    Fit the SO-DIMM or M.2 drive as shown in the Owner's Manual, making sure it is fully seated and secured. Don't force anything.
  6. Close up and reconnect
    Replace the cover and any screws, then reconnect the charger.
  7. Check that the system sees it
    Start the laptop and open the BIOS setup screen to confirm the new memory total or drive is detected. If the laptop doesn't start after a memory change, the manual describes diagnostic light codes (ON-FLASH-FLASH or ON-FLASH-ON) for memory errors, and the screen stays off if all memory fails. Re-seat the modules and try again.

Good to know

  • Dell's documents don't name a CPU socket. The processor is most likely soldered, but this is not confirmed.
  • Dell's manual contradicts itself on whether the memory is replaceable; the specifications and module-replacement chapters indicate two user-replaceable slots.
  • The single M.2 slot is inferred from one storage entry in the specifications. Confirm it in the Owner's Manual before buying.
  • Dell doesn't state whether the memory is ECC, or the PCIe generation of the M.2 slot.
  • Display size is labelled 14.1 inches in some places and 14.0 inches in others; this doesn't affect memory or storage.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Dell Latitude 7490 take?

Up to 32 GB, using two 16 GB DDR4 SO-DIMMs. The minimum configuration is 4 GB, and you need a 64-bit operating system to use more than 4 GB.

Is the RAM in the Latitude 7490 soldered?

Dell's specifications and memory-module chapters show two user-replaceable SO-DIMM slots. One page of the Owner's Manual says the memory is embedded, but that appears to be reused text from other models.

What speed of RAM does the Latitude 7490 use?

DDR4-2400 modules are listed. They run at 2133 MT/s with 7th-gen Intel CPUs and 2400 MT/s with 8th-gen CPUs.

What SSD does the Latitude 7490 use?

An M.2 SSD. Dell offers SATA and PCIe versions, mostly in the 2280 length, with a 128 GB PCIe drive in 2230. Check which type and length your laptop has before buying.

What is the biggest SSD the Latitude 7490 supports?

1 TB is the largest option Dell lists. Dell doesn't say whether larger drives work.

Can I upgrade the CPU in a Latitude 7490?

Almost certainly not. Dell's documents don't name a socket, but the processors (i3-7130U, i5-7300U, i5-8250U, i5-8350U and i7-8650U) are 15 W U-series parts that are normally soldered to the board.

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.