Dell XPS 15 9510 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 SO-DIMM slots, up to 64 GB

The XPS 15 9510 has two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots and no soldered memory. Dell lists dual-channel DDR4 at up to 3200 MT/s (Dell writes this as 3200 MHz), with 4, 8, 16 or 32 GB per slot and a 64 GB maximum (2 x 32 GB).

Dell only lists paired configurations: 8 GB (2 x 4), 16 GB (2 x 8), 32 GB (2 x 16) and 64 GB (2 x 32). Dell also gives a 4 GB minimum, but no single-module configuration is listed, so install two matching modules to keep dual-channel operation.

Dell's documents don't mention ECC or registered memory. The listed configurations are ordinary DDR4 SO-DIMMs, so buy standard non-ECC modules. The service manual says the modules are held by securing clips.

Buying tips

• Buy a matched kit of two identical SO-DIMMs rather than mixing sizes or brands.
• Look for DDR4 SO-DIMM rated 3200 or higher; the laptop tops out at 3200.
• Choose standard non-ECC, unbuffered laptop memory.
• Don't buy more than 32 GB per module; 64 GB total is the listed ceiling.

Storage: two M.2 NVMe slots, up to 4 TB

There are two M.2 slots, listed as 2230/2280, and both take NVMe (PCIe) drives. No SATA M.2 drives are listed, and there is no 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch bay. Dell lists 2230 drives up to 256 GB and 2280 drives up to 4 TB, so any large drive needs to be the 2280 length. If you fit only one drive, use the primary slot, SSD 1.

It isn't clear which slot takes which length. Dell's spec lists one 2230 option and one 2280 option, while describing both slots as 2230/2280. The factory 256 GB drive is 2230 and the larger factory drives are 2280. The service manual also says the SSD thermal bracket varies with drive size, so a 2230 and a 2280 drive use different brackets. Check the service manual for your configuration before ordering.

Speed is also unsettled. Dell's specifications say up to PCIe Gen 3, but its spec sheet lists 2 TB and 4 TB configurations as PCIe 4 x4, and Dell's 'up to 64 Gbps' figure fits Gen 4 better. Gen 4 looks supported at least on those factory configurations, but confirm it before paying extra for a Gen 4 drive. A Gen 3 NVMe drive is the safe choice.

Dell's documents also don't say whether the second SSD slot is usable on every configuration, for example with the smaller 56 Whr battery.

Buying tips

• Choose an M.2 2280 NVMe drive for anything above 256 GB.
• Don't buy a SATA M.2 drive; only NVMe is listed.
• Check which bracket your slot needs before buying a 2230 drive.
• A Gen 3 drive is the safe pick; Gen 4 is unconfirmed outside the factory 2 TB and 4 TB models.
• Check your exact configuration in the service manual before buying a second drive.

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Back up your files, or clone your current drive, before opening the laptop.
• Have the owner's and service manual open for exact disassembly steps for your configuration.
• Dell's service manual requires a wired, grounded ESD strap; wireless straps are not allowed.
• Check the installed drive's length and bracket before buying a replacement or second SSD.
• Note your current BIOS version in case you need to compare it after the upgrade.

Steps

1. Back up and shut down
   Save your data, then shut the laptop down fully (not sleep or hibernate).
2. Unplug everything
   Disconnect the charger and any USB, Thunderbolt or other accessories. Power can come in through any of the three USB-C ports, so check them all.
3. Ground yourself
   Put on a wired ESD strap connected to a grounded point, as the service manual requires.
4. Open the case
   Follow the Dell service manual for removing the base cover on your configuration, including any battery-related steps it describes. Don't guess at the disassembly order.
5. Install the RAM
   Release the securing clips on the SO-DIMM slots, remove the old modules if you're replacing them, and seat the new matched pair. Both modules should sit fully and be held by the clips.
6. Install or swap the SSD
   Use SSD 1 if you're fitting a single drive. Make sure the thermal bracket matches your drive size (2230 or 2280), as the service manual notes the bracket differs, and secure the drive as the manual describes.
7. Close up
   Refit the base cover and fasteners in the order the service manual gives, then reconnect power.
8. Check that the laptop sees the parts
   Enter the BIOS/system setup at startup and confirm the new memory total and the new drive are listed. A new blank SSD will need an operating system installed or your cloned data restored.

Good to know

• Dell's documents disagree on PCIe generation: Gen 3 in the specifications, Gen 4 on the 2 TB and 4 TB models in the spec sheet.
• It's unclear which M.2 slot takes a 2230 drive and which takes a 2280 drive; the thermal bracket differs by size.
• Dell lists no single-module memory configuration, and a 4 GB minimum conflicts with listed configurations starting at 8 GB (2 x 4 GB).
• Dell's documents don't say whether the second SSD slot works on every configuration, such as with the smaller 56 Whr battery.
• ECC support isn't mentioned by Dell; non-ECC modules are the safe assumption.
• No CPU upgrade is covered because Dell lists no processor socket or upgrade path for this laptop.
• Always follow the Dell service manual for exact disassembly and use a wired ESD strap.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Dell XPS 15 9510 take?

Up to 64 GB, as two 32 GB DDR4 SO-DIMMs running dual channel at up to 3200 MT/s. Dell also lists 8, 16 and 32 GB configurations, all as matched pairs.

Is the RAM in the XPS 15 9510 soldered?

No. Both memory slots are SO-DIMM slots and no soldered memory is listed, so you can replace the modules yourself.

Does the XPS 15 9510 support ECC memory?

Dell's documents don't mention ECC. Dell's listed configurations are standard DDR4 SO-DIMMs, so use ordinary non-ECC modules.

What size SSD can I put in the XPS 15 9510?

Dell lists M.2 2280 NVMe drives up to 4 TB and M.2 2230 drives up to 256 GB. There are two M.2 slots, and if you only fit one, use SSD 1.

Does the XPS 15 9510 support PCIe Gen 4 SSDs?

It's unclear. Dell's specifications say up to PCIe Gen 3, but its spec sheet lists the 2 TB and 4 TB factory drives as PCIe 4 x4. Confirm before paying extra for a Gen 4 drive.

Can I upgrade the processor in the XPS 15 9510?

Dell's documents don't list a processor upgrade or a CPU socket for this laptop, so we only cover RAM and storage upgrades.

Official documents and references

• PDF XPS 15 9510 Setup and Specifications (PDF)
  Dell's full memory, storage and port specifications
• PDF XPS 15 9510 Service Manual (PDF)
  Step-by-step removal and installation of memory and SSDs
• XPS 15 9510 Memory specifications
  Dell's memory type, speed and size limits
• XPS 15 9510 Storage specifications
  Dell's M.2 slot and drive details
• PDF XPS 15 9510 data spec sheet (PDF)
  Factory drive options including PCIe 3 and PCIe 4 listings
• XPS 15 9510 System Setup
  How to open the BIOS to confirm new parts
• Dell XPS 15 9510 laptop page
  Dell's listed memory and storage configurations