Dell XPS 15 9570 Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD and CPU Options

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

This guide covers what you can upgrade in the Dell XPS 15 9570 (Intel 8th Gen): memory, storage and, in theory, the processor. The short answer is that RAM and SSD upgrades are straightforward, while the CPU is most likely soldered to the board and not replaceable.

At a glance

  • RAM: 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB total at 2666 MT/s, nothing soldered.
  • Storage: one M.2 2280 slot (SATA or PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe, up to 2 TB) plus a 2.5-inch SATA bay.
  • The 2.5-inch bay is not available with the 6-cell battery.
  • CPU: Core i5-8300H, i7-8750H or i9-8950HK, most likely soldered, so choose it when you buy.
  • Dell's regulatory model for this laptop is P56F; check the label on your unit.
SODIMM memory slots2 × DDR4 SO-DIMM · up to 32 GB total · 2666 MT/s
M.2 SSD slotSSD M.2 2280 (NVMe / SATA) · up to 2 TB
2.5" SATA drive bayHDD / SSD 2.5" (SATA) · up to 2 TB
2 × SO-DIMM · DDR4up to 32 GB totalM.2 SSD slotSSD M.2 2280 (NVMe / SATA) · up to 2 TB2.5" SATA drive bayHDD / SSD 2.5" (SATA) · up to 2 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 · May 4, 2018
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 May 4, 2018 Estimate Digital Trends reported on 4 May 2018 that the laptop was now available to buy from $999. Preorders opened 16 April 2018 per Windows Central. No Dell press release was found, so this is a third-party date.
Source ↗

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

RAM: two SO-DIMM slots, 32 GB maximum

The XPS 15 9570 has two user-accessible SO-DIMM slots and no soldered memory. It takes dual-channel DDR4 running at up to 2666 MT/s, with 4, 8 or 16 GB per slot. Dell lists 32 GB as the maximum total.

Some third-party pages claim 64 GB is possible. Dell's own figure is 32 GB, and the higher number is unverified, so don't buy 32 GB modules per slot on that basis. Dell's documents don't say whether ECC memory is supported, so stick to standard non-ECC DDR4 SO-DIMMs.

Buying tips

  • Buy DDR4 SO-DIMMs rated for 2666 MT/s; faster modules won't run faster than the platform limit.
  • Fit two matching modules to keep dual-channel mode, for example 2 x 16 GB for the full 32 GB.
  • Skip ECC and registered modules, since support isn't documented.
  • Don't treat the 64 GB claims on some retail pages as fact.

Cheapest compatible right now

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Storage: M.2 slot and an optional 2.5-inch bay

The main slot is an M.2 2280 slot that accepts either a SATA or a PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD, up to 2 TB according to Dell. Dell's service manual describes both half-length and full-length SSD procedures, but the exact lengths aren't confirmed, so shorter 2230, 2242 or 2260 drives are unverified. A standard 2280 drive is the safe choice.

There is also a 2.5-inch bay for a SATA 6 Gbps hard drive or SSD, up to 2 TB, connected through an adapter. This bay is not available if your laptop has the 6-cell (full-length) battery, so check which battery you have before buying a second drive. Dell's documents don't state a thickness limit for the 2.5-inch drive.

If you reinstall Windows on a new PCIe SSD, you may need extra Dell drivers, and the BIOS SATA settings need to be correct for the drive type.

Buying tips

  • For the best speed, choose an NVMe M.2 2280 SSD (PCIe Gen 3 x4).
  • Check your battery option before buying a 2.5-inch drive; the 6-cell battery rules the bay out.
  • Thickness limits for the 2.5-inch bay aren't documented, so pick a slim drive and check the fit in the service manual.
  • Keep Dell's drivers for your SSD type on a USB stick before reinstalling Windows.

Cheapest compatible right now

See all compatible parts and prices →

How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Check the label on your unit. Dell's spec sheet lists the regulatory model as P56F, and we found nothing tying the P68F name to this laptop.
  • Find out whether you have the 6-cell battery if you want to add a 2.5-inch drive.
  • Have your owner's manual or Dell's service manual open for the exact disassembly steps.
  • You'll need a small Philips screwdriver and a Torx driver: the case uses 12 screws, 2 Philips M2x8 under the system badge and 10 Torx M2x3.
  • Back up your files and have Windows install media and Dell drivers ready if you're replacing the system drive.

Steps

  1. Back up your data
    Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage. If you're replacing the system SSD, also make sure you can reinstall Windows and the needed Dell drivers.
  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 components, and work on a clean, flat surface.
  4. Open the case
    Remove the 2 Philips M2x8 screws under the system badge and the 10 Torx M2x3 screws, then lift off the bottom cover. Follow Dell's service manual for the exact order and for any battery precautions.
  5. Install the new part
    For RAM, replace or add SO-DIMMs in the two slots. For an SSD, swap the M.2 drive or fit a 2.5-inch drive with its adapter (not possible with the 6-cell battery). Follow the manual's memory and SSD procedures.
  6. Close the case
    Refit the bottom cover and put back all 12 screws without overtightening.
  7. Check that the system sees it
    Power on and open the BIOS setup to confirm the new memory or drive is detected. If you installed a new drive, check the SATA setting in the BIOS and install Windows and any extra Dell drivers a PCIe SSD needs.

Good to know

  • Dell's documents don't name a CPU socket, and the soldered-CPU conclusion is likely but not confirmed.
  • Dell lists 32 GB maximum RAM; a 64 GB claim on one third-party page is unverified.
  • ECC support, the 2.5-inch drive thickness limit and exact M.2 lengths (including 2230, 2242 and 2260 support) are not documented.
  • The owner's manual is shared with another Dell model and contains memory text that contradicts the DDR4 spec, so rely on the spec sheet and service manual for memory details.
  • Always check the exact disassembly steps in Dell's manual before opening the laptop.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Dell XPS 15 9570 take?

Dell lists 32 GB as the maximum, using two 16 GB DDR4 SO-DIMMs. Some third-party pages say 64 GB, but that figure is unverified.

What type and speed of RAM does the XPS 15 9570 use?

It uses dual-channel DDR4 SO-DIMMs at up to 2666 MT/s, in 4, 8 or 16 GB modules per slot. Both slots are user-accessible and no memory is soldered.

Can I put an NVMe SSD in the XPS 15 9570?

Yes. The M.2 2280 slot accepts PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe or SATA SSDs, up to 2 TB according to Dell.

Does the XPS 15 9570 have a 2.5-inch drive bay?

Yes, for a SATA 6 Gbps drive up to 2 TB, connected through an adapter. It is not available if your laptop has the 6-cell (full-length) battery.

Can I upgrade the CPU in the XPS 15 9570?

Almost certainly not. Dell's documents don't describe a socket, and these 8th-gen H-series chips (i5-8300H, i7-8750H, i9-8950HK) are most likely soldered to the board. This isn't confirmed.

Does the XPS 15 9570 support ECC memory?

Dell's documents don't say. Only standard non-ECC DDR4 SO-DIMMs are documented, so stick to those.

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.