Need more RAM? How to upgrade the RAM in the Acer Nitro 5

The Acer Nitro 5 is a very popular laptop, and there’s a good reason for it. While it’s not a mind-blowing machine compared to more expensive laptops, the Nitro 5 stands out as a great budget gaming laptop. It’s one of the most affordable gaming laptops out there, and it has great specs to boot. However, it does start with just 8GB of RAM. That’s good enough for day-to-day use, but if you’re trying to play modern games, it won’t be the best experience. Luckily, you can upgrade the RAM in the Acer Nitro 5 fairly easily, and we’re going to tell you how.

One thing to note is there are a couple of different designs for the Acer Nitro 5. Older models had a dedicated door you could use to access just the RAM slots, which made things a little easier. For the latest models, you have to remove the entire back cover, but the process is still relatively easy.

Preparing to upgrade the RAM on your Acer Nitro 5

The first thing you need to do before trying to do any work inside your PC is to make sure it’s turned off completely. It may seem obvious for some people, but you absolutely don’t want to risk touching electrical components when they’re running. You could very easily break your PC or even hurt yourself. Also, unplug the laptop from the power adapter.

Another thing you may want to do is ground yourself to avoid any electrical discharges from damaging your components. You can touch a metal structure before starting to discharge yourself, but wearing an anti-static wristband is also a good idea if you want to be extra careful. Also, avoid working on rugs or other fabric, and keep pets away from the working environment.

In terms of tools, you’ll only need a Philips screwdriver and a spudger to help pry open the base. And of course, the RAM stick you want to use. You’ll need a SODIMM RAM stick that matches the speed of what’s already inside your Nitro 5. It’s always best to check what’s inside your model before making a purchase, but Crucial offers a model that’s certified for compatibility with some models of the Nitro 5.

For current Nitro 5 models (late 2019 or newer)

If you have a newer Acer Nitro 5, there’s no easy access door for components like the RAM as there used to be. That means you have to remove the entire base cover to upgrade the RAM, but otherwise, it’s not a complicated process. Close the lid on the laptop and flip it over to get started.

For older models

Older models of the Nitro 5 have an easy-access upgrade panel that doesn’t require you to remove the whole base cover. This makes the upgrade process a little easier. Flip the laptop over to see the base with the exhaust vents at the top and follow these steps:

That’s about all you need to do to upgrade the RAM on the Acer Nitro 5. It’s a pretty painless process, as long as you’re careful and you get the right RAM. If you want to be absolutely sure you’re getting the right RAM, open up the laptop to see what’s already inside before buying anything. And of course, always make sure you’re grounded to avoid any electricity discharges.

If you’re looking to buy a gaming laptop that’s easily upgradeable, the Acer Nitro 5 is a solid choice, since the RAM slots are pretty easy to get to. You can buy the latest model from the link below. There are also other options from Acer if you’re looking for more premium offerings.

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Editor at XDA Computing. I've been covering the world of technology since 2018, but I've loved the field for a lot longer. And I have a weird affinity for Nintendo videogames, which I'm always happy to talk about.