How to upgrade RAM in Acer Nitro 5

Acer’s Nitro 5 is a great starting point, but it doesn’t pack a ton of memory. Here’s how to upgrade the RAM on the Acer Nitro 5.

Acer nitro 5

The Acer Nitro 5 is a very popular gaming laptop, and it’s easy to understand why. While it’s not an amazing machine compared to more expensive laptops, the Nitro 5 offers great value considering its price. It’s one of the most premium gaming laptops out there for gaming, and it has impressive specs to boot. However, it starts with only 8GB of RAM. This is good enough for everyday use, but if you’re trying to play modern games it won’t be the best experience. Fortunately, you can upgrade the RAM in the Acer Nitro 5 fairly easily, and we’ll tell you how.

One thing to note is that there are two different designs for the Acer Nitro 5. The older models had a dedicated door that you could use to just access the RAM slots, which made things a little easier. For the latest models, you do have to remove the entire back cover, but the process is still relatively easy. In fact, the Acer Nitro 5 has been redesigned again for 2022, so the process has changed a bit for that device as well.

Preparing for a RAM upgrade on your Acer Nitro 5

The first thing you need to do before attempting to do any work inside your computer is to make sure that it is completely turned off. It may seem obvious to some people, but you never want to risk touching electrical components while they are on. You can easily break your computer 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 the chassis before you start discharging the discharge yourself, but wearing an anti-static wrist strap is also a good idea if you want to be extra careful. Also, avoid working on carpeting or other fabrics, and keep pets away from the work environment.

In terms of tools, you’ll only need a Philips screwdriver and a wrench to help open the base. And of course, the RAM you want to use. You’ll need a SODIMM RAM chip that matches the speed of what’s already inside the Nitro 5. It’s always a good idea to check what’s inside your model before making a purchase, but its crucial Submit a form Certified for compatibility with some Nitro 5 models.

Crucial SODIMM DDR4 RAM

A stick of SODIMM RAM for the Acer Nitro 5. It is also available in other capacities.

Current Acer Nitro 5 models (2022 and newer)

With the 2022 redesign of the Acer Nitro 5, the way RAM is upgraded has changed somewhat, although the general steps aren’t that different. Here’s what you need to do:

• Remove all screws (there should be 11) securing the bottom cover of the laptop in place using a Philips screwdriver. Keep track of the scratches you’ve removed.
• Using a spudger or prying tool, separate the bottom cap from the rest of the hull. Run the spacer along the edges of the laptop until the cover is loose.
• In this model, the RAM modules may be hidden behind a metal plate near the center of the motherboard. Remove the single screw holding the metal plate to reveal the RAM slots. There are two RAM slots, at least one of which will be occupied out of the box.
• To insert more RAM into an empty slot, align the contact pins on the RAM module with those in the slot, paying attention to the notch in the contacts. Slide the connector contacts until they are mostly covered, then gently press the module down until it snaps into place. Repeat the process for the two RAM slots if you’re upgrading both.
  • If you need to remove an existing module, push the clamping mechanisms on each side of the RAM module toward the release of the stick from the slot. Then, just pull out the RAM slot to remove it.
• Once you’ve finished upgrading, place the metal plate back over the ram stick and secure it with the screw you removed earlier. Take care not to overextend it, as excessive pressure can damage the motherboard.
• Attach the bottom cover of the laptop and secure it with all the screws you removed at the beginning. You may want to make sure your laptop is powered on before fully tightening the screws so they are easy to refer back to if anything needs repair.

Acer Nitro 5 models released from late 2019 to 2021

If you have an Acer Nitro 5 model released between late 2019 and 2021, the upgrade process isn’t all that different. It’s actually a little simpler in a way, because there shouldn’t be a metal cover over the RAM modules once you open up the laptop. Here is the process:

• Remove all screws from under the base using a Philips screwdriver. Keep the screws where you won’t lose them.
• Use the badge to open the base, starting in the corner near the fan exhaust vents. You may need to use some force to remove the base, but be careful not to break the plastic cover.
• The RAM slots will immediately appear on the right side of the motherboard, assuming the fans are in the upper left corner. You should have a free slot, which you can use to add more RAM.
• Align the RAM stick with the wide gray cap, making sure that the notch on the RAM stick aligns with the small area without pins under the gray cap. Gently slide the screws on the RAM stick under the gray cover at a 45-degree angle until the screws are gone.
  • If you want to replace the RAM already inside your laptop, carefully push the little gray railing on the side of the stick out to release the RAM. Then pull it out.
• Gently press the RAM stick down until you hear a click.
• Align the base cover with the screw holes on the motherboard and press it into place.
• Install all screws. Be careful not to overtighten it to avoid breaking the motherboard or the base cover.

for older models

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

• Find the plate with the holes on the right side of the base and remove the single screw holding it shut.
• Use your finger or a pry tool to pry the board off the corner where the screw was.
• You’ll see a memory stick already inserted, and an empty slot above it.
• Take your RAM stick and align the screws on it with the screws on the bottom of the gray cover. There is a notch on the ram that should line up with the bottom edge of the gray cover. Carefully slide the screws into the slot until they are hidden.
• Gently press down until you hear a click locking the stick into place.
• Place the cover back over the ram stick lining up the screw hole with the one on the laptop. Screw the cap back on, but be careful not to overtighten the cap. Excessive pressure may cause the motherboard to break more easily.

That’s all you need to do to upgrade the RAM on your Acer Nitro 5. It’s a fairly painless process, as long as you’re careful and get the right RAM. If you want to be absolutely sure you’re getting the right RAM, open your laptop to see what’s actually inside before you buy anything. And of course, always make sure you are grounded to avoid any electrostatic discharge.

If you’re looking to buy a gaming laptop that’s easily upgradeable, the Acer Nitro 5 is a solid choice, given that the RAM slots are very easy to access. You can purchase the latest model from the link below. There are other options from Acer as well if you’re looking for a more premium offering.

Acer nitro 5

The 2022 Acer Nitro 5 is a very powerful gaming laptop, powered by either Intel or AMD processors. It also comes in 15-inch and 17-inch sizes, both of which have upgradeable RAM.