On most Dell notebooks, RAM sits under the bottom cover; some older models add slots under the keyboard, and XPS 13 uses board-soldered memory.
If you just want to pop in a memory stick and get back to work, here’s the short map. Most modern Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, and G-Series units hide their SO-DIMM slots beneath the base panel. A few business and older machines keep a second slot under the keyboard. Ultra-slim lines like some XPS 13 variants solder the chips to the motherboard, which means no upgrade path.
Quick Orientation Before You Grab A Screwdriver
First, confirm the exact model number on the bottom label or in the BIOS. With that in hand, open the official service manual for your unit. Dell’s manuals show where the modules sit and the order of steps, including which screws hold the base cover. If the guide says memory is on-board or soldered, that model has no slots inside.
Prep your workspace. Power the laptop down, unplug the adapter, and hold the power button for ten seconds to bleed off charge. Keep a small tray for screws plus a plastic pry tool. Many thin systems use Torx T5; others use Phillips #0 or #1.
Where The RAM Lives On Dell Laptops (Model Guide)
Here’s what owners usually find once the base cover comes off:
- Two SO-DIMM slots next to the battery. This is common on Inspiron 15, Vostro 14/15, many Latitude 5000 series, and G15 gaming units. A thin shield or mylar flap may cover the slots.
- One slot on the board, second slot under the keyboard. Some older Inspiron and Precision designs split the slots. You’ll see one next to the battery after the base comes off; the second sits beneath the keyboard deck.
- No slots at all. A number of ultra-compact XPS 13 generations solder LPDDR memory to the board. You can still change the SSD, but the memory is fixed.
Not sure which type you have? The service manual spells it out. So does the “Memory” line in the specs: wording like “LPDDR4x, onboard” means soldered, while “DDR4 SO-DIMM, two slots” points to user-serviceable modules.
Steps To Reach And Identify The Slots
1) Remove The Base Cover
Place the laptop face-down on a soft cloth. Remove the screws around the perimeter. Slide a plastic pick between the base and palm rest, then work around the edges until the clips release. Lift the cover.
2) Make It Safe To Touch
Disconnect the battery cable before you touch any module. The connector sits along the front edge of the board on many Inspiron and Latitude models.
3) Find The SO-DIMM Bay
Look for a pair of small slots set at a slight angle, usually near the fan or battery. A foil shield or cloth flap may cover them. Peel it back. The side clips hold the module. Spread the clips and the stick pops up.
4) If One Slot Hides Under The Keyboard
If your manual shows a second slot under the keyboard, remove the trim strip, lift the keyboard, and flip it face-down on the palm rest without tugging the ribbon. You’ll see the upper slot beneath a shield.
5) Soldered Memory Models
If your guide lists LPDDR memory as onboard, there is no bay to open inside. Choose the capacity you need at purchase time, since the memory chips are part of the board assembly.
Model-Specific Clues You Can Trust
To set expectations, here are common layouts across popular lines:
- Inspiron 15 3520: Two SO-DIMM slots under the base cover. Easy access after removing perimeter screws.
- Latitude 5420: Two SO-DIMM slots under the base cover with a small bracket and shield over the bay.
- G15 5520: Two SO-DIMM slots beside the cooling assembly under the base panel.
- XPS 15 9510: Two SO-DIMM slots under the base, shielded by a thin cover.
- XPS 13 9310: LPDDR4x memory soldered to the board, no slots.
How To Check Slot Count Without Opening The Case
You can confirm slot count in Windows or from the manual. In Windows, open Task Manager → Performance → Memory to see “Slots used.” Tools like CPU-Z list the module in each slot. See Dell’s memory guide for a photo walkthrough.
Choosing RAM That Matches Your Dell
Capacity And Pairing
Most recent Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS 15, and G-Series units use DDR4 or DDR5 SO-DIMMs. For smooth multitasking, 16GB is a smart baseline, while 32GB serves creators. Install matched pairs to enable dual-channel bandwidth.
Speed And Voltage
Pick the JEDEC speed your board supports. A DDR4-3200 stick will downshift on 2933 boards. Avoid mixing DDR3 with DDR4, or DDR4 with DDR5.
Safe Install Walkthrough
- Shut down, unplug, and hold the power button for ten seconds.
- Remove the base cover.
- Disconnect the battery cable.
- Open the SO-DIMM slot by pushing the side latches outward.
- Slide the module in at about a 30-degree angle, gold contacts first.
- Press the top edge down until the latches click back in.
- Reconnect the battery, reinstall any shields, and refit the base cover.
- Boot, then check Task Manager → Memory for the new total and speed.
When The Laptop Won’t Boot After A Swap
If you see beeps or a black screen, reseat the module. Try one stick at a time to rule out a bad part. Clean the contacts with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free swab. If the unit still fails POST, reinstall the original memory to test.
Two Reliable Places To Confirm Your Layout
Bookmark your model’s service manual and the brand’s memory guide. They show slot location, screw sizes, and the path to the bay. They also note boards that ship with memory attached to the PCB.
Common Layouts And Upgrade Paths
Use this quick chart to match a popular series with where its memory sits and whether you can upgrade it. Models evolve, yet these entries mirror current patterns across major lines.
| Series (Sample) | Access Path | Upgrade Path |
|---|---|---|
| Inspiron 15 3520 | Base cover off; slots by battery | Two SO-DIMM slots |
| Latitude 5420 | Base cover off; shielded bay | Two SO-DIMM slots |
| G15 5520 | Base cover off; near fans | Two SO-DIMM slots |
| XPS 15 9510 | Base cover off; thin shield | Two SO-DIMM slots |
| XPS 13 9310 | Base cover off; no bay | Soldered LPDDR |
Simple Ways To Avoid A Mixed-Memory Slowdown
Pairs matter. If you add a single 8GB stick to a board with a lone 8GB stick, you get 16GB and dual-channel. If you add a 4GB stick to an 8GB stick, the system runs both in a mixed mode that can be slower. Match size and speed across both slots when you can.
Signs Your Model Doesn’t Offer A Slot
Look for clues in the spec sheet: LPDDR, onboard, or soldered means fixed memory. If the manual lists only “remove base cover, battery, SSD, fan, heatsink,” and never shows a SO-DIMM bay, that board doesn’t accept sticks.
What To Do If The Upper Slot Is Under The Keyboard
Plan extra time. Pop the trim strip, release the keyboard latches, tilt the keyboard, and swing it face-down on a microfiber cloth. Unplug the ribbon only if needed. Lift the small shield over the slot and insert the module just as you would on the lower bay.
Handy Takeaways Before You Order RAM
- The base cover is the gateway on most units, and the SO-DIMM bay sits near the battery or fan.
- Some older designs put a second slot under the keyboard, so check the manual first.
- Slim 13-inch lines with LPDDR use soldered chips, so pick capacity at purchase time.
- Match sticks for size and speed to keep dual-channel bandwidth.
- Disconnect the battery before you touch the bay, then confirm the new total in Windows.
Set aside time and work steadily.
Want the official word? See the XPS 15 memory removal page for a clear map of a common bay and slot layout. Done.