Quick Specs Summary
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 13.4″ |
| CPU | Intel 12th Gen Core i5-1230U / i7-1250U (Alder Lake U) |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5-5200 |
| RAM Slots | Soldered |
| Max RAM | 32GB |
| SSD Type | M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe |
| SSD Slots | 1 |
| Charger | 45W USB-C PD |
| Thunderbolt | Thunderbolt 4 (2× ports) |
| Upgradeability | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Can You Upgrade the XPS 13?
The Dell XPS 13 9315 is none — ram and ssd both soldered. Both RAM and SSD are soldered. Completely non-upgradeable. Must choose storage and RAM at purchase. Only has USB-C ports.
This guide covers exactly which components you can and can’t replace, what compatible upgrades cost, and how to do it safely. We’ll walk through RAM, SSD, charger options, and break down your upgradeability score at the end.
RAM Compatibility
The Dell XPS 13 9315 uses LPDDR5-5200 RAM that is soldered directly to the motherboard. This means you cannot upgrade the RAM after purchase.
When you buy this model, it ships with 8GB / 16GB / 32GB RAM. If you need more than the configuration available, you’ll need to buy a model with higher RAM spec — there’s no way to upgrade it later. This is unfortunately common in thin-and-light business laptops where Lenovo prioritises minimalism over repairability.
Learn more about soldered vs upgradeable RAM on our RAM compatibility hub.
What RAM Configuration Should I Buy?
Since you can’t upgrade, think carefully about your workflow:
- Light use (web, Office, email): 8GB is adequate but tight by 2026 standards.
- Office work & multitasking: 16GB is the sweet spot for most users.
- Development, virtualisation, creative work: 32GB is strongly recommended.
Buy the configuration you’ll need for the next 3–4 years — you won’t be able to add more later.
SSD/Storage Compatibility
The Dell XPS 13 9315 has 1 × M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe slot. You can replace the SSD with a faster or larger model.
Compatible SSD Drives
| Drive | Spec | Price |
|---|---|---|
| WD SN740 1TB | M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4 | £70 |
| Crucial P310 1TB | M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4 | £65 |
| Sabrent Rocket 2230 1TB | M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4 | £75 |
Charger Compatibility
The Dell XPS 13 9315 charges via USB-C Power Delivery at 45W. This is excellent news — you can use compatible third-party chargers, charge from power banks, and simplify your cable collection.
Compatible USB-C Chargers
| Charger | Spec | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Anker 65W GaN | USB-C PD 65W | £25 |
| Ugreen 65W | USB-C PD 65W | £22 |
Browse USB-C chargers on Amazon UK
Dock & Peripheral Compatibility
The Dell XPS 13 9315 features Thunderbolt 4, which means you can use premium docking stations and achieve blazing-fast data transfers (up to 40 Gbps).
Top dock choices for Thunderbolt 4 machines:
- CalDigit TS4 — 98W charging, 6 × USB-A, Ethernet, SD card (£320)
- Anker 568 Dock — 65W charging, 3 × USB-A, HDMI (£45)
View our full dock compatibility guide.
Upgradeability Score Breakdown
| Component | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | ☆☆☆☆☆ | Soldered — no upgrade |
| SSD | ★★★★★ | Replaceable M.2 |
| Charger | ★★★★☆ | USB-C PD — use any compatible charger |
| Overall | ★☆☆☆☆ | Composite score across all upgradeable components |
How to Upgrade
Upgrading RAM or SSD in the Dell XPS 13 9315 is straightforward and doesn’t require special tools beyond a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
RAM upgrade: Open the access panel on the underside, push the retention clips on the SO-DIMM slot, and slide in your new module at a 45° angle. Power off first!
SSD upgrade: Remove the M.2 cover, unscrew the drive retention screw, and slide in your new NVMe at the same 45° angle.
Check iFixit for a detailed XPS 13 teardown guide before you start — it’s always good to see exactly what you’re working with.
Return to the Dell laptop upgrade hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What RAM does the Dell XPS 13 9315 use?
The Dell XPS 13 9315 uses LPDDR5-5200 in Soldered slots (soldered to the motherboard). Maximum capacity is 32GB.
Can I upgrade the RAM in the Dell XPS 13 9315?
No — the RAM is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. Choose your RAM configuration carefully at purchase.
What SSD fits the Dell XPS 13 9315?
An M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD fits the Dell XPS 13 9315. Current options include the Samsung 990 Pro, WD Black SN850X, and Crucial P5 Plus.
What charger does the Dell XPS 13 9315 need?
The Dell XPS 13 9315 requires a 45W USB-C PD charger. Any compatible USB-C PD charger rated for this wattage will work.
Is the Dell XPS 13 9315 good for upgrading?
None — ram and ssd both soldered. Both RAM and SSD are soldered. Completely non-upgradeable. Must choose storage and RAM at purchase. Only has USB-C ports.
Recommended Products
These are the products we recommend based on this guide. All links go to Amazon UK where you can check current prices and availability.
| Product | Why We Recommend It | Amazon UK |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair Vengeance DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 5600MHz | Top-rated DDR5 kit for gaming & productivity | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 5600MHz | Excellent DDR5 alternative with XMP support | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial DDR5 SO-DIMM 16GB 5600MHz | Affordable single-stick DDR5 | View on Amazon UK |
| G.Skill Ripjaws DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB 5600MHz | High performance DDR5 for enthusiasts | View on Amazon UK |
| WD SN770M 1TB M.2 2230 NVMe | Best 2230 SSD for Dell, Surface, Steam Deck | View on Amazon UK |
| Sabrent Rocket 2230 1TB | Fast 2230 alternative | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung PM991a 1TB 2230 | OEM-grade 2230 at good prices | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe M.2 2280 | Fastest consumer NVMe — ideal for gaming & editing | View on Amazon UK |
Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
