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Acer Nitro 5 AN517 (17.3″) — RAM, SSD & Charger Compatibility Guide (2022)

Acer Nitro 5 AN517 (17.3″) (2022) Specifications

The Acer Nitro Nitro 5 AN517 (17.3″) (2022) is a high-performance gaming laptop designed for players and creators seeking powerful upgrades for gaming, streaming, and content creation. This guide covers RAM, SSD, charger compatibility, and upgrade paths for this model. For a comprehensive overview of all Acer upgradeable models, visit the Acer Laptop Upgrades hub.

ComponentSpecification
Processor12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 + NVIDIA RTX 3050/3060
RAMDDR4-3200, 2 SO-DIMM slots (upgradeable)
Max RAM32GB (2× 16GB)
StorageM.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen4, 2 slot
Charger135W Barrel plug (135W)
Ports1× USB-C 3.2, 3× USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45, headphone jack
Display17.3″ FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz IPS, 16:9
Weight2.60 kg (5.73 lbs)

Memory Upgrade Path

DDR4 and DDR5 RAM memory modules for laptop upgrades
DDR4 and DDR5 RAM memory modules for laptop upgrades

The Nitro 5 AN517 (17.3″) features 2 SO-DIMM slots for DDR4-3200 RAM, allowing upgrades from the factory configuration up to a maximum of 32GB (2× 16GB). Both slots are user-accessible, and the upgrade process is straightforward for most users.

Recommended DDR4 RAM Upgrades:

  • Corsair Vengeance DDR4 SO-DIMM — Industry standard for laptop upgrades. Proven compatibility.
  • Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMM — Compact, high-performance DDR4 ideal for ultraportables.
  • Crucial DDR4 SO-DIMM — Cost-effective DDR4 with excellent stability and wide compatibility.

Storage Expansion (M.2 NVMe)

M.2 NVMe SSD solid state drive
M.2 NVMe SSD solid state drive

The Nitro 5 AN517 (17.3″) features an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD in a single slot, upgradeable up to 4TB (2× 2TB). The 2280 form factor is standard and widely available. Installation requires removing the bottom panel and is straightforward for most users.

Recommended M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs:

  • Samsung 990 Pro / 990 EVO — Flagship NVMe with exceptional speed and reliability. Worth the premium for creative work.
  • WD Black SN850X — Gaming-focused NVMe with strong sequential performance and durability.
  • SK Hynix P41 Platinum — High-performance mid-range option with excellent power efficiency.

Power Delivery & Charging

The Nitro 5 AN517 (17.3″) uses a proprietary Barrel plug (135W) charger at 135W. For replacements, we recommend the original Dell charger to ensure compatibility.

Proprietary charger used. Check your Dell service manual for OEM replacement options.


Port & Docking Capabilities

Connectivity: 1× USB-C 3.2, 3× USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45, headphone jack

USB-C connectivity allows for external displays and high-speed data transfer. A USB-C dock or hub can expand connectivity options at your desk.


Upgrade Difficulty & Tools Required

The Nitro 5 AN517 (17.3″) has a difficulty rating of 5/5 for upgrades (5 = easiest). The bottom panel is secured with standard screws and removable without special tools. Both RAM and SSD upgrades are accessible once inside.Tools needed:

  • Philips screwdriver (M2.5 or similar)
  • ESD wrist strap (optional but recommended)
  • Thermal paste (only if reapplying to heatsinks)

We recommend backing up your data and consulting your service manual before opening the chassis.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade the RAM in the Acer Nitro 5 AN517 (17.3″)?

Yes, the RAM is user-upgradeable via two SO-DIMM slots.

What is the maximum RAM for the Nitro 5 AN517 (17.3″)?

The Nitro 5 AN517 (17.3″) supports up to 32GB (2× 16GB) (DDR4-3200) with both SO-DIMM slots populated with matching modules.

Can I use a different USB-C charger with the Nitro 5 AN517 (17.3″)?

No, the Nitro 5 AN517 (17.3″) uses a proprietary Barrel plug (135W) charger.

Is upgrading the Nitro 5 AN517 (17.3″) difficult?

No, the bottom panel is easily removable with standard tools. Both RAM and SSD upgrades are straightforward for users with basic technical skills. See our detailed upgrade difficulty section above.


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.

ProductWhy We Recommend ItAmazon UK
Corsair Vengeance DDR4 SO-DIMM 8GBIndustry-standard laptop DDR4 memory. Proven compatibility with hundreds of models.View on Amazon UK
Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMM 8GBCompact, high-performance DDR4 optimized for thin ultraportables.View on Amazon UK
Crucial DDR4 SO-DIMM 8GBReliable, cost-effective DDR4 memory with excellent stability.View on Amazon UK
Samsung 990 EVO NVMe 512GBModern, efficient NVMe SSD with excellent performance for everyday computing and creative work.View on Amazon UK
WD Black SN850X NVMe 512GBHigh-speed gaming SSD with proven durability. Excellent for demanding applications.View on Amazon UK
USB Hub AdapterUniversal USB expansion for additional peripherals and storage.View on Amazon UK
USB Hub AdapterUniversal USB expansion for additional peripherals and storage.View on Amazon UK
USB Hub AdapterUniversal USB expansion for additional peripherals and storage.View on Amazon UK

Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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