Acer Aspire 3 A315 (2023) Budget Specifications
Acer’s Aspire 3 A315 is a 15.6-inch entry-level laptop from 2023, powered by AMD Ryzen 5 7520U with integrated Radeon graphics. Designed for students and everyday users on a budget, it features upgradeable DDR4 memory and M.2 NVMe storage. The straightforward design makes it excellent for learning DIY upgrades.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 7520U (Zen3+, 6-core, 2.8–4.2 GHz) |
| RAM | DDR4-3200 1× SO-DIMM (soldered on some units) |
| Max RAM | 16GB (8GB soldered + 8GB upgradeable, or 8GB SO-DIMM only) |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB M.2 2280 NVMe Gen3 |
| Charger | 45W USB-C (USB Power Delivery) |
| Ports | 2× USB-C 3.2, 2× USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.0, headphone jack |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS 45% NTSC |
| Weight | 1.65 kg (3.6 lbs) |
Memory Upgrade: DDR4-3200 (Limited on Some Units)
The Aspire 3 A315 uses DDR4-3200 memory configuration that varies by SKU. Some units have 8GB soldered + one empty SO-DIMM slot (allowing upgrade to 16GB total), while others have a single 8GB SO-DIMM (allowing upgrade to 16GB by adding another 8GB module).
Check your configuration: Open Settings → System → About. Look for installed RAM. If 8GB, you likely have one SO-DIMM slot available.
Upgrade path: Add or replace the SO-DIMM with DDR4-3200 8GB to reach 16GB total (maximum).
Recommended upgrades:
- Crucial CT8G4SFS8213 DDR4-3200 8GB — Budget-friendly, reliable
- Kingston ValueRAM DDR4-3200 8GB — Enterprise-class reliability
Single-channel warning: If only one SO-DIMM slot is available, you’ll run in single-channel mode, reducing memory bandwidth by 50%. Upgrading is still beneficial for capacity.
Storage Upgrade: M.2 NVMe SSD
The Aspire 3 A315 includes one M.2 2280 NVMe Gen3 slot. Factory drives use SATA or Gen3 speeds (up to 3,500 MB/s).
Upgrade specifications:
- Form factor: M.2 2280 (standard 42mm length)
- Speed: Gen3 or Gen4 compatible (will work at Gen3 speeds)
- Capacity: Up to 1TB practical for budget models
- Installation: 10 minutes, single screw
Recommended SSDs:
- Kingston NV2 512GB — Budget-friendly, fast Gen3
- Samsung 990 EVO 512GB — Balanced speed and reliability
Upgrade strategy: If factory drive is 256GB, upgrading to 512GB or 1TB doubles capacity affordably.
Power & Charging
The Aspire 3 A315 uses a 45W USB-C Power Delivery charger. Compatible with any 45W or higher USB-C PD charger.
OEM charger: Acer 45W USB-C PD
Compatible third-party chargers:
- Anker 45W Atom PD Charger — Lightweight, compact
- Lenovo 45W USB-C Charger — Enterprise reliability
Ports & Connectivity
The Aspire 3 A315 includes:
- 2× USB-C 3.2 (5 Gbps, power delivery on main port)
- 2× USB-A 3.2 (5 Gbps, legacy devices)
- HDMI 2.0 (1080p@60Hz, no 4K)
- 3.5mm audio jack (headphones/external speakers)
Note: USB-C ports are USB 3.2, not Thunderbolt. Use standard USB-C hubs.
Upgrade Difficulty & Tools
RAM upgrade: Very easy (1/5 difficulty). Bottom panel removal gives direct SO-DIMM access.
SSD upgrade: Easy (2/5 difficulty). One screw holds the M.2 module.
Tools needed:
- Philips screwdriver (no magnetic tip required)
- Anti-static wrist strap (optional, ~£2)
This is an excellent first upgrade project for learning.
Recommended Upgrade Package
- RAM upgrade: Kingston ValueRAM DDR4-3200 8GB — Reach 16GB total
- SSD upgrade: Samsung 990 EVO 512GB — Double storage capacity
- Travel charger: Anker 45W Atom PD — Backup charger
Frequently Asked Questions
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 DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 3200MHz | Best overall DDR4 upgrade kit | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 3200MHz | Reliable alternative with tight latency | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial DDR4 SO-DIMM 16GB 3200MHz | Budget single-stick upgrade | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB 3200MHz | OEM-quality for business laptops | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe M.2 2280 | Fastest consumer NVMe — ideal for gaming & editing | View on Amazon UK |
| WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe | Excellent Gen4 speed with heatsink option | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial P5 Plus 1TB NVMe | Great value Gen4 SSD | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston NV2 1TB NVMe | Budget-friendly with solid reliability | View on Amazon UK |
Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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