Acer Aspire 5 A517 (17.3″) (2023) Specifications
The Acer Aspire Aspire 5 A517 (17.3″) (2023) is a professional-grade laptop designed for business users seeking reliable performance and solid upgrade potential. 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.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | 13th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 (Raptor Lake) |
| RAM | DDR5-4800, 2 SO-DIMM slots (upgradeable) |
| Max RAM | 32GB (2× 16GB) |
| Storage | M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen4, 1 slot |
| Charger | 65W USB-C Power Delivery or barrel plug (45W) |
| Ports | 1× Thunderbolt 4/USB-C 3.2, 1× USB-C 3.2, 2× USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45 |
| Display | 17.3″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS, 16:9 |
| Weight | 2.10 kg (4.63 lbs) |
Memory Upgrade Path
The Aspire 5 A517 (17.3″) features 2 SO-DIMM slots for DDR5-4800 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 DDR5 RAM Upgrades:
- Corsair Vengeance DDR5 SO-DIMM — Premium DDR5 with excellent compatibility. Reliable for business laptops.
- Kingston Fury Impact DDR5 SO-DIMM — Compact gaming-grade DDR5. Performs well at rated speeds.
- Crucial DDR5 SO-DIMM — Budget-friendly DDR5 option with solid performance and compatibility.
Storage Expansion (M.2 NVMe)
The Aspire 5 A517 (17.3″) features an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD in a single slot, upgradeable up to 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 Aspire 5 A517 (17.3″) uses a 65W USB-C Power Delivery charger. This is compatible with any USB-C PD charger of equal or higher wattage from brands like Anker, Ugreen, or the original Dell charger.
Compatible USB-C PD Chargers:
- Anker 100W USB-C PD Charger — Compact, multi-port option. Works with this and other USB-C devices.
- Ugreen USB-C PD Charger (65W+) — Affordable universal charger with good reputation.
- INIU USB-C PD Fast Charger — Budget option with solid performance and portability.
Port & Docking Capabilities
Connectivity: 1× Thunderbolt 4/USB-C 3.2, 1× USB-C 3.2, 2× USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45
The presence of Thunderbolt 4 (×1) on i7 models provides fast external storage and high-bandwidth peripherals. Consider a Thunderbolt dock like the CalDigit TS4 or Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Dock Pro for desktop expansion with multiple displays and storage.
Upgrade Difficulty & Tools Required
The Aspire 5 A517 (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 Aspire 5 A517 (17.3″)?
Yes, the RAM is user-upgradeable via two SO-DIMM slots.
What is the maximum RAM for the Aspire 5 A517 (17.3″)?
The Aspire 5 A517 (17.3″) supports up to 32GB (2× 16GB) (DDR5-4800) with both SO-DIMM slots populated with matching modules.
Can I use a different USB-C charger with the Aspire 5 A517 (17.3″)?
Yes, any USB-C Power Delivery charger rated for 65W or higher will work. Brands like Anker and Ugreen offer universal USB-C solutions.
Is the Aspire 5 A517 (17.3″) compatible with a Thunderbolt dock?
Yes, the Thunderbolt 4 (×1) on i7 models supports Thunderbolt docks for desktop expansion with multiple monitors and external storage.
Is upgrading the Aspire 5 A517 (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.
| Product | Why We Recommend It | Amazon UK |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair Vengeance DDR5 SO-DIMM 16GB | Premium DDR5 memory for professional and gaming use. Fast, reliable, compatible with this model. | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR5 SO-DIMM 16GB | Compact DDR5 option designed for ultraportables. Good performance at rated speeds. | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial DDR5 SO-DIMM 16GB | Budget-friendly DDR5 upgrade with proven stability and wide compatibility across brands. | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung 990 EVO NVMe 512GB | Modern, efficient NVMe SSD with excellent performance for everyday computing and creative work. | View on Amazon UK |
| WD Black SN850X NVMe 512GB | High-speed gaming SSD with proven durability. Excellent for demanding applications. | View on Amazon UK |
| Anker 100W USB-C Power Delivery Charger | Compact GaN charger with multiple ports. Universal solution for this and other USB-C devices. | View on Amazon UK |
| Ugreen 65W USB-C PD Charger | Affordable universal USB-C charger with good reviews and fast charging. | View on Amazon UK |
| CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt Dock | Professional-grade Thunderbolt 4 dock with multiple ports, displays, and Ethernet. Top choice for desk setup. | View on Amazon UK |
Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
