Acer Swift 3 SF314-42 (2020) Specifications
The Acer Swift 3 SF314-42 (2020) is an ultraportable laptop designed for productivity and portability. 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 | Ryzen 5 4500U / Ryzen 7 4700U |
| RAM | DDR4, 1 slot (upgradeable) |
| Max RAM | 16GB (soldered) |
| Storage | M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen3, 1 slot |
| Charger | 65W USB-C |
| Ports | 1x USB-C, 2x USB 3.0, 1x HDMI |
| Display | 14.0″ FHD IPS |
| Weight | 1.2 kg (2.65 lbs) |
Memory Upgrade Path
The Swift 3 SF314-42 has partially soldered RAM with 1 user-accessible slot for additional memory, up to 16GB (soldered).
Recommended DDR4 RAM Upgrades:
- Corsair Vengeance DDR4 SO-DIMM — Reliable DDR4 laptop memory with wide compatibility.
- Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMM — Compact high-performance DDR4 for laptops.
- Crucial DDR4 SO-DIMM — Affordable DDR4 with solid performance.
Storage Expansion
The Swift 3 SF314-42 uses an M.2 2230 NVMe SSD with a NVMe PCIe Gen3 interface. The single M.2 slot supports drives up to 2TB.
Recommended M.2 2230 SSDs:
- WD SN740 2230 NVMe — Reliable compact SSD for the 2230 form factor.
- Samsung PM991a 2230 — High-performance OEM SSD in compact 2230 size.
- Kioxia BG5 2230 — Compact 2230 NVMe with good availability.
Note: M.2 2230 drives are less common than the standard 2280. Verify compatibility before purchasing.
Power Delivery & Charging
The Swift 3 SF314-42 uses a 65W USB-C charger. This is compatible with any USB-C PD charger of equal or higher wattage from brands like Anker, Ugreen, or the original Acer charger.
Compatible USB-C PD Chargers:
- Anker 65W USB-C PD Charger — Compact GaN charger with multiple ports.
- Ugreen USB-C PD Charger (65W+) — Affordable universal charger with fast charging.
- INIU USB-C PD Fast Charger — Budget option with reliable performance.
Port & Docking Capabilities
Connectivity: 1x USB-C, 2x USB 3.0, 1x HDMI
A USB-C docking station like the Anker 577 USB-C Hub provides additional ports including HDMI, Ethernet, and USB-A.
Upgrade Difficulty & Tools Required
The Swift 3 SF314-42 has a difficulty rating of 2/5 for upgrades (5 = easiest). The upgrade process is difficult — limited user-accessible components.
Tools needed:
- Phillips screwdriver (M2.5 or similar)
- Plastic spudger or pry tool (for bottom panel clips)
- ESD wrist strap (optional but recommended)
We recommend backing up your data and consulting the official service manual before opening the chassis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM in the Acer Swift 3 SF314-42?
The Swift 3 SF314-42 has partially soldered RAM with 1 additional user-accessible slot, supporting up to 16GB (soldered).
What is the maximum RAM for the Swift 3 SF314-42?
The Swift 3 SF314-42 supports up to 16GB (soldered) of DDR4 memory.
What size SSD does the Swift 3 SF314-42 use?
The Swift 3 SF314-42 uses an M.2 2230 NVMe SSD. Make sure to purchase the correct form factor for compatibility.
Can I use any USB-C charger with the Swift 3 SF314-42?
Yes, any USB-C Power Delivery charger rated for 65W or higher will work with the Swift 3 SF314-42.
Is the Swift 3 SF314-42 easy to upgrade?
The Swift 3 SF314-42 has a difficulty rating of 2/5. Consider professional assistance for upgrades.
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 | Reliable DDR4 laptop memory with wide compatibility. | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMM | Compact high-performance DDR4 for laptops. | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial DDR4 SO-DIMM | Affordable DDR4 with solid performance. | View on Amazon UK |
| WD SN740 2230 NVMe | Reliable compact SSD for the 2230 form factor. | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung PM991a 2230 | High-performance OEM SSD in compact 2230 size. | View on Amazon UK |
| Kioxia BG5 2230 | Compact 2230 NVMe with good availability. | View on Amazon UK |
| Anker 65W USB-C PD Charger | Compact GaN charger for USB-C laptops. | View on Amazon UK |
| Ugreen 65W USB-C PD Charger | Affordable universal USB-C charger. | View on Amazon UK |
Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
