/*
POST TITLE: Dell Inspiron 16 5640 Specs — RAM & SSD Upgrade Guide (2024)
SLUG: dell-inspiron-16-5640
CATEGORIES: Laptop Upgrades, Dell Laptops, RAM Upgrades, SSD Upgrades, Large Screen
FOCUS KEYWORD: Dell Inspiron 16 5640 upgrade DDR5 SSD
META DESCRIPTION: Dell Inspiron 16 5640 (2024) specifications, DDR5 RAM upgrade (up to 32GB), M.2 SSD upgrade, 65W USB-C charger, and upgrade difficulty guide.
*/
Dell Inspiron 16 5640 (2024) Specifications
The Dell Inspiron 16 5640 is Dell’s 16-inch mainstream laptop for 2024, featuring Intel Core Ultra processors and DDR5 memory. With a large 16:10 display, upgraded keyboard, and modern charging via USB-C, it targets content creators, remote workers, and students who value screen real estate. The upgrade-friendly architecture makes it excellent for long-term use.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 5/7 (Meteor Lake, 2024) |
| RAM | DDR5-5600 2× SO-DIMM |
| Max RAM | 32GB (16GB × 2) |
| Storage | 512GB / 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe Gen4 |
| Charger | 65W USB-C (USB Power Delivery) |
| Ports | 2× Thunderbolt 4, 2× USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, SD card |
| Display | 16″ WUXGA (1920×1200) or 2.5K OLED, 16:10 aspect |
| Weight | 1.95 kg (4.3 lbs) |
Memory Upgrade Path
The Inspiron 16 5640 uses DDR5-5600 in two easily-accessible SO-DIMM slots. Unlike soldered designs, this 2024 model prioritizes upgradeability, allowing you to expand memory as your needs grow.
Factory configurations:
- Entry: 8GB (1 module, 1 empty slot)
- Standard: 16GB (2× 8GB)
- Performance: 16GB or 32GB (2× 8GB or 2× 16GB)
Maximum capacity: 32GB DDR5-5600 (2× 16GB SO-DIMM)
Upgrade recommendations:
- Crucial CT16G48C39U5 DDR5 16GB — Budget-friendly, reliable performer
- Kingston FURY Impact DDR5-5600 16GB — High-performance, designed for laptops
- Corsair Vengeance DDR5-5600 32GB kit (2×16GB) — Full 32GB upgrade in one purchase
Performance note: DDR5-5600 is significantly faster than DDR4-3200. Upgrading to 32GB gives you dual-channel memory for video editing, 3D modeling, and virtual machine workloads.
Storage Expansion (M.2 NVMe)
The Inspiron 16 5640 features one M.2 2280 NVMe slot supporting PCIe Gen4 drives. Performance is excellent, with sequential read speeds up to 7,400 MB/s.
Upgrade specifications:
- Form factor: M.2 2280 (standard 42mm length)
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 (Gen5 compatible but no benefit on this model)
- Maximum capacity: 4TB (practical limit)
- Installation time: 15–20 minutes
- Tools: Philips screwdriver, anti-static strap
Top SSD choices:
- Samsung 990 EVO 2TB — Excellent value, proven reliability, great for creators
- WD Black SN850X 2TB — Premium build, enterprise-class endurance
- SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB — Power-efficient, excellent sustained performance
Power Delivery & Charging
The Inspiron 16 5640 uses a 65W USB-C Power Delivery charger. This is standard USB PD, making it compatible with most modern third-party USB-C chargers at the same wattage or higher.
OEM charger: Dell DA65NM170 (or equivalent 65W USB-C PD)
Reliable third-party alternatives:
- Anker 65W Atom PD Charger — Compact, lightweight, affordable
- Lenovo 65W USB-C Charger — Enterprise-grade, heavily tested
- ASUS 100W Dual-Port USB-C Charger — More wattage for future-proofing
Tip: A 100W charger future-proofs your accessory investment if you upgrade to a higher-wattage laptop later.
Port & Docking Capabilities
The Inspiron 16 5640 includes:
- 2× Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C form factor, 40 Gbps bandwidth)
- 2× USB-A 3.2 ports (5 Gbps, legacy device support)
- HDMI 2.1 output (4K@60Hz native, no adapter needed)
- SD card reader (full-size, UHS-II speeds)
Thunderbolt 4 enables high-speed docking, external GPU support, and daisy-chaining multiple monitors. A single Thunderbolt 4 dock replaces multiple USB cables at your desk.
Recommended docks:
- CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Dock Pro — 18 ports, premium build quality
- Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Dock — Compact, Apple-quality design
- OWC Thunderbolt Dock — Professional-grade, video-focused
Upgrade Difficulty & Tools Required
RAM upgrade: Very easy (1/5 difficulty). Bottom panel removal gives direct SO-DIMM access. Modules insert at 45 degrees and snap flat. No special knowledge required.
SSD upgrade: Easy (2/5 difficulty). One screw holds the M.2 drive. Slot is clearly marked and well-spaced for easy installation.
Tools needed:
- Philips-head screwdriver (magnetic tip helpful)
- Anti-static wrist strap (£2–5, recommended for safety)
- Optional: thermal compound for high-heat SSDs
Reference: Dell publishes service manuals online. Bottom panel removal does not void warranty.
Recommended Upgrade Package
- Memory boost: Kingston FURY Impact DDR5-5600 16GB — Easy 8GB → 24GB upgrade
- Storage expansion: Samsung 990 EVO 2TB — Doubles SSD capacity affordably
- Docking: CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Dock Pro — Multi-monitor desk setup
- Backup power: ASUS 100W Dual-Port Charger — Travel or desk backup
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 |
| 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 |
| 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.
