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MSI Crosshair 15 A11UX — RAM, SSD & Charger Compatibility Guide (2021)

MSI Crosshair 15 A11UX (2021) Specifications

The MSI Crosshair 15 A11UX (2021) is a gaming laptop designed for enthusiasts seeking strong performance. This guide covers RAM, SSD, charger compatibility, and upgrade paths for this model. For a comprehensive overview of all MSI upgradeable models, visit the MSI Laptop Upgrades hub.

ComponentSpecification
Processor11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H
RAMDDR4-3200, 2 SO-DIMM slots (upgradeable)
Max RAM64GB (2× 32GB)
StorageM.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 NVMe, 2 slots
Charger150W Barrel connector
Ports2× USB-A 3.2, 1× USB-C 3.2, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm jack
Display15.6" FHD 144Hz IPS
Weight2.15 kg (4.74 lbs)

Memory Upgrade Path

RAM memory module close-up
RAM memory module close-up

The Crosshair 15 A11UX features 2 SO-DIMM slots for DDR4-3200 RAM, allowing upgrades up to 64GB. Both slots are user-accessible, and the upgrade process is straightforward.

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 (M.2 NVMe)

Portable external SSD storage drive
Portable external SSD storage drive

The Crosshair 15 A11UX uses a standard M.2 2280 NVMe SSD with a PCIe Gen4 NVMe interface. With 2 M.2 slots, you can run dual NVMe drives for expanded storage.

Recommended M.2 2280 SSDs:

  • Samsung 990 Pro NVMe 2280 — Flagship NVMe SSD with exceptional speeds.
  • WD Black SN850X 2280 — High-performance NVMe with excellent sustained writes.
  • Crucial P5 Plus NVMe 2280 — Excellent value NVMe with strong real-world performance.

Power Delivery & Charging

The Crosshair 15 A11UX uses a 150W Barrel connector charger. We recommend using the original charger or a compatible replacement rated for the same wattage.


Port & Docking Capabilities

Connectivity: 2× USB-A 3.2, 1× USB-C 3.2, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm jack

A USB-C docking station like the Anker 577 USB-C Hub provides additional ports including HDMI, Ethernet, and USB-A for desktop convenience.


Upgrade Difficulty & Tools Required

The Crosshair 15 A11UX has a difficulty rating of 3/5 for upgrades (5 = easiest). The upgrade process is moderate.

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 MSI Crosshair 15 A11UX?

Yes, the Crosshair 15 A11UX has 2 SO-DIMM slots for user-upgradeable DDR4 memory.

What is the maximum RAM for the Crosshair 15 A11UX?

The Crosshair 15 A11UX supports up to 64GB of DDR4-3200 memory.

Can I add a second SSD to the Crosshair 15 A11UX?

The Crosshair 15 A11UX has 2 M.2 slots. You can add a second NVMe SSD.

What charger does the Crosshair 15 A11UX need?

The Crosshair 15 A11UX uses a 150W Barrel connector charger.

Is the Crosshair 15 A11UX easy to upgrade?

The Crosshair 15 A11UX has a difficulty rating of 3/5. Some care needed with bottom panel clips.


Recommended Products

These are the products we recommend based on this guide. All links go to Amazon where you can check current prices and availability.

ProductWhy We Recommend ItAmazon
Corsair Vengeance DDR4 SO-DIMMReliable DDR4 laptop memory with wide compatibility.View on Amazon
Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMMCompact high-performance DDR4 for laptops.View on Amazon
Crucial DDR4 SO-DIMMAffordable DDR4 with solid performance.View on Amazon
Samsung 990 Pro NVMe 2280Flagship NVMe SSD with exceptional speeds.View on Amazon
WD Black SN850X 2280High-performance NVMe with excellent sustained writes.View on Amazon
Crucial P5 Plus NVMe 2280Excellent value NVMe with strong real-world performance.View on Amazon

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

Related MSI Upgrade Guides

Not sure what fits? Use our free Compatibility Checker covering 3,195+ models.

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As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices & availability shown on Amazon.

UGREEN
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UGREEN Nexode 100W USB-C GaN Charger (5-Port)
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Belkin 100W USB-C GaN Wall Charger (3-Port)
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