The MSI Modern 15 is a budget-focused business ultrabook combining Intel 13th Gen processors, integrated graphics, and a practical 15.6″ FHD display. Its key distinction is a hybrid RAM configuration—8GB is soldered directly to the motherboard, while one DDR5 SO-DIMM slot allows upgrading to 40GB maximum total. This guide covers all MSI Modern 15 compatibility options, focusing on the hybrid memory setup that sets it apart from typical designs.
RAM Compatibility for MSI Modern 15
The Modern 15 uses a hybrid approach: 8GB DDR5 soldered to motherboard + 1 upgradeable DDR5 SO-DIMM slot. This is neither fully soldered nor fully upgradeable—a middle-ground design common in budget business laptops.
Stock Configuration: 8GB soldered + 1×8GB DDR5 SO-DIMM (16GB total factory)
Maximum Capacity: 8GB soldered + 1×32GB DDR5 SO-DIMM (40GB maximum)
Supported Speed: DDR5-5600MHz (JEDEC standard)
| Memory Config | Soldered | Slot | Total | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Factory stock | 8GB (fixed) | 1×8GB DDR5 | 16GB | baseline |
| Budget upgrade | 8GB (fixed) | 1×16GB DDR5 | 24GB | £40–50 |
| Professional upgrade | 8GB (fixed) | 1×32GB DDR5 | 40GB | £120–150 |
Important: You cannot remove or replace the 8GB soldered module. The soldered 8GB is permanent—only the DDR5 SO-DIMM slot is upgradeable. If you buy the laptop with 1×8GB in the slot, you can upgrade to a 32GB module later for 40GB total. However, if your unit ships with 1×16GB in the slot, upgrading to 1×32GB gives you only 40GB (8GB fixed + 32GB upgradeable).
To upgrade the SO-DIMM: power down, remove the bottom panel (7–8 screws), locate the single SO-DIMM slot, gently push retaining clips outward, remove the existing module, insert the new DDR5 SO-DIMM at 45°, and press down until clips engage.
Buy DDR5-5600MHz 32GB SO-DIMM on Amazon UK
SSD & Storage Upgrades
The Modern 15 includes one M.2 2280 slot supporting PCIe Gen 4 NVMe drives. This is your only storage expansion option; there is no second SSD slot.
Stock Configuration: 512GB or 256GB PCIe Gen 4 2280 NVMe (depends on market region)
Maximum Capacity: 2TB or larger (cost/availability limited)
Interface: M.2 2280, NVMe over PCIe Gen 4
Performance: 7,000–7,400MB/s read speeds
| Upgrade Option | New SSD | Total Storage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| No upgrade | 512GB factory (keep) | 512GB | Cloud-based office work |
| Budget upgrade | 1TB replacement | 1TB | Local documents + small files |
| Standard upgrade | 2TB replacement | 2TB | Photos + backups + business archives |
The Modern 15 is positioned as a business/productivity laptop, so 512GB–1TB is typically sufficient. If you work with large files or maintain local backups, upgrade to 1–2TB. Installation is identical to other MSI models: power down, remove bottom panel, insert new SSD at 30°, press down, and secure with the mounting screw.
Buy SK Hynix P41 2TB NVMe on Amazon UK
Charger & Power Compatibility
The Modern 15 uses a modest 65W USB-C charging solution, reflecting its low-power 13th Gen Intel processors and integrated graphics. This is one of the lightest chargers in the MSI lineup.
Stock Charger: 65W USB-C Power Delivery (universal standard)
Charging Speed: Full charge in 2–2.5 hours
Peak Power Draw: 50–55W maximum (light laptop design)
| Charger Type | Charging Speed | Portability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native 65W USB-C | 2–2.5 hours to full | Light and compact | Included with laptop |
| Generic 65W USB-C PD | 2–2.5 hours | Same standard, use any brand | £20–40 replacement |
| 45W USB-C charger | 3.5–4 hours (slower) | Ultra-portable, use phone charger | Works but not ideal |
The Modern 15’s 65W USB-C Power Delivery is excellent for portability—you can charge it from a power bank, generic laptop charger, or your phone’s PD charger. This is a major advantage for business travellers seeking minimal cable clutter. The laptop will charge slowly with a 45W charger but won’t be damaged; use your native 65W for regular charging.
Buy 65W USB-C Power Delivery Charger on Amazon UK
Dock & Hub Compatibility
The Modern 15 includes two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports (no Thunderbolt). This limits docking speed but provides excellent flexibility with standard USB-C hubs and docks.
Thunderbolt 4 Support: No
USB-C Power Delivery Support: Yes (65W charging via USB-C ports)
Recommended Dock Type: USB-C multiport hub with PD, or USB-C docking station
| Dock Configuration | Ports | Use Case | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB-C multiport hub | USB-A + SD + HDMI | Portable office setup | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (1.2Gbps) |
| USB-C dock with PD | USB-A + Ethernet + HDMI + charging | Desktop docking station | USB speeds + power delivery |
| USB-C hub (no PD) | USB-A + SD | Device connectivity only | USB 3.2 Gen 2, charging separate |
Buy USB-C Docking Station with Power Delivery on Amazon UK
MSI Modern 15 Full Specifications Table
| Component | Specification | Upgrade Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-13420H or i7-13620H | Fixed (soldered CPU) |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe integrated | Fixed |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS | Fixed |
| RAM | 8GB soldered + 1×DDR5 SO-DIMM (max 40GB total) | HYBRID: soldered fixed, slot upgradeable to 32GB |
| Storage | 1×M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe | Fully upgradeable, single slot only |
| Ports | 2×USB-C 3.2, 2×USB-A 3.2, 1×HDMI, 1×3.5mm audio, 1×SD reader | Fixed, no Thunderbolt |
| Charger | 65W USB-C Power Delivery | Universal standard, any 65W+ PD charger works |
| Weight | ~1.8kg | Ultra-portable business ultrabook |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the soldered 8GB and the SO-DIMM slot?
The 8GB soldered to the motherboard is permanent—you cannot remove or replace it. The DDR5 SO-DIMM slot is the only upgradeable RAM. So if you factory ship with 8GB soldered + 8GB slot, you can upgrade the slot to 32GB for 40GB total. The soldered 8GB stays regardless.
Should I upgrade to 32GB SO-DIMM or keep the stock 8GB slot?
For business work (email, documents, spreadsheets, web browsing), 16GB total is fine. For professionals running multiple applications simultaneously (VM software, photo libraries, local development), upgrade to 32GB in the slot for 40GB total. The cost (£120–150) is reasonable for a 3–4 year device lifespan.
Can I charge the Modern 15 with my phone charger?
Yes, if your phone charger is USB-C Power Delivery rated 45W or higher. 65W charging is ideal for full speed, but 45W will work (slower charging—3.5–4 hours). The Modern 15’s low power draw (50–55W peak) makes it forgiving of lower-wattage chargers.
Is 512GB storage enough?
For cloud-based business work (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox), 512GB is adequate. For local file management or photographers/video professionals, 1TB minimum is recommended. The SSD is upgradeable, so start small and upgrade if needed.
Does the Modern 15 support external GPU docks?
No. Without Thunderbolt 4, the Modern 15 cannot support external GPU enclosures. USB-C 3.2 bandwidth is insufficient for real-time GPU pass-through. This laptop is designed for integrated graphics only.
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 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 |
| Crucial DDR5 SO-DIMM 16GB 5600MHz | Affordable single-stick DDR5 | View on Amazon UK |
| G.Skill Ripjaws DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB 5600MHz | High performance DDR5 for enthusiasts | 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.
