Laptop compatibility and upgrade guide

MSI Thin 15 (B13UC) — RAM, SSD & Charger Compatibility Guide (2023)

MSI Thin 15 (B13UC) (2023) Specifications

The MSI Thin 15 (B13UC) (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 MSI upgradeable models, visit the MSI Laptop Upgrades hub.

ComponentSpecification
Processor13th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 + NVIDIA RTX 3050
RAMDDR4-3200, 2 SO-DIMM slots (upgradeable)
Max RAM32GB (2× 16GB)
StorageM.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen4, 1 slot
Charger120W Barrel plug (120W)
Ports1× USB-C 3.2, 2× USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.0, headphone jack
Display15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz IPS, 16:9
Weight1.86 kg (4.10 lbs)

Memory Upgrade Path

The Thin 15 (B13UC) features 2 SO-DIMM slots for DDR4-3200 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 DDR4 RAM Upgrades:

  • Corsair Vengeance DDR4 SO-DIMM — Proven DDR4 laptop memory with wide compatibility. Fast and reliable.
  • Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMM — Popular DDR4 upgrade for laptops. Good speeds and low latency.
  • Crucial DDR4 SO-DIMM — Budget-friendly DDR4 with solid performance. Well-tested across brands.

Storage Expansion (M.2 NVMe)

The Thin 15 (B13UC) uses an M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen4 slot. The single M.2 slot supports up to 2TB.

Recommended M.2 2280 SSDs:

  • Samsung 980 PRO 2280 — Top-tier Gen4 NVMe for maximum performance. Widely compatible.
  • WD Black SN770 2280 — Excellent mainstream NVMe with strong sequential and random speeds.
  • Kingston NV2 2280 — Budget NVMe SSD with reliable performance. Great value upgrade.

Power Delivery & Charging

The Thin 15 (B13UC) uses a 120W Barrel plug (120W) charger. Use an OEM replacement or compatible third-party adapter with matching wattage and connector.

Compatible Chargers:

  • MSI Original 120W Adapter — OEM replacement charger ensures full compatibility and performance.
  • Universal 120W Laptop Charger — Third-party universal adapter. Check connector tip compatibility.
  • Anker USB-C 100W PD Charger — If your laptop has USB-C charging as secondary option, this works as travel charger.

Port & Docking Capabilities

Connectivity: 1× USB-C 3.2, 2× USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.0, headphone jack

A USB-C hub or docking station can expand connectivity. Consider the Anker 341 USB-C Hub or Ugreen USB-C Multiport Adapter for adding displays and peripherals.


Upgrade Difficulty & Tools Required

The Thin 15 (B13UC) has a difficulty rating of 4/5 for upgrades (5 = easiest). Entry-level gaming with 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM slots. DDR4 keeps upgrade costs minimal.

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 MSI Thin 15 (B13UC)?

Yes, the RAM is user-upgradeable via two SO-DIMM slots.

What is the maximum RAM for the Thin 15 (B13UC)?

The Thin 15 (B13UC) supports up to 32GB (2× 16GB) (DDR4-3200) with both SO-DIMM slots populated with matching modules.

What type of SSD does the Thin 15 (B13UC) use?

The Thin 15 (B13UC) uses a standard M.2 2280 NVMe SSD. This is the most common laptop SSD form factor with the widest range of compatible drives available.

Can I use a third-party charger with the Thin 15 (B13UC)?

Yes, but ensure it matches the wattage (120W) and connector type. Using an underpowered charger may throttle performance.

Can I add a docking station to the Thin 15 (B13UC)?

Yes, USB-C docking stations and hubs can expand connectivity. Check that the dock supports your display output requirements.


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.

ProductWhy We Recommend ItAmazon UK
Corsair Vengeance DDR4 SO-DIMM 16GBProven DDR4 laptop memory with wide compatibility. Fast and reliable.View on Amazon UK
Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMM 16GBPopular DDR4 upgrade for laptops. Good speeds and low latency.View on Amazon UK
Crucial DDR4 SO-DIMM 16GBBudget-friendly DDR4 with solid performance. Well-tested across brands.View on Amazon UK
Samsung 980 PRO 2280 NVMe 512GBTop-tier Gen4 NVMe for maximum performance. Widely compatible.View on Amazon UK
WD Black SN770 2280 NVMe 512GBExcellent mainstream NVMe with strong sequential and random speeds.View on Amazon UK
Kingston NV2 2280 NVMe 512GBBudget NVMe SSD with reliable performance. Great value upgrade.View on Amazon UK
MSI Original 120W AdapterOEM replacement charger ensures full compatibility and performance.View on Amazon UK
Universal 120W Laptop ChargerThird-party universal adapter. Check connector tip compatibility.View on Amazon UK
Anker USB-C 100W PD ChargerIf your laptop has USB-C charging as secondary option, this works as travel charger.View on Amazon UK

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

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