The Acer Aspire 5 A515 comes in different variants with both intel and AMD processors. Also, as per the specifications and the price, you can see different storage configurations. The last model in this range is the Acer Aspire 5 A515-56T. But, there are around 20 different variants of Acer Aspire 5.
Most models of A515 such as A515-46-R14K and A515-56-36UT comes already with fast NVMe SSDs. But, some older models may also have mechanical hard drives installed inside them. Also, the size of NVMe is normally 128 GB or 256 GB. So, you may be looking to increase the storage space. If you want to download the user manual, you can get it from here by searching for the specific model name of your laptop.
Whatever type of upgrade you want to do with your Acer Aspire 5 A515, I am going to help you with the same. You can either choose to install a new 2.5″ SATA SSD or upgrade to an M.2 NVMe as well. So, without any delays, let’s get started.
Tools you need
- A cross-headed screwdriver (Phillip Screwdriver)
- Prying tool (Not metallic). Guitar Plectrum will also work
- A micro-fiber cloth or any other cloth to place your laptop
- Anti-static wrist strap (Not Mandatory)
Which SSD can go inside your Acer Aspire 5 A515 laptop?
There are three main options you can choose from depending on the storage interface of your laptop. The interfaces are not the same in all the laptops. So, you will have to check the user manual to confirm which port is available. Read this SSD compatibility guide to confirm the type of SSD you can buy for your Aspire A515 laptop.
1. SATA-3 2.5″ SSD
SATA 2.5″ SSD will go with all the models of Acer Aspire 5 A515 laptops. All laptops will have one 2.5″ SATA connector port where you can install a SATA SSD or a SATA HDD as well. In the cheaper variants of A515, you can see this port already occupied by your HDD or a SATA SSD. Again, this will totally depend on your laptop’s model. However, if there is an HDD installed already, you can easily buy a SATA 2.5″ SSD and it will offer you more than double the speed of your HDD.
2. M.2 NVMe SSD
In some advanced modes of Aspire A515, you will also see an NVMe slot. In some cases, it will be occupied by a 128, 256, or 500 GB M.2 NVMe SSD. In some cases, it will be free. So, you can either install a new NVMe if the slot is free or upgrade the existing one with a newer one. Make sure to buy only 2280 or 2240 form factor NVMe. Also, the PCIe 3.0 NVMe is a good pick. Again, check the user manual to confirm the availability,
3. M.2 SATA SSD
This SSD will again use an M.2 slot (either NVMe or SATA). If NVMe M.2 slot is available, you can also use an M.2 SATA SSD on the same slot and get the SATA speed i.e. up to 600 MB/s. This upgrade will be good when you do not want very high NVMe speed by adding a compact SSD along with the existing main drive.
Steps to install SSD in your Acer Aspire 5 A515 Laptop
I am working with the A515-43-slim that has an AMD Ryzen 3 processor in it. The opening and installation procedure will be almost similar in all the other variants of A515 so you can easily relate and follow. Let’s start the process.
1. Remove the power and open screws at the bottom
I am seeing 10 screws on the bottom of this laptop. But, you can have less or more on your one depending on the model and its structure. Open, all those screws one by one. You can see the image for screw locations.
2. Disconnect the battery
Disconnecting the battery is not mandatory but it comes under safe practice. So, just remove the battery connecter once the bottom panel is opened.
3. Install your SSD
Before the installation, you will have to locate the desired port on the motherboard first of all. If you want to install an M.2 SSD, the port will on the bottom right corner. Let’s know the processes one by one.
2.1. Install an M.2 NVMe SSD
The same port and this process can be utilized for both M.2 NVMe and M.2 SATA SSDs. But, we are going to install the M.2 NVMe SSD here. So, below is the process to do the same.
- Locate the M.2 Port on the motherboard
- Open the M.2 tightening screw
- Insert your M.2 SSD at an angle (not straight) and push gently. The SSD shuld stay in air from behind
- Push it gently and tighten the screw
2.2. Install a SATA 2.5″ SSD
If your laptop doesn’t have any SATA 2.5″ SSD or HDD installed on it, you can use that port to install a new one pretty easily. Let’s see how you can do that. You would have got the SSD caddy screws with your laptop. They are required for this installation. If not, you can buy them online as well.
- Locate the SATA 2.5″ port
2. Open the SATA connector and the SSD caddy. You will have to open four screws on the four corners of caddy.
- Peel off the SATA connector cable. You will find HDD on its one end and MB on the second one.
- Insert the MB side of your SATA connector cable to the port. You will have to open the port cover and then push it down once the cable is inside. See images.
5. Now, connect your SATA connector cable to your SATA connector that you just opened from the screw.
- Take those four caddy screws (extra ones) and tighten them up on the SSD with the caddy.
- The last step is to insert the SSD connector inside the SSD port and then tighten it again at the place where the empty caddy way located.
You can use the same process to install a 2.5″ SATA HDD because it has the same form-factor (size) as a SATA 2.5″ SSD. I know this can be tough because you have to do various things at a single time. So, you can follow this YouTube guide for better help.
If your SSD doesn’t show up after the installation, you may need to mount it first.
4. Close the back panel and that’s it
Now, the last step is to cover your laptop back with its bottom cover. Tighten all the screws and you are good to go.
If you want to move the OS from one drive to another, I would suggest you use the Macrium Reflect software. You can also choose to install new Windows and the guide for that is given here.
Best SSDs for Acer 5 A515 Laptop (NVMe/SATA)
| Image | Model | Features and Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Samsung 870 Evo (SATA) | Capacity: 250GB – 4TB Interface: SATA Speed: 550/510 MB/s Endurance: 2,400 TBW | Check Price |
 | Crucial MX500 (SATA) | Capacity: 250GB – 4TB Interface: SATA Speed: 560/530 MB/s Endurance: Up to 700 TBW | Check Price |
 | Samsung 970 Evo Plus (NVMe) | Capacity: 250GB – 2TB Interface: PCIe 3.0 Speed: 3500/2500 MB/s Endurance: 1200 TBW | Check Price |
 | Kingston A2000 (NVMe) | Capacity: 250GB – 1TB Interface: PCIe 3.0 Speed: 2200/2000 MB/s Endurance: 600 TBW | Check Price |
Thanks for reading!