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In the future, you will probably require more space and components for all of your projects and games on your laptop. Due to this reason, you should go for an upgradeable laptop.
It can be challenging to upgrade laptop components since they come with many small components. Unlike desktop computers, you cannot upgrade laptops easily and quickly with their parts and components. Due to the portable nature of laptops, upgrading is often sacrificed so that they can be portable and compact.
However, some brands of laptops offer modular design and can be upgraded, which can help you improve their performance later.
As a result, we have listed some of the best upgradeable laptops available today.
Best upgradeable laptops
1. ASUS TUF gaming laptop
ASUS TUF gaming laptop
CPU: Quad-core AMD Ryzen 7 3750H
RAM: 16GB DDR4 2666MHz
Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Display: 15.6 Full HD [1920x1080] 120Hz IPS-Type display
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6
PROS
- DTS Headphone technology
- Durable RGB keyboard
- Anti-dust technology
- HD IPS-Type display
CONS
If you are looking for an upgradeable laptop ideal for gaming, try the Asus TUF laptop. The TUF gaming laptop has a fast processor and GPU, the perfect foundation for an epic gaming setup.
You can run any game you want on this laptop, thanks to the AMD Ryzen 7 3750H processor. It also carries four cores and four GHz boost speed, due to which even the most demanding titles won’t get your laptop heated.
Additionally, the system comes with 6GB of GDDR6 memory and a GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card. Playing the latest games has never been easier with a graphics card this powerful and 6 GB of VRAM.
This GPU is ideally suited for the screen’s 1080p resolution. As a result of their high specifications, gaming laptops tend to be large and bulky. Having a thin laptop like the TUF Gaming Laptop prevents this from happening.
The computer has an internal 512GB SSD drive, which is a decent amount of storage, but you won’t be able to install several games on it, so you’ll need to upgrade if you plan to install more high-end games on your system.
With the option of upgrading in the future, this laptop is a great option. Also, it is an ideal choice if you need a laptop with excellent gaming performance.
2. Acer Nitro 5
Acer Nitro 5
CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H Processor - up to 4.6GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, 24MB Intel Smart Cache
RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz memory [2 DDR4 Slots Total, Maximum 32GB]
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD [2 x PCIe M.2 Slots/1 x 2.5 Hard Drive Bay Available]
Display: 17.3 widescreen LED-backlit IPS display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 144Hz
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti [4GB dedicated GDDR6 VRAM]
PROS
- Increased thermal performance
- CoolBoost technology
- Widescreen display
- Long battery life
- RGB keyboard
The Acer Nitro laptop is also upgradeable that comes with a vast range of features. RTX 30 series graphics card is an important feature of this product. Featuring the latest Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti GPU, this laptop boasts one of the most advanced gaming capabilities at the price point.
If you are unaware, Nvidia has recently launched the RTX 3050 Ti GPU, an upgraded version of the RTX 2060 GPU with upgraded 4GB RAM. Many useful gaming enhancements are offered by the RTX 30 series, including Ray-tracing, more Tensor cores, etc.
Intel’s Core i7-11800H processor is coupled with an eight-core GPU in Acer Nitro 5. Therefore, it requires a GPU with an octa-core architecture, 16 threads, and a clock speed of 2.3GHz, capable of as high as 4.6GHz in burst mode.
The laptop’s 15.6-inch, Full HD display features a refresh rate of 144Hz and Full HD resolution. Despite its small size, the show is bright enough to play games smoothly. It is a gaming laptop running Windows 10 with 512 GB of SSD storage and 16 GB of DDR4 RAM.
3. Dell XPS 15 9500
Dell XPS 15 9500
CPU: Intel Core i7 10th Gen
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB Solid State Drive
Display: 15 Inch 16:10 FHD+
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4GB GDDR6
PROS
- Advanced thermal management
- Eyesafe display technology
- Quad speaker design
- Large touchpad
- Anti-glare screen
We suggest the Dell XPS 15 as our next recommendation for the best upgradeable laptops. Similar to HP, Dell also makes some of the best laptops on the market. One of the company’s most stunning machines is the XPS 15 model.
The laptop has a gorgeous touchscreen display with 4K UHD resolution at the front. It further displays a 16:10 aspect ratio and a resolution of 3840×2400, which makes it deliver high-end visuals. It also has an optimal RGB color gamut, and a VESA display, making it ideal for content creators.
Additionally, it includes a dedicated Nvidia GTX 1650 Ti GPU, 4GB of VRAM, and an Intel Xe GPU. A backlit keyboard and a conventional trackpad complement the keyboard’s perfect key distance.
Dell XPS 15 comes with 32GB of RAM. Though the RAM is quite high, you can still upgrade it to 64GB. Additionally, this laptop has a 1TB SSD drive, which will let you store large data.
4. MSI GL65
MSI GL65 Laptop
CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10300H 2.6 GHz
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Display: 15.6 FHD 144Hz 1920 x 1080 pixels
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
PROS
- Multiple heat pipes for optimal airflow
- Splendid gaming performance
- Keyboard lighting
- High-resolution audio
CONS
- The plastic build is not durable
The MSI GL65 is the best upgradeable laptop available at an affordable price. As a result of its stunning design, lightweight body, and powerful hardware, its lower price does not change its appeal.
A 15.6-inch Full HD display would be more prominent from the front. However, it also has a 120Hz refresh rate, something most other laptops in the same price range are dropping.
The panel offers sharp visuals with good viewing angles and a satisfactory experience overall. This laptop comes with an Intel i5-10300H chipset, consisting of an octa-core CPU clocked at 450 GHz.
This device does not consume much power but still gives high performance due to the 10th generation processor. An Nvidia GTX GPU with 4GB GDDR6 offers excellent graphics performance. This graphics unit is one of the most popular models in this price range, so it makes sense to have it on this laptop.
There is a maximum upgrade of 32GB RAM on this model. The amount of RAM provided by this laptop is adequate, and if you need more, you can upgrade it. Additionally, the laptop offers 512GB of internal SSD storage so that you can keep installing more games.
5. ASUS VivoBook 15
ASUS VivoBook 15
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U Processor [8M Cache, up to 4.3GHz, 8 cores]
RAM: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Display: 15.6 inch IPS Full HD NanoEdge
PROS
- Stunning screen-to-body ratio
- Backlit keyboard
- Ports
CONS
- Outdated Bluetooth technology
Next, we have a laptop that is even more upgradeable, which is the Asus VivoBook 15. Laptops like this typically cost less than $800, so the laptop offers a very high value considering the price.
Users who perform regular work can use it since it is inexpensive. You can start with ASUS VivoBook 15 if you want to do complex tasks. The display’s resolution on this laptop is uncompromised, along with its typical screen size of 15.6 inches.
The screen features a 1920 x 1080-pixel Full HD resolution which supports a nice and large display. It is decently bright and color-accurate—everything you might need in terms of display quality.
The Asus VivoBook 15 comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, which is impressive for the price. With 512 GB of SSD storage, data is accessed and written at lightning-fast speeds. In terms of performance, the laptop uses a CPU from the popular Ryzen 5000 series.
Asus has equipped the laptop with an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U CPU. Six cores and twelve threads are available on this CPU, allowing it to deliver respectable performance.
The laptop has a base clock speed of 2.1GHz and can reach up to 4.0GHz with a turbo boost. For graphics, the laptop uses an integrated graphics solution. There is an AMD Radeon graphics chip that runs at 1800MHz and has eight cores.
6. HP 17-cn0021nr
HP 17-cn0021nr
CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 4.2 GHz
RAM: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Display: 17.3 inches Anti-Glare 1600 x 900 pixels
Storage: Intel Iris Xe
PROS
- Large display
- Rapid performance
- Low-gloss screen
- Fast charging
CONS
The HP 17 is a big laptop with a 17.3-inch display which gives a unique visual experience. This laptop’s display offers a maximum resolution of 1600 x 900 and a full brightness of 300 nits.
Further, an anti-glare coating, thin bezels, and an anti-reflective layer make it ideal for outdoor use. Additionally, it offers 1.4 million pixels, which contributes to its excellent image quality.
In the meantime, the display will come with an HD-quality web camera. The Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor powers this laptop and contributes to its performance. A 256GB SSD drive and 8GB RAM will increase performance. The best thing is both the storage and RAM can both be upgraded.
Besides, it also supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology for wireless internet connections along with Bluetooth 5.0. The laptop has a wide range of ports that are essential for everyday use.
With the fast-charging feature, you can charge your laptop up to 50 percent within 45 minutes. Therefore, HP 17 is an excellent laptop with a huge display that costs much lower. Overall, this is the best budget touchscreen laptop that you can upgrade.
7. Lenovo IdeaPad S340
Lenovo IdeaPad S340
CPU: 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8145U 2.1 GHz up to 3.9 GHz with 4MB SmartCache
RAM: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 128GB NVMe SSD
Display: 15.6 HD LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display
GPU: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
PROS
- Narrow bezels
- Theater-like sound
- HD display
IdeaPad S340 is among the most popular upgradable laptops in the market. Lenovo Ideapad S340 comes with a range of top-notch features that are suitable for everyone. Due to the laptop’s design, you can easily remove the back and replace any components you wish to upgrade.
With a 3.4 GHz speed and up to 4MB Smart Cache, the Lenovo Ideapad S340 boasts the 8th generation Intel Core i3 processor. Additionally, there is 8GB of RAM to ensure speedy processing.
In addition to the 128 GB SSD storage, the laptop includes an upgradeable storage option that is easily expandable over time.
You can turn your laptop into a movie theatre by using the slip top and side bezel feature.
The addition of Intel UHD Graphics 620, and Dolby Audio, will help you enjoy endless movie nights with your family and friends.
8. Acer Predator Helios 300
Acer Predator Helios 300
CPU: 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H with 8 cores and 16 threads
RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz memory [2 DDR4 Slots Total, Maximum 32GB]
Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD [2 x PCIe M.2 Slots/1 x 2.5 Hard Drive Bay Available]
Display: 15.6 Full HD [1920 x 1080] IPS LED-backlit, 144Hz 3ms
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 [6GB dedicated GDDR6 VRAM]
PROS
- Maximized performance
- Full HD IPS display
- Ray tracing cores
- Fast DDR4 RAM
Would you like a high-end laptop that is upgradeable at a reasonable price?
If so, then Acer Predator Helios 300 is for you. The Predator series by Acer is one of the best choices compared to laptops with high specifications and affordable prices.
Like most laptops on this list, the new Acer Predator Helios 300 has a large 15.6-inch screen. With a refresh rate of 144Hz and a response time of 3ms, this display delivers better quality visuals.
Featuring 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD, the device runs at 3200 MHz. An RGB Backlit keyboard and an additional slot for easy expansion are other noteworthy features.
Besides, it also has an AeroBlade fan with 89 blades to make your gaming experience cooler, but even then, you might feel the heat while gaming. All in all, it provides a good combination of performance and power efficiency at a reasonable price and is a good option for high-end tasks.
9. Lenovo Legion Y540
Lenovo Legion Y540
CPU: 9th Generation Intel Hexa-Core i7-9750H Processor @ 2. 60GHz [6 Cores, 12M Cache, up to 4. 50 GHz]
RAM: 24GB DDR4 2400 SDRAM
Storage: 1TB HDD + 512GB PCIE SSD
Display: 15. 6” FHD [1920 x 1080] IPS anti-glare
GPU:NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5
PROS
- Wide viewing angles
- Full-power multitasking
- IPS technology
Lenovo Legion Y540 is another top-quality machine in the list of best upgradeable laptops. From a powerful processor to multiple connectivity ports, this fantastic laptop provides you with the flexibility to perform multiple tasks comfortably and efficiently.
This laptop comes with a 9th generation Intel Hexa-Core i7-9750H processor, a powerful chip that can run at up to 4.5GHz and provides you with a smooth experience.
24 GB RAM offers multitasking and fast performance. It also contains storage of 1 TB hard disk and an additional 512 GB SSD, which is more than enough for all users.
Even though the storage is high, you can still upgrade it.
10. Acer Aspire 5
Acer Aspire 5
CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core
RAM: 4GB DDR4
Storage: 128GB NVMe SSD
Display: 15.6 Full HD IPS
PROS
- Biometric fingerprint reader
- Advanced security features
- Affordable price
Since not everyone has a high budget for a laptop, we have also included Acer Aspire 5, which is a budget-friendly device. Despite its affordable price tag, the Acer Aspire 5 offers many exciting and powerful features.
Ryzen 3 3350U is the processor it packs under the hood. There are four cores and four threads in this Zen+ architecture chipset. Based on the 12nm process, this chipset has a clock speed of up to 3.5GHz. The system also uses AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 graphics.
This laptop will see very narrow bezels on the front, giving it an immersive display. It also comes with a 15.6-inch IPS LCD monitor capable of resolutions of 1920 x 1080.
Blue light shield offers eye protection, while Acer Color Intelligence provides color accuracy. The maximum brightness of this display is 300 nits, which makes it ideal for outdoor use.
Additionally, it features a fingerprint scanner within the trackpad, and its keyboard is backlit.
This laptop has a 128GB Solid State Drive with 4GB DDR4 RAM which you can upgrade.
Best Upgradeable Laptops – Buying Guide
Upgradability
Your first concern should be whether or not you can upgrade the laptop. In that case, you should be fine. In the computer’s user guide, you will find the upgradeable features. Alternatively, you can speak with the manufacturer or supplier about the upgradability of the computer.
RAM & CPU
The CPU and RAM play a crucial role in determining a laptop’s speed. It’s always possible to upgrade these components, but upgrading them on a laptop is a hassle.
Upgrading RAM is possible with many latest laptops, but that is not the case with CPUs. In some cases, replacing the entire laptop may be better than upgrading parts if you find that they are either faulty or not adequate.
Despite this, there is some positive news. The memory component is the easiest to deal with. For example, if you want to add more RAM to your laptop, you will open the bottom, install more RAM, and close it again.
But before you begin disassembling your laptop or picking out a new one, you should examine the issue critically to see if any alternative solutions would be less costly. It may seem like you need to upgrade a super slow laptop, but the laptop may need a little TLC instead.
Storage
There might not be enough space available for you to store large files, such as videos. As a result, adding storage to your laptop will require an external hard drive. It will give you more space for storing and backing up your files.
You don’t have to worry about fitting it inside your laptop with an external device. Instead, you use a USB cable to connect it to the laptop. In addition, these devices will function similarly to a hard drive inside your laptop.
The main difference is that the external device will remain outside the computer. You can put any data on this device like a hard drive, including videos, music, and software.
Display
When your laptop’s screen isn’t working properly, it will be difficult for you to work on it. There’s no doubt that repairing or replacing your screen is a more affordable option than purchasing a new laptop.
Also, keep in mind that the display is not upgradable. Therefore, you should invest in a laptop display that matches your needs.
Battery Life
As it is also hard to upgrade the battery life, you should invest in a laptop with optimal battery life. A minimum of 8 hours of battery life is what we recommend.
However, if you face a recharging issue, you can replace the battery, but increasing the battery life is not possible. Your laptop doesn’t need to be replaced if it isn’t charging. The problem may be with the energy cable, battery, or charger.
It is, therefore, vital that you determine what the issue is because there is a high chance that one of those is the problem. You can easily replace the battery or the charging cable if the issue is with the battery or the charging cable.
However, you can test if the issue is with the battery if you plug the laptop in. If your computer can turn on, your battery may have a problem. After confirming that the battery is the problem, take the battery out of the laptop and check its type. That way, you can find a suitable replacement.
Additionally, you can try testing different cables before purchasing a new battery since the cable may also be the problem. To make sure you make the right decisions, you should take all of these precautions.
How We Picked/Tested?
Since reviewing devices several years ago, we have tested and reviewed many upgraded models. Every year, we test various brand models to determine whether they are upgradable or not.
Moreover, we ensure that our products perform as expected by testing them in real-world scenarios. We also test the laptop in different environments to assess its performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do laptops have the capability of upgrading their GPU and CPU?
No, simply and clearly. As you know, upgrading the GPU on a laptop is very rare. Because laptops lack slots for swapping components, they are difficult to replace.
What is the best way to choose an upgradeable laptop?
You may find it challenging to decide whether or not you can upgrade your laptop. As a result, to prevent this inconvenience from occurring, you should consult with the manufacturer or refer to the user manual. If your computer is upgradeable, you can find out by reading the user manual.
Conclusion
We hope our comprehensive guide will assist you in choosing a laptop with the capability of allowing you to easily upgrade it to meet both your performance and gaming needs.
Whether you wish to learn more about upgradable laptops or which components you can upgrade, leave a comment below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.