RAM can go to 16 G (2x8), but it's DDR3 memory, which is fairly expensive now that it's been obsolete for some time.

The CPU can be replaced with an i7 of the same second generation as the i5 you have.

The best upgrade would be to replace the hard drive with a 2.5" SATA SSD.

Ok, that's good to know. Thanks!

I was looking at this hard drive: https://a.co/d/fwChTSM

I'm not using this for school or anything, so I don't need more than 240GB.

Welcome to the Dell Community @GRU04 

Memory:  16Gb is max. 2x8GB

CPU:  Up to the i7- 2860QM 

NOTE:  The i7-2960XM should work but would run warmer and I would not recommend it.

https://www.cpu-upgrade.com/CPUs/Intel/Core_i5_Mobile/i5-2520M_(PGA).html

Hard Drive:  The one you picked will work just fine.

WiFi:  If your WiFi is only 2.4GHz and or you do not have Bluetooth then you may want to upgrade to one that is 5GHz and has Bluetooth.

The Intel 6235 would work fine in your laptop.

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=3mnpt&oscode=w764&productcode=latitude-e6520

Best regards and good luck,

U2

NOTE: If limited by finances let me know if you need help and if you are located in the US???

hello i have a question 

i want to upgrade my gpu.

do you know a good gpu

You cannot upgrade the GPU in a Latitude E6520.

Will it help with gpu if i upgraded the cpu ?

No.  All the CPUs this system can take have the same GPU aboard.

While you can, any replacement board that will fit in the system will have that same GPU aboard.

You keep asking the same question over and over -- and the answer remains the same.  If you need a more capable GPU, there's only one path forward.  Replace the system with a new or newer model.

The one i have is Nvidia NVS 4200M it was installed in 2021

Can i change the motherboard?

Thanks a lot for replying to my questions

I'm new to computers and i want to learn about them.

My question is

How come if i change the motherboard i can't install new gpu ? 

Is it because the motherboard have a specific size for gpu or compatibility or something else ?

The GPU is a chip, soldered to the system board.  It cannot be replaced.  

And any system board that will fit your system will either be integrated GPU (on the CPU) only, or will have exactly the same GPU you now have.

The only GPU upgrade for your notebook is a new(er) system.

Hi.
How is the situation with cooling when upgrading from dual core i7 (I currently have i7-2640M) to quad core i7 (2860QM)?
I've read somewhere that cooling was sorted out differently for dual core and quad core CPUs
Tnaks!

Welcome to the Dell Community @Komare 

Since the E6520 was sold with the Core i7-2860QM, cooling is not a problem.

Best regards,

U2

Thanks for the fast reply!

Would there be any noticeable difference between  i7-2640M and 2860QM?
I have 16gb RAM and SSD, and from looking at the task manager, CPU is the weakest point in the system.
I use it for university, so I multitask a lot with a million tabs on Chrome, multiple MS Words, Excels, PDFs, videos etc...CPU is a lot under at 100% load.
Thanks again!

Hi, it's me again.

I've upgraded to 2860QM and it works perfectly:)

I've been wondering if is it possible to add a fingerprint sensor?

I should change the palmrest since mine is quite worn out, and I could by one that has a cutout for fingerprint sensor.

Do yo maybe know where to buy sensor and palmrest in Europe? I don't want to order it from America because of expensive shipping and import duties.

Thanks!