Maximum RAM for Latitude E5430 and E5530

Question

I would like to upgrade my 6 year old laptops: E5430 and E5530

I had a look at the support page from DELL, it says that the maximum RAM is only 8 GB for both laptops. I check through the manual books of both models already. They say the same.

Here are the links:

https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln152134/dell-latitude-memory-compatibility-guide?lan...

https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_latitude_laptop/latitude-e5530_...

Meanwhile, the IVY CPU should technically support 16 GB. I also saw many ads saying that the maximum RAM for these types is 16 GB. Is there any misunderstanding here?

Rgds, Quan

JOcean · Accepted Answer

There is some confusion even in the Dell sites. The support page for the 5430 states that the maximum for the 5430 is 16 GB. The support page for the 5530 states 2 SODIMM slots that can hold 2, 4, or 8 GB with a maximum of 8 GB total which obviously cannot be correct. And if you go to the Crucial web site and look at both Latitudes, they guarantee 100% compatibility for both systems as a maximum of 16 GB total. And if you want to go one step further, the last link is to the Dell parts page for RAM. The 8 GB RAM module is shown as compatible with both the 5430 and 5530 so even Dell specifies 2 slots each holding 8 GB of RAM for a total of 16 GB. Confused yet...?

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/us/en/19/latitude-e5430/delllatitudee5430_om-v1/specifications?guid=guid-dc451241-36f9-4f68-bf76-de4751505456&lang=en-us

https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Dell/latitude-e5530

https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Dell/latitude-e5430

From Dell

https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/dell-memory-upgrade-8gb-2rx8-ddr3l-sodimm-1600mhz/apd/a7022339/memory

quocquan · Answer

Thank you very much JOcean,

The 8 GB RAM is compatible for a slot doesn't mean that 2 slots can hold 16 GB due to the limitation of e.g. manufacturer's settings.

However, indeed, when looking at the first link, it clearly states that E5430 can cope with 16 GB, which is a good news for me.

Though, I have to say that it was quite surprised to me that DELL may have that mistake in their summary page, which shows that only two models (that I have) are restricted to 8 GB.

May they know and modify it.

Thanks again JOcean and have a nice day.
Quan

JOcean · Answer

I will let you know soon. I have a 16 GB kit coming in from Crucial and they guarantee compatibility. Keep watching for my results of the installation.

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

Pulled an E5430 from my warehouse. Updated BIOS to A21: https://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=ktndj&oscode=wt64a&productcode=latitude-e5430 Installed 2x8GB DDR3L-12800S total 16GB 16GB memory Boots to BIOS. Starts a fresh W10 install. Best regards, U2

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

Pulled an E5530 from my warehouse.Updated BIOS to&#xa0;A21:https://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=ywnr2&oscode=wt64a&productcode=latitude-e5530Installed 2x8GB DDR3L-12800S total&#xa0;16GB16GB&#xa0;memory Boots to BIOS.Starts a fresh W10 install.Best regards,U2

JOcean · Answer

Thanks for the verified proof U2. Always appreciated!

JaneBei · Answer

Hi, I am also Latitude E5430 user. So, it works perfectly on both models, right? How long did you take to upgrade the BIOS A21? @U2CAMEB4ME

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

Welcome to the Dell Community @JaneBei  It only takes about 5 minutes. Battery should have at least  10% charge. Best regards, U2

Chromatosed · Answer

Which method did you use to update the BIOS? I have a 5530 and dont want to mess it up. I tried running the .exe off a bootable drive but it didnt work for me

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

Welcome to the Dell Community @Chromatosed

First method:

Create a new folder on your desktop named “BIOS Update”

Then download your BIOS update.

Dell Latitude E5530 System BIOS:

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=ywnr2&oscode=wt64a&productcode=latitude-e5530

Dell Latitude E5530 System BIOS, Intel vPro supported:

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=cww46&oscode=wt64a&productcode=latitude-e5530

Copy the update to that folder you just created.

Close all Windows and Apps you may have open.

Go to the folder and right click on the update file and “Run as Administrator”

Second method:

Create a bootable USB drive using “Rufus”

https://rufus.ie/

Copy the BIOS update to the bootable USB drive you just created..

Insert USB drive, power-on and start tapping the “ F12 “ key.

Boot from USB and run the BIOS update.

After reboot test and post any results.

Best regards,

U2

dhc92 · Answer

Thanks for all of the excellent advice. However, will there be an appreciable performance improvement with a 5430 to justify the £60 investment and not inconsiderable bios and Win10 modification update effort? TBH, I get a little uncomfortable fiddling around with BIOS. Previous upgrades to Dells have just slotted straight in with no BIOS and or software actions at all. I find 8gb pretty good for general use, but am considering moving my Corel design and video editing work to this machine - both can be fairly RAM intensive at times.

Latitude

Maximum RAM for Latitude E5430 and E5530

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