How to Upgrade Memory on the Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250 and Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250 Gaming Laptops

Summary: This article lists part numbers for supported memory made by various manufacturers that can be used in the Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250 and Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250 gaming laptops.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

Upgrading the memory (RAM) in Alienware laptops enhances performance, especially in tasks requiring substantial processing power, (video editing, gaming, or running multiple applications simultaneously). Additional RAM facilitates smoother multitasking and faster data access, improving the overall user experience.

Before upgrading, consider the maximum RAM capacity of the laptop, the type and speed of RAM compatible with the laptop, and your comfort while performing the upgrade. If upgrading memory exceeds your comfort level, seek professional assistance.

Table 1 of the Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250 Owner's Manual lists the supported memory specifications (Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250 Owner's Manual → Specifications of Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250 → Memory).

Table 1 of the Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250 Owner's Manual lists the supported memory specifications (Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250 Owner's Manual → Specifications of Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250 → Memory).

Note: Dell Technologies recommends matched sets of memory from a single vendor to ensure maximum performance.

The listed part numbers in the following tables are those memory cards that have been lab-tested by Dell. Other manufacturers' products have not been tested. Dell cannot validate all possible component combinations.

The owner’s manuals do not include part numbers for manufacturers' memory. This article lists them (current as of May 2025):

Table 1, Alienware Area-51 16 (AA16250) and 18 (AA18250) gaming laptops:

Memory Capacity (GB) Memory Speed (MT/s) Memory Type Manufacturer MFG Part number
8 6400 SODIMM MICRON MTC4C10163S1VC64BD1
8 6400 SODIMM SK HYNIX HMCG66AHBVA
8 6400 SODIMM SAMSUNG M435R1GB4PB1-CCP

 

Memory Capacity (GB) Memory Speed (MT/s) Memory Type Manufacturer MFG Part number
16 6400 SODIMM MICRON MTC8C1084S1VC64BD1
16 6400 SODIMM SK HYNIX HMCG78AHBVA
16 6400 SODIMM SAMSUNG M435R2GA3PB1-CCP

 

Memory Capacity (GB) Memory Speed (MT/s) Memory Type Manufacturer MFG Part number
32 6400 SODIMM MICRON MTC16C2085S1VC64BD1
32 6400 SODIMM SK HYNIX HMCG88AHBVA
32 6400 SODIMM SAMSUNG M435R4GA3EB1-CCP

 

Memory Capacity (GB) Memory Speed (MT/s) Memory Overclocking Memory Type Manufacturer MFG Part number
16 7200 XMP DIMM ADATA AOAV724CSV1-BNLS
Note: The maximum speed of XMP must be enabled in the BIOS or the Alienware Command Center (AWCC). See the Dell knowledge base article, How to Enable XMP Memory Speed on Alienware Laptops. BIOS options may vary across models.
Note: Detailed instructions to enable XMP in the BIOS of Alienware 16 Area-51 (AA16250) and Alienware 18 Area-51 (AA18250) gaming laptop:
  1. Restart the laptop and tap the F2 key a few times when you see the Dell logo. The system should now boot into the BIOS.
  2. In the BIOS Setup page, choose the Performance option on the left.
  3. Under the Extreme memory profile section, ensure that the XMP Profile 1 is selected.
  4. Click Apply Changes and then click Exit to restart the laptop.

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Affected Products

Alienware 16 Area-51 AA16250, Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250, Alienware Command Center
Article Properties
Article Number: 000317931
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 07 May 2025
Version:  1
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