Instead of buying an entirely new machine, customizing some of the components of the Laptop or Desktop may be enough to get you back into the action. So take a special note of this before you buy a laptop that is it a Cheap Upgradeable (Modular) Laptop or not?
While you are finding the best and cheap laptops, getting one having an upgradeability facet is worth your money. Several laptop models just like your desktop are possibly upgradeable. But it’s a hassle to upgrade because the components are pretty closely packed underneath the keyboard; hence changing them is quite tricky.
Everything From the processor and GPU to the RAM and storage space, all you need is an upgradeable laptop. Today, the blog covers all you need to know about the best customizable laptops, laptops with upgradeable RAM and GPU, and the best upgradeable gaming laptops.
Before buying a cheap and upgradeable laptop, you must know a few things, and they are stated in the next section. Let’s get into it first.
Things you Must know about Upgradeable Gaming Laptops
If you are searching for an upgradeable laptop that is also cheap. You are just at the right place. Here are a few things you need to go through before diving into our next section of top picks. The laptop is a good investment, so you must know about the specific model you invest your precious money in.
Firstly, there are several options available in the market. However, not everyone is cheap and upgradeable.
Secondly, even if the laptop is upgradeable, still few components can be upgraded. Most of the models come installed with components that are fixed and cannot be upgraded.
Thirdly, to know about the model, you need to consult the manufacturer about the upgradeability of the laptop.
Fourthly, the combination of components is different in each laptop, and only a few of them can be replaced for upgradeability. The most common components that are easily upgraded include RAM, Hard disk, Battery, and GPU.
Lastly, the essential component is a processor, which is pretty tricky to replace. It is called the heart of the laptop. There are very few options available in laptops that come with the feature of an upgradeable CPU. Moreover, some experts advise not to upgrade a laptop’s processor because most of the time, it causes issues.
Hence, it’s better to get a new laptop than to upgrade a processor. Initially, it is mostly suggested that an average-cost laptop with 4-8GB RAM and 128-512 GB storage space can be upgraded easily later according to your needs.
Can I Upgrade My Laptop RAM?
Yes, to enhance performance, you can increase your RAM if your laptop allows you. First, you have to check if your laptop can accept more RAM, so for that, you can ask any professional or manufacturer; however you can also check it by yourself.
You may use Crucial System Scanner or CPU-Z software to see if your laptop supports more RAM. Both of these programs are free and provide information about your current RAM as well as whether or not more RAM slots are accessible on your laptop.
Most laptops offer an extra RAM slot where you may install an additional RAM module. But in another case, if the slot is not present, you can remove the current RAM and replace it with a greater capacity RAM. For example, if you have a 4GB laptop with a single RAM slot, you may need to remove your present 4GB RAM module and replace it with something more significant, like 8 GB or 16 GB.
Upgrading your RAM improves your laptop’s performance and extends its life by a few years. However, if your laptop is already old enough that it is not a good idea to add or replace RAM as it does not add any positive value to it, try to go another way. By buying a new laptop with a good processor like i7 or more and with 8 or 16 GB RAM, you can enhance your working experience to a great value.
Top 6 Best Upgradeable (Modular) Laptops
The table below states our top 6 picks for best and cheap upgradeable laptop models, along with their rating and important specs. The in-depth explanation of the features and pros and cons of each model is explained further in the review.
Let’s dive into the in-depth and objective review of each model stated in the table without any further delay. How to check if my laptop is upgradeable or not visit.
1. Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop

- RAM: 8 GB DDR4
- Processor: 4.5 GHz core_i5
- Hard Drive: 256GB NVMe SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- Screen size & Display: 15.6 Inches 1920 x 1080
The Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop is the best upgradeable gaming laptop in the computing and gaming market. The laptop is packed with an efficient and powerful 9th Generation Intel Core i5-10300H Processor (Up to 4.1 GHz) coupled with 8 GB RAM to support your heavy gaming and multitasking needs. Moreover, the operating system is windows ten home.
The incredible feature is 256 GB of storage space; it’s more than spacious enough to download and hold many games, movies, apps, and files. These top-notch and excellent features ensure the smooth running of heavy applications, endless hours for multitasking, and enjoying your favorite HD movies non-stop. The backlit keyboard and dual exhaust ports are extra appealing.
The 15.6 inches IPS LED-backlit widescreen display and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics will make your gaming experience next-level exciting and fun. The average battery life is 8 hours.
It has comprehensive connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Power-off Charging), HDMI 2.0 with HDCP support, Headphone, Speaker, Line-out Jack, Ethernet (RJ-45), DC-in for AC adapter. The model has an Acer Cool Boost technology that boosts fan speed to 10% and CPU/GPU cooling by 9%, enhancing thermal performance by 25%.
With Alexa show mode, you can use your PC as a full-screen interactive experience that features rich visuals and lets you talk to Alexa from across the room.
The excellent feature of Nitro sense UI takes control of your gaming laptop: The NitroSense UI can be called up with the dedicated keyboard button so you can instantly visualize your PC’s component temperature, fan speed, loading performance, power plan, and more. These features make it the best upgradeable laptop for gaming.
Pros
- Upgradeable gaming laptop
- Widescreen display
- Features huge storage
- Durable and robust construction
Cons
- Battery life is less for some people.
- The keyboard composition is slightly sluggish.
2. Lenovo Legion 5 15 Gaming Laptop

- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H Processor
- Hard Drive: 512GB NVMe SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050Ti
- Screen size & Display: 15.6 Inches 1920 x 1080
Lenovo Legion 5 15 Gaming Laptop is fitted with an efficient AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor with a Windows 10 operating system. Laptop with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050Ti Graphics behind you, you can enjoy the depth and visual fidelity of real-time ray-tracing – RTX Gaming and comes with a 15.6’’ widescreen FHD IPS (1920 x 1080) display.
It features 16 GB DDR4 3200 MHz memory speed. The battery life is up to 8 hours. The storage is 512GB NVMe SSD. The Dolby Atmos headphone support and 2 into 2W speakers with Nahimic Audio for Gamers.
It is preloaded with software including Lenovo Pc manager, Lenovo nerve center, McAfee life safe, Lenovo antivirus, Microsoft office trial, and power DVD. The ports included in the model are USB-C, 4 USB, HDMI 2.1, RJ45 ethernet, audio jacks, a headphone combo, and a Kensington lock slot.
This upgradeable gaming laptop, with its excellent features, gives access to over 100 high-quality PC games. The quiet and efficient performance and high graphics give you a next-level gaming experience. It is loaded with extra appealing features like the Legion cold front 2.0 system, which gives thermal efficiency by dissipating heat, and a dual-channel thermal mechanism of 67 liquid crustal polymer-coated fan blades and dedicated copper heat pipes.
The Q control 3.0 allows you to choose between quiet, balance, and performance thermal modes. Moreover, the dual-burn support pushes the CPU and GPU together for ultra-premium performance. The model is among the laptops with upgradeable GPU, making it stand out among the top-notch gaming laptops.
Pros
- Thermal efficiency
- Cooling systems
- Upgradeable GPU and RAM
- Efficient processor
- Best gaming laptop
- Comprehensive connectivity options
Cons
- Pretty heavy
- Webcam quality is not satisfactory.
3. Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14’’ laptop

- RAM: 4GB DDR4
- Processor: Intel Celeron N4020 Processor
- Hard Drive: 64 GB SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics 600
- Screen size & Display: 14″ HD Energy-efficient Widescreen LED
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14’’ laptop is a competitor model to HP pavilion and Dell Inspiron Laptop series. If you are searching for a laptop with an upgradeable GPU, you are just at the right place. Lenovo Ideapad is one of the cheapest laptops yet, offering full-fledged features.
The IdeaPad 1 14 features a dual-core Intel Celeron N4020 processor, Intel UHD Graphics 600, 4GB DDR4 RAM, and 64 GB M.2 PCIe SSD storage which is enough for web browsing and other tasks without any issues of sluggishness.
The 14″ HD display panel is perfect for video streaming and online browsing, framed by narrow bezels. In addition to these, there is Dolby Audio which delivers crystal-clear sound through the built-in dual stereo speakers. The laptop operates on windows 10, having an S mode also.
Weighing only 3lbs and less than 1 inch thick makes the laptop light, slim, and a perfect travel partner.
Other impressive facets include the connector for the barrel-style power adapter, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a full-size HDMI video output, and a microSD card slot. Moreover, the wireless connectivity on the IdeaPad 1 constitutes Bluetooth 4.2 and 802.11ac Wi-Fi standards, which are pretty good for this price range.
Pros
- High screen resolution
- HDMI port included
- Long battery
- Ultra-portable
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons
- There is no USB-C port.
- The 220-nit screen backlight is dim.
- The performance of the processor is not satisfactory.
- No fingerprint reader
4. Hyundai Hybook 14.1’’ Laptop

- RAM: 8 GB LPDDR4
- Processor: 1.1 GHz celeron_n
- Hard Drive: 128 GB SSD
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics 600
- Screen size & Display: 14.1 inches 1366 x 768 Pixels
The tech specs of Hyundai Hybook include the operating system of Windows 10 Home S Mode, an1.1 GHz celeron_n processor, Intel UHD Graphics 600, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, and 14.1″ Screen with1366 x 768 IPS Display along with Wifi, Bluetooth 4.0, and 5000 mAh Battery.
With the 128 GB micro SD card, you can easily enjoy unlimited storage. The Intel Celeron processor installed in the laptop is super-responsive and highly efficient. The model combines high performance and fantastic features in the sleek and latest packaging.
Hyundai Hybook is a highly productive and versatile model used for business, school, and everyday tasks weighing only 2.93 pounds, making it super compact and lightweight. It has an expandable storage capacity M.2 SSD Slot, and a micro SD slot adding it to the best customizable laptop.
Pros
- Powerful processor
- Spacious memory and immense storage
Cons
- Average battery life
- The screen resolution needs improvement.
5. Newest HP 14’’ HD Laptop

- RAM: 8 GB
- Processor: 2.6 GHz a4_3020e
- Hard Drive: 128GB SSD + 64GB eMMC
- Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon™ Graphics
- Screen size & Display: 14″ HD
The newest 2021 HP 14’’ HD Laptop ranks as the best customizable laptop available in the market.
The display specifications of the model include a 14″ HD (1366 x 768) display with a micro-edge bezel design, WLED-backlit, and BrightView so that you can stream your favorite shows and movies and enjoy the high-definition detail of 1 million pixels with your loved ones. Moreover, the three-core Radeon graphics are mind-boggling and give a premium performance for all entertainment.
The incredibly high RAM of 8GB will make your gaming, photo, and video editing, and application run super-smoothly. You can even run several programs and browser tabs altogether.
The speedy solid-state drive that is upgradable to 64GB emmc+128 GB SSD ensures storage of multiple files, a high reading speed for large files, the speedy opening of large files, and less file loading time. These facets show that the HP 14’’ HD laptop is among the best laptops with upgradeable RAM.
This 14-inch HP laptop is best for business use and students. The lightweight and ultraportable feature, in addition to the low power consumption processor of 2.6 GHz a4_3020e, is a must-buy model and worth your investment.
Pros
- Efficient processor
- Upgradable RAM
- Fantastic graphics
- Speedy solid-state drive
- Best for business and students
Cons
- The 14 inches screen display may be less for some people.
- The screen resolution needs to be enhanced.
6. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14’’ Laptop

- RAM: 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Processor: 2.1 GHz AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Processor
- Hard Drive: 128GB SSD + 64GB eMMC
- Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics
- Screen size & Display: 14.0″ FHD 1920 x 1080 Display
Lenovo Ideapad 3 14’’ laptop is the cheap and best customizable laptop model available in the market with a 2.1 GHz AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Processor. The Lenovo laptop has a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, providing sufficient brightness. For the price it comes, it’s an amazing and worth considering-model.
The great 8GB DDR4 of RAM and 256GB SSD internal storage are enough for your tasks, and it’s a perfect pick for web browsing, emailing, and media playing.
The AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics setup is perfect for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks.
The battery life allows an uninterrupted 2 hours of video streaming with maximum screen brightness and 8 hours of video playback in total if you’re not doing anything else with the laptop.
In the meantime, these features make it a top-notch model for entertainment purposes. This way, you can easily use the laptop from dusk till dawn, if only by watching videos. Hence, Lenovo Ideapad 3 is among the best customizable laptops in the computing world.
Pros
- Sleek and robust build
- Affordable price
- Comfortable keyboard
- Endless video streaming with long battery life
- High-resolution display
Cons
- Components are low-powered
- The screen is not very bright.
- If you open a lot of tabs and applications, it may affect the laptop’s functioning.
How do I know if my laptop is upgradeable?
It doesn’t matter if you bought the latest laptop with an inefficient hard drive or your old machine that’s been around for three years is struggling to keep pace with modern apps.
Upgrading your laptop is a good option to increase your laptop’s performance without spending more money. Unlike desktop PCs which you can normally upgrade, laptops are more sealed and come with specific limitations to accessing the interiors and playing around with the hardware inside the chassis. Looking at certain parts on the motherboard is one thing.
However, In some cases, when you can access the insides of the laptop and can remove those boards and chips, replacing them with better replacements is an entirely different ballgame. If you are confused to choose the right device for your usage then take a look at our in-depth reviews for cheap upgradeable laptops.
There’s no need to open up the chassis to determine whether you can replace the hard drive or RAM. Find out whether is my laptop upgradeable and which components can I upgrade.
Which Parts of my Laptop are upgradeable?
The most common upgrades in laptops are both hard drives and RAM. This is a suggested procedure for machines with mechanical drives that can upgrade to a better SSD solution.
This is also for RAM when the available memory for Windows and apps is 4GB. Upgrading RAM up to 8GB or 16 GB will greatly boost productivity and the ability to multitask.
Don’t think about replacing the CPU, graphics chip, or display. Although it is possible to swap out the Wi-Fi card on certain devices, it isn’t easy and likely unnecessary. If you’re looking for better wireless connectivity, you should consider purchasing using a USB WiFi dongle.
A step-by-step guide to know about is your laptop upgradeable.
The best method to find out that is your laptop upgradeable? and which components you’ll require to upgrade is to using a configurator tool like Crucial Memory’s Advisor Tool. How to utilize it:
1. Go to http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/advisor.
2. Select your laptop’s brand (ex: Lenovo).


3. Choose your correct product (ex: Lenovo Gaming Series)

4. Select the specific model of your laptop (ex: Lenovo 9000-34IMZ).

5. Click “find my computer.”


The Advisor will inform you of the kind of RAM your machine has and what kind of SSDs it is able to handle. If your laptop cannot be upgraded with memory or storage, the advisor will inform you of this. Because this tool comes from Crucial, it suggests Crucial’s products. However, you take note of these products’ specifications, and you can get them by these RAM or storage products from where you can want. you can also buy from amazon.
If your laptop comes with an SSD right now and you’re planning to upgrade your drive with an SSD you’ll likely require a 2.5-inch 7mm SSD that’s the most commonly used size. But if your laptop came with an SSD and you’re looking to upgrade it to increase its capacity, you could require an m.
SATA drive or M.2 drive as both are chips that can insert into slots within the motherboard. M.2 SSDs are available in various sizes (60mm and 80mm being the most popular) So be cautious about determining which you require.
When purchasing RAM, check the DDR2, DDR3, or DDR4 type and the speed and voltage. Modern laptops typically use DDR3 RAM with PC3-12800 in speed and 1.5 or 1.35 voltage. If you browse through RAM lists, you might also find specifications that specify the type of memory: ECC or not, and if it’s buffered or not. Except for a few premium laptops, most laptops are non-ECC memory, which is not buffered.
Some laptops are equipped with only one slot and can be filled with memory, which means you may need to replace your current DIMM instead of adding it.
Reading the Service Manual
Being aware that your laptop is upgradeable is one thing, but doing surgery on it is quite another. If you have one, look up the maintenance manual (aka the Service manual) to learn what you have to do to access the hardware components.
To locate the manual for your service, you need to go through the help page on your particular laptop’s model from the brand’s website (e.g., lenovo.com, dell.com, hp.com). Find available manuals for download
Final Verdict
We might be preoccupied with the perception that buying a laptop is a serious investment. Yes, it is, but the latest laptops come in an affordable price range, and it doesn’t mean that they compromise some of the fantastic specs.
Companies nowadays are focused on launching cheap upgradeable laptops with excellent specifications.
The best way to ensure you get the most out of your money is by buying the best customizable laptop that is upgradeable. Laptops with upgradeable RAM are significant if you are into gaming too much.
If you are confused and can’t make a choice, we have got you, and you are just at the right place. The blog features our top picks for the best customizable laptops, and it also states an in-depth explanation of laptops with upgradeable GPU and RAM.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best and Cheap Upgradeable(Modular) Laptops
If you are searching to buy a cheap and upgradeable laptop, here is a quick go-to guide that states things you need to consider.
Model is Upgradeable or Not:
The first thing you must know includes whether the model is upgradeable or not. If yes, you are good to go. You can check out the upgradeable feature from the user manual. Apart from this, you can consult the manufacturer or talk to the retailer.
Your Budget:
The second most important thing is your budget, and keep in mind the price range you can easily afford. There is no need to worry about the specs because there are numerous best and cheap upgradeable modular laptops available in the market.
Considering your Needs and Desires:
The primary purpose of buying an upgradeable laptop is the change in requirements and desires for your tasks over time.
You are okay with the laptop’s specs, but in the future, you may extra storage, RAM, a high-end processor, or battery due to those changing requirements.
For instance, new software for educational purposes, online streaming, gaming, etc., for which you will require a laptop with enhanced specifications.
Determining the Resolution and PPI of the Laptop:
Resolution means the number of pixels on the screen, and PPI stands for pixels per inch. Even the laptops having the exact resolution offer different picture quality because of the difference In screen size.
Hence, consider smaller display sizes while buying a laptop, and the smaller display has an excellent resolution or PPI.
Memory
Laptops mostly come with pre-installed memory or RAM of 2GB or 4GB. It is more than enough for simple tasks you perform daily. In case you are multitasking or using memory-intensive apps, you will need more memory.
Some upgradeable laptops are upgraded to 8GB while others allow 16GB. It makes your laptop work pretty efficiently and fast. Hence, in such cases installing more RAM is helpful.
Therefore, according to your needs, you must look for the upgrades allowed by the model of the laptop you are purchasing.
Understanding the CPU or GPU of a Laptop
While buying an upgradeable laptop you must consult the manufacturers about the CPU or GPU of the model. They mostly come soldered on the motherboard, which makes up-gradation pretty hard and tricky.
These laptops can be upgraded, but they are not categorized as upgradable models in an absolute sense.
However, nowadays, whether AMD or Intel models, the CPU or GPU are soldered to the motherboards. Hence all you need to do is go for an expert or professional to get your job done. They are experienced and know very well how to place the soldered CPU on your laptop.
These were a few points you must consider before buying a cheap and best upgradeable laptop. This quick and easy-to-understand guide will help you out in making a final decision. However, in a nutshell, all the laptop models whose CPU, GPU, RAM, and hard drive can be upgraded are upgradeable laptops.
How to Connect Wii U To Laptop
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gaming laptops support upgradeability features?
Yes, gaming laptops are upgradeable, not all but most of them. Its RAM and storage are fully upgraded, just like all laptops; however, its GPU and CPU are non-upgradeable. But few models support the upgradeability of CPU and GPU.
How is RAM installed?
-> Firstly make sure the laptop is shut down.
-> Secondly, access the laptop’s memory bay by removing the entire or part of the laptop’s bottom.
-> Thirdly, discharge any static electricity.
-> Fourthly, install the memory module after proper alignment and put the memory in at a slight angle.
-> Once inserted, tilt the module slightly.
-> Memory must lie flat in the slot. In case of removing the module, you can use fingernails.
How to check whether the laptop is upgradeable or not?
All you need to do is go through the user manual. Moreover, you can also consult the retailer or buyer while you are buying one. Apart from this, there are numerous videos on Youtube that provide a go-to guide for understanding upgradeability.
Can I upgrade my laptop’s processor?
Yes, it is upgradeable. But the task is pretty tricky. You will need to find a compatible processor of your laptop and interact with your laptop’s motherboard. In addition to this, you might need to upgrade some other features also. In a nutshell, it’s possible but a big hassle.
How to speed up the old laptop?
There is various software available in the market that can improve your laptop’s speed. Moreover, there are other hardware changes available that can significantly enhance the laptop’s speed. RAM and processor are responsible for performance and speed, and hence you can replace them. RAM is easily replaceable, but the processor can become a hassle.
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