Introduction
The Dell Latitude 5490 is a business-class laptop that has been widely deployed in offices, schools and professional environments.
Because of its solid build quality and relatively accessible internals, it is still commonly upgraded rather than replaced.
This guide explains what can and cannot be upgraded on the Dell Latitude 5490, which components are compatible, and whether upgrading this model still makes sense today.
Models and configurations covered
This guide applies to the Dell Latitude 5490.
Keep in mind that the Latitude 5490 was sold in multiple configurations, which can affect upgrade possibilities (for example storage layout or available RAM slots).
The information below applies to the majority of standard configurations, but individual systems should always be checked before purchasing parts.
Quick upgrade overview
Upgradeable components:
- RAM: Yes
- Storage (SSD): Yes
Not upgradeable:
- CPU: No (soldered)
- GPU: No (integrated graphics only)
Memory (RAM) upgrade
The Dell Latitude 5490 uses DDR4 SODIMM memory.
Typical characteristics:
- DDR4 laptop memory (SODIMM)
- Two memory slots
- Maximum supported memory: up to 32 GB (2 × 16 GB), depending on configuration
- Dual-channel operation supported when two matching modules are installed
Most Latitude 5490 units ship with a single memory module installed, meaning performance can often be improved by adding a second module to enable dual-channel memory.
Important notes:
- Use DDR4 memory with supported speeds for the platform
- Mixing different capacities or speeds may reduce performance
- Always verify how many slots are populated before upgrading
Storage upgrade (SSD)
Storage upgrades are one of the most impactful improvements for the Latitude 5490.
Depending on the configuration, the system may support:
- M.2 SSD (SATA or NVMe, depending on chipset and BIOS)
- 2.5″ SATA drive bay (requires the correct bracket and cable if not preinstalled)
Common upgrade scenarios include:
- Replacing a traditional hard drive with an SSD
- Replacing a smaller SSD with a larger capacity model
Important notes:
- NVMe support depends on the exact configuration and BIOS version
- Some units ship without the required 2.5″ drive hardware
- BIOS updates are recommended before installing newer SSDs
CPU and graphics limitations
Unlike desktop PCs, the CPU in the Dell Latitude 5490 is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
Graphics are provided by integrated Intel graphics, meaning:
- No discrete GPU
- No graphics upgrades possible
- Limited suitability for gaming or GPU-heavy workloads
Performance gains from upgrades come primarily from:
- SSD upgrades
- Additional RAM (especially dual-channel)
Recommended upgrade scenarios
Basic upgrade
- Install an SSD if the system still uses a hard drive
Balanced upgrade
- SSD upgrade
- Increase RAM to 16 GB
Maximum sensible upgrade
- SSD upgrade
- Install the maximum supported RAM for the configuration
Upgrading beyond these scenarios does not provide meaningful real-world benefits for this platform.
Common mistakes and compatibility notes
Typical upgrade mistakes with the Latitude 5490 include:
- Installing unsupported RAM speeds
- Assuming dual-channel memory without checking slot population
- Expecting gaming-level performance after upgrades
- Forgetting to update the BIOS before installing newer SSDs
Careful planning avoids unnecessary costs and compatibility issues.
Is the Dell Latitude 5490 still worth upgrading?
For general productivity, office work, web browsing, light development and everyday tasks, the Dell Latitude 5490 can still be a perfectly usable system when properly upgraded.
However, it is not suitable for:
- Modern gaming
- Heavy video editing
- GPU-intensive workloads
Upgrading makes sense when expectations are realistic and aligned with the platform’s limitations.
Conclusion
The Dell Latitude 5490 offers reasonable upgrade options for memory and storage, making it a practical choice for users who want to extend the lifespan of an existing laptop.
Understanding what can and cannot be upgraded is essential to making sensible upgrade decisions and avoiding unnecessary expenses.