Intel NUC8i5BEK RAM Upgrade Guide

Model: Intel NUC8i5BEK (8th Gen Core i5-8259U)
Current RAM: 16GB DDR4-2400
Target: 32GB DDR4-2666 (Maximum Supported)

⚠️ Safety First: Power off and unplug your NUC before opening it. Ground yourself to avoid static damage (touch a metal surface or use an anti-static wrist strap).

NUC8i5BEK RAM Specifications

Type: DDR4-2666 SO-DIMM (non-ECC, unbuffered)
Form Factor: 260-pin SO-DIMM (laptop style)
Slots: 2 (dual-channel capable)
Maximum Capacity: 32GB total (2×16GB)
Voltage: 1.2V (standard)
Current Speed: 2400MHz (will auto-upgrade to 2666MHz)

Recommended 32GB RAM Kits

Kit	Brand/Model	Speed	Capacity	Key Notes	Approx. Price (USD)
Top Pick	Crucial CT2K16G4SFRA266	2666MHz	2×16GB (32GB)	Intel-qualified; low-profile; CL19	$70–85
Budget	Kingston KVR26S22S8/16	2666MHz	2×16GB	Reliable; Linux-friendly	$60–75
Performance	Corsair Vengeance CMSX32GX4M2A2666C18	2666MHz	2×16GB	CL18 latency; future-proof	$80–95

Step-by-Step Upgrade Process

Step 1: Preparation

Back up important data
Power off NUC completely and unplug power cable
Work on a clean, static-free surface
Have a small Phillips screwdriver ready

Step 2: Access Memory Slots

Flip NUC upside down
Remove 3-4 screws from bottom panel (keep them safe!)
Gently lift panel—clips may hold it in place
Locate 2 RAM slots near the center

Step 3: Remove Existing RAM

Locate metal clips on each side of RAM modules
Press clips outward simultaneously
Module will pop up at ~30° angle
Gently pull module out by edges (don't touch gold contacts)
Repeat for second module if present

Step 4: Install New RAM

Align notch on new RAM with key in slot
Insert at 45° angle (gold contacts first)
Press down gently until clips snap into place
Install second stick in remaining slot
Ensure both modules are level and secure

Step 5: Reassemble & Test

Replace bottom panel and secure screws
Plug in power cable
Power on NUC
Enter BIOS (press F2 repeatedly during boot)
Verify 32GB detected under System Information

Fedora/Linux Verification Commands

# Check total RAM
free -h

# Detailed memory info
sudo dmidecode --type memory

# Test memory stability (install stress first: sudo dnf install stress)
stress --vm 2 --vm-bytes 80% --timeout 60s

# Monitor during stress test
watch -n 1 free -h

Troubleshooting

Common Issues & Solutions

NUC won't boot: Remove RAM, reseat modules, try one stick at a time
Only 16GB detected: Check BIOS settings, reseat RAM, verify matched kit
System instability: Try slower speed RAM or update BIOS from Intel
No POST/beep codes: Clear CMOS (battery removal for 5 min) or check power connections

BIOS Update (If Needed): Download latest BIOS from Intel's NUC8i5BEK support page. Use USB flash method—detailed instructions included with download.

Memory Management Tips for Fedora

# Enable zram for better memory efficiency
sudo dnf install zram-generator

# Add to /etc/systemd/zram-generator.conf:
# [zram-generator]
# zram-size = ram / 2

# Monitor memory usage
htop
# or
gnome-system-monitor

Why Upgrade?

Eliminate OOM freezes: 32GB handles dozens of browser tabs
Dual-channel boost: ~25% faster memory performance
Future-proof: Ready for VMs, photo editing, 4K video
Resale value: Maxed RAM increases NUC's market value