In our post on the Dell XPS 8700 overview, including a video, I mentioned how we would upgrade the mSATA SSD on the motherboard from 32GB to a larger Solid State Drive that we could run everything from. The original Dell configuration (which was not done correctly…) was to have the small – by today’s standards – 32GB SSD act as a cache for frequently accessed data on the 2TB 7200rpm conventional SATA hard drive.
Windows 8 does run better with an SSD cache, but if you can keep your really big files on a partition other than your Windows partition then why not run everything on a super fast SSD and speed up your PC as much as possible?
I'm considering installing an SSD on my desktop computer, and have read several places I need to set my BIOS to AHCI mode. I have no such.
I have been running on SSD’s for several years now and writing about the performance benefits. So the only difference on this Dell XPS is that since it has a mini-SATA or mSATA on the motherboard it’s the obvious choice for my SSD upgrade. The cost of an mSATA SSD over 2.5″ model is only $10 on the Crucial m500 I bought. That $10 price advantage, BTW, would be negated by the 2.5″ to 3.5″ drive adapter I would have to buy in order to mount a 2.5″ SSD (perfect size for laptop) in a desktop PC.
Mini-SATA SSD Advantages
I really don’t know if the mSATA on the motherboard is better performing than a conventially installed SSD; it kind of makes sense that it COULD be, but it does save a hard drive slot if you want additional drives mounted inside of the computer case and results in fewer cables tangled up in your case.
Should I ever want to use the mini-SATA SSD elsewhere on a PC that does NOT have the mount on the motherboard, simply spend $10 on an adapter and you are good to go.
In fact, that is what I am doing with the 32GB mSATA from the Dell XPS, putting it on a Syba mSATA SSD to 2.5-Inch SATA Adapter (SY-ADA40050) and installing in an Asus EEE PC for a great speed up on that machine. And 32GB is plenty for an EEE PC.
How To Install A mSATA SSD
As you can see in the video below, installing the mSATA SSD on the motherboard is quick and easy. Here are the steps.
BACKUP any data on the PC (ALWAYS a good idea, but especially before making hardware changes)
If the mSATA is currently being used as a cache, I would suggest disabling cache and freeing up the mSATA using the software provided by your computer manufacturer (Intel in my case).
UNPLUG the computer
Place on static free, clean, workspace. Counter tops are fine but if you can NOT be standing on carpet all the better. Use an anti-static wrist guard if necessary.
Take the cover off the PC and WAIT until any glowing LEDs on the motherboard go out. LEDs lit indicate there are still traces of power in the system.
Remove any cables or add-in cards (like video) that are in the way
Remove the two retaining screws on the mini-SATA SSD card, it should then spring-up to about a 30 degree angle or so
Remove the mSATA by pulling straight out (should come out EASILY) at the “popped up” angle, place in anti-static container (like the plastic package the new one came in)
Install new mSATA SSD by gently inserting at that same “popped up” angle. I used a Crucial m500 mSATA
Gently push down to motherboard
Insert and snug the two retaining screws
Reinstall any cables or cards removed
Put the cover back on
Power up and see if all looks good
BIOS Settings
See BIOS settings screen shots here.
mSATA SSD Upgrade Video
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11-20-2018, 02:14 AM
Hey Everyone, Recently got the motherboard of a recycled XPS 8700 system. Had a Pentium G3258 laying around that I could use. Everything works fine, the CPU gets detected but I'm kinda bummed that I couldn't up the CPU multiplier. Was wondering if anyone could unlock tihs option. I do have 'OC option 1 or 2' available in the bios already but this does nothing. I've tried off, 1 and 2 and then went and checked intel XTU but nothing becomes available except voltages. Since it's a z87 chipset it should support upping the multiplier but Dell must have locked it. Would be willing to Paypal 10 bucks to the hero that can do this. Kind Regards