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10749
Aurora R10, RAM + SSD compatibility research
Hello,
Please excuse me if I do not say technical terms correctly, this is my first purchase and first attempt to upgrade the desktop. (it's scary).
I have been trying to research on my own but it is not working well. I found a SSD card I would like to purchase for more memory but all the compatibility sheets I see for the products does not show Alienware's motherboard as an option.
1. Does anyone know how I can know SSD card will be compatible?
2. I have been reading about RAM topics going on here but some say if you get HyperX as a third party, it would not work to the full potential due to Dell's XM profile. I also read where once it is installed there might be an issue.
Anyone have a method that worked for them and do you mind sharing?
Thank you for your time
r72019
6 Professor
6 Professor
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5.3K Posts
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May 31st, 2020 15:00
Yes, you can use the wd m2 drive in the Aurora as the primary boot drive in the m2 slot. You'd need to install windows on it.
You can either replace the OEM drive with the wd drive, or you can have two drives.
If you wanted two m2 drives, you'd need to buy something like this before you can use the wd as a second drive:
https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Controller-Expansion-Profile-Bracket/dp/B07VYWR91T/
Lightlord001
11 Posts
1
May 30th, 2020 12:00
There are 2 types of SSD for the R9. The 2.5 inch SSD (uses Sata)2.5 SSD and the M2 Form factor. This looks likes a small slot card (similiar in appearance to memory sticks for the motherrboard. M2 M2 SSD Drive . Your motherboard will accomadate the 2.5 inch. Most newer alienware desktops will accomdate both. If you provide more specific information we can let you know. As far as brand, model and capacity. That is more of a personal preference issue and you should examine user reviews.
JD
markshaheen
372 Posts
1
May 31st, 2020 09:00
Are you looking to increase your RAM or Storage? You are flipping between both. How much do you have now?
pppppppp1
6 Posts
0
May 31st, 2020 13:00
Sorry, I am really new to this. does that mean wd_black sn750 NVme ssd won't work but only m2 ones?
pppppppp1
6 Posts
0
May 31st, 2020 13:00
btw, stay safe Mark!
speedstep
9 Legend
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47K Posts
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May 31st, 2020 13:00
m2 comes in 2 flavors
SATA b and M keyed and pci-e x4 m key only.
https://www.dell.com/support/article/en-us/sln308295/m-2-nvme-device-specifications-and-upgrade-requirements-for-precision-optiplex-latitude-and-xps-systems?lang=en
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-970-EVO-1TB-MZ-V7E1T0BW/dp/B07BN217QG/
pppppppp1
6 Posts
0
May 31st, 2020 13:00
Hello
thank you for your response and sorry for being confusing. I want to upgrade both RAM and SSD storage. Do you think this (1TB WD black SN750 NVMe PCIe internal gaming solid state drive) can fit in my computer for storage upgrade?
Here is my product detail:
r72019
6 Professor
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May 31st, 2020 14:00
Also, for clarification, if you're referring to that 1tb drive on sale at wd for $122 (decent deal btw) that is an m2 drive.
speedstep
9 Legend
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47K Posts
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May 31st, 2020 14:00
m2 slot allows for SATA with B & M keys or PCI-E X4 Mkey only.
The sata versions can be installed with sata set for AHCI.
The PCI-E M key only requires F6 mass storage drivers for PRE install so that the OS can "see" the drive to partition and format. WD Black SN750 is M key only which is PCI-E.
https://www.westerndigital.com/products/internal-drives/wd-black-sn750-nvme-ssd
WD blue is also fine
https://www.amazon.com/Blue-SN550-1TB-NVMe-Internal/dp/B07YFFX5MD
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r72019
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May 31st, 2020 14:00
Based on your specs, your PC already comes with an m2 M key nvme. There is only 1 m2 slot on the motherboard. So the only way you can add that drive is via a nvme pcie adapter add-in card on the lower PCIE slot.
markshaheen
372 Posts
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May 31st, 2020 15:00
I also had the 512 M.2 and replaced it with a 1 tb Samsung. Cloned the 1tb from the 512 using a USB housing. Plug and play then worked. You can only have 1 M.2 drive but a few SSD drives.
pppppppp1
6 Posts
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June 3rd, 2020 12:00
Thank you so much for great information. I will go ahead and buy the adapter!
r72019
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June 12th, 2020 19:00
Great to hear! From what I've seen people have had trouble getting non-Dell RAM to run at the max 3200. The retail HyperX Fury 3200 sold on amazon runs at @2933 with XMP disabled. https://www.amazon.com/HyperX-3200MHz-Desktop-HX432C16FB3K2-16/dp/B07WD5VKVL/
Also, Crucial Ballistic Sport 3000, works at the advertised speed with XMP 1 selected in BIOs. https://www.amazon.com/Ballistix-Single-PC4-24000-288-Pin-Memory/dp/B07MNJRQ9X/
People have had mixed results with the Corsair Vengeance Pro - at least one person got it to run at 3200, others have not. https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-CMW32GX4M2C3200C16-Vengeance-PC4-25600-Desktop/dp/B07GTG2T7L/
Best practice when upgrading is to remove the Dell RAM, and replace with a new matched set.