XPS 8900 M.2 Specs

Received my XPS 8900 the other day, everything works great so far! I would also like to install an SSD, for Windows & Apps. The M.2 slot for the SSD appears to be M Key, so probably PCIe 2.0,3.0 x4 / SATA. Hard to tell the length though, looks like a 2260 would be the best fit, or possibly 2280. Unfortunately haven't found a definitive answer on this forum or anywhere else, maybe because this is a new model.

Would you be so kind as to run HWiNFO64 and post the specs of the system? It should detail more about the controllers used for IO and fan control and...

http://www.hwinfo.com/download.php

The portable one can be put on a thumb drive and doesn't need to be installed.

thnx in advance

Received my XPS 8900 the other day, everything works great so far! I would also like to install an SSD, for Windows & Apps.

The M.2 slot for the SSD appears to be M Key, so probably PCIe 2.0,3.0 x4 / SATA. Hard to tell the length though, looks like a 2260 would be the best fit, or possibly 2280.

Unfortunately haven't found a definitive answer on this forum or anywhere else, maybe because this is a new model.

Thanks for the suggestion. Downloaded HWINFO and ran the report, unfortunately no new info about the M.2/NGFF/SSD slot.

Still no answer on this ?

I too would like more definative answer before purchasing a ssd.

Mine arrived today and took close up pictures.

It appears that the slot has only one tab. I have seen "M.2" cards out there with 2 tabs.

Sure wish Dell was more accurate about their specs.

Here's a couple good articles explaining M.2 & SSD in detail.

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/02/understanding-m-2-the-interface-that-will-speed-up-your-next-ssd/

https://www.ramcity.com.au/blog/m.2-ngff-ssd-compatibility-list/189

that's a good read thanks, here is macro of top of connector. assuming 80mm M key ?

and if that's the case is the new Samsung 950pro only one to fully utilize the z170 chipset (four-lane PCIe 3.0) ?

arstechnica.com/.../950-pro-review-samsungs-first-pcie-m-2-nvme-ssd-is-an-absolute-monster

is the new Samsung 950pro only one to fully utilize the z170 chipset (four-lane PCIe 3.0) ?

There are a few others.

Kingston Digital HyperX Predator 480 GB PCIe Gen2 x4 M.2 Solid State Drive 3.5-Inch SHPM2280P2/480G

Samsung SM951 512GB M.2 NGFF PCIe Gen3 8Gb/s x4 Solid state drive SSD (2280), NVME ( MZVPV512HDGL-00000)

Spoiler alert: conclusion of this article is below:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2977024/storage/m2-ssd-roundup-tiny-drives-deliver-huge-performance.html

You want one

I can’t emphasize enough how much better your computer will run with a PCIe SSD on board. Grab a small-capacity model, run your operating system off of it, and flesh out your storage needs with mid-range SATA SSDs or hard drives. You’ll be glad you did.

Currently, the SM951 is top dog, with the Kingston HyperX Predator PCIe delivering just about the same real-world, large-file transfer performance. If you spot a bargain on the XP941, it will deliver a very happy experience as well. If you’re looking to leverage an existing SATA-only M.2 slot, then Samsung’s 850 EVO is currently your best ***.

This article recommends NVMe over the AHCI.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7843/testing-sata-express-with-asus/4

This article seems to indicate the Samsung 950 Pro (NVMe) is the one to beat right now, followed closely by the Samsung SM951-NVMe at a similar price.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/9702/samsung-950-pro-ssd-review-256gb-512gb

I want to ensure these NVMe SSDs can be made *bootable* from the Z170 motherboard M.2 slot to run OS & apps.

OK, went back in and measured the M.2 slot on the motherboard. 80mm from slot to just past screw. I'm going to say the 2280 M.2 cards will fit, which seems to match what's available for sale.