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Go to Solutionm15 R6, SSD compatibility issue
Hi folks,
Just got my m15 R6 and it has been great! One little problem with it was SSD compatibility. From some reviews I had the idea at least one of the SSD slots support PCIE 4.0. Though when I tried to install a Samsung 980 Pro 2TB, the SSD won't run at slot 1 at all, and run only at PCIE 3.0 at slot 2.
More details:
Laptop: Alienware m15 R6, 11400H + RTX3060 version
SSD: Samsung 980 PRO 2TB, can be recognized in BIOS. When installed in slot 1, constant read/write timeout. When installed in slot2, run only at PCIE 3.0 protocol.
Other SSD like the original 2230 Hynix 250GB or my Samsung 980 1TB worked find in slot 1.
Thanks!
4573
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Posted November 23rd, 2021 20:00
Is it possible that:
Slot 1 (PCIe 4 or 3) only supports up to 1Tb and
Slot 2 (PCIe 3) supports up to 2Tb
E.g. Max 3Tb system?
Setup and Specifications document indicates that it is the other way around for M.2 2280 SSD:
PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe, up to 32 Gbps [Up to 1TB] Assume slot TWO?
PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe, up to 32 Gbps [Up to 2TB] Assume slot ONE?1879
1
Posted November 24th, 2021 04:00
See my screenshot, my laptop alienware m15 r6
Nvme Gen4 low perfomance1794
0
Posted December 3rd, 2021 08:00
I'm guessing since both are on the C: Drive then they're in RAID. If you want Max speed that would be RAID 0 but that's highly unreliable. Also, it says 7,000MB/s for the 980 Pro MAX SPEED*
*Max speed can vary depending on environment and configuration of the SSD.
*NOTE: I am NOT a Dell employee, But I am a Community Rockstar*Quick Tip: If your laptop has voltage / charging issues, try shutting it down, unplugging power from laptop, hold power button down for 30 seconds to do a full reset!
1588
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Posted January 19th, 2022 05:00
What is the verdict on this then? Im wanting to add a ssd drive on slot 2 and i trying to clarify what will work. Thanks!
1577
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Posted January 19th, 2022 19:00
Hi @Mr.mystify Support for Alienware m15 R6 Chipset says PCIe bus supports up to Gen3, and Drivers & Downloads provides Samsung PM9A1 PCIe Gen4 NVMe 2TB Solid State Drive Firmware Update. Although PM9A1 is Gen4 NVMe, Dell support fails to provide clarification that PM9A1 drive cards will run at Gen4 speeds or constrained to run at backwards compatible Gen3 speeds. There is no clarification about installing other OEM Gen4 drive cards.
Click on @DELL-Cares to send Private Message asking for Gen4 drive card clarification, and Dell Support documentation to be updated.
[This user does not work for Dell and volunteers their free time. Please remember to say thank you by clicking on my thumb up icon.]1557
1
Posted January 22nd, 2022 08:00
I'm running dual 2Tb Samsung 980 pros in mine.
Slot 1 is faster, almost double.
1510
1
Posted February 5th, 2022 22:00
@havefun8 My setup is the same as yours, and I could run 980pro 1TB at almost full speed. I will upload a screenshot later. There are some drivers from Samsung. Did you install them? On my previous Alienware R3 model, I experienced a similar issue with 970pro. Without drivers from Samsung, low speed.. Half of the Full speed approx.
1509
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Posted February 5th, 2022 22:00
please give me link driver
1416
1
Posted February 22nd, 2022 12:00
Do you have any Crystal mark screen shots? Im in the same boat, thinking I need to return this laptop if it doesnt support gen4.
AWX17
2 Intern
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154 Posts
4692
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Posted November 18th, 2021 22:00
According to your manual. m15 R6 is a PCie3 bus. Not 4.