Internal SSD Compatibility

[herecomesbrod]

Hi All,

 

I would like to put an internal SSD hard drive into my PC, but am not sure about the different interface standards. I would be grateful if someone could recommend a good 500 GB SSD which would function at the maximum speed my machine will support. Details follow:

 

Model: Dell Inspiron 3847

CPU: 4th Generation Intel Core i5-4460 Processor (6M Cache , up to 3.40 GHz)

HDD: 1TB 7200 rpm

RAM: 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz (4GBx2)

DVD-RW

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 705 2GB DDR3

Wireless 802.11bgn + Bluetooth 4.0, 2.4 GHz

8-in-1 Memory Card Slot (SD, SDXC, SDHC, MS, MS PRO, MMC, MMC+, XD)

 

O/S: Windows 10 Pro dual boot with Linux Mint 19

 

The owners manual is here: https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_inspiron_desktop/inspiron-3847-desktop_owner%27s%20manual_en-us.pdf

It shows the following PCI ports on the motherboard:

PCI Express x1 card slot (SLOT1)

PCI Express x16 card slot (SLOT2)

PCI Express x1 card slot (SLOT3)

 

There are also SATA connections, but I'm assuming they are much slower, so not worth considering.

 

Hope you can help.

 

SteveB.

[KenB]

Hi Steve and welcome to ExTS.

 

I am sorry for the slow response - we are usually much quicker than this :(

 

You are correct in thinking that using a PCIe slot is much faster than the standard SATA.

To utilise this you would need an adapter.

 

You don't say if this new SSD is going to be used for the Operating System?

If it is then you need to be aware that PCIe SSDs need UEFI bios to boot up. The older Legacy bios will not do the job.

 

I can understand your confusion regarding the different interfaces.

 

The adapter will look something like this:

 

The SSD is located in the connection [ red box ] and held in place by the brass screw [ bottom of image ]

 

I think your confusion arises from the different connections available - see red box.

This adapter is for M.2 NVMe SSDs. [ clearly stated on the adapter ]

There are other formats:

B & M key

B key

 

 

You just need to make sure that the SSD you buy is compatible with the adapter.

 

You also need to be aware that there are other PCIe slots available on some motherboards that yours doesn't have.

PCIe x 4 for instance.

When buying an adapter you need to ensure that you get a x16 for your M-board.

 

One more thing

If you can get an adapter that comes with a heat sink this would be a better option.

 

I found this video which may help - it certainly shows the differences between standard speeds and PCIe SSD speeds.

 

Also this explains SSDs

 

This link suggests that using your Inspiron 3847 to boot from a PCIe x16 slot with SSD is not straight forward.

click here

 

If I were you I would do a lot more research first before I spent my hard earned cash. :)

Edited December 2, 2020 by KenB

[herecomesbrod]

Thank you for your comprehensive answer Ken.

 

You've given me plenty of information to work through - much appreciated.

 

The last post in the thread on the Dell forum suggests it can be done, but the speed will never be optimised due to the outdated PCIe slot.

[KenB]

Hi,

I didn't say it wasn't possible just that t may not be straight forward. :)

 

I assume that you are intending booting from the new PCIe SSD ?