Adding m.2 ssd to Dell PC

[bwoodard]

I'm trying to install a Kingspec mSata ssd on a Dell Optiplex 7010 but can't see it in the BIOS. I have set 5he BIOS to uefi but didn't seem to help either. Can't find a driver to use during installation of Windows either. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[USAFRet]

Does the mSATA port actually support a storage device? Not all can. Some are only for a WiFi device.

 

[Guest]

Apparently the mSATA on the mobo of a Dell Optiplex 7010 is only for a WiFi card:
https://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?t=1244965

 

[Solandri]

The mSATA connector was "borrowed" from the mini-PCIe connector used for WiFi and cellular cards. Rather than spend money and engineering effort to design a new connector, manufacturers simply re-used the same mini-PCIe connector, but wired to SATA instead of PCIe.

Many desktop motherboards had mini-PCIe connectors for add-on WiFi cards (before M.2). The technical specs for the 7010 says version 1.2 comes with a mini-PCIe slot (#7 on page 10). So what you've got is a mini-PCIe connector, not a mSATA connector. The mSATA drive will not work in it.

http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/optix/en/optiplex_7010_technical_guidebook.pdf

Edit: If you can't return the Kingspec mSATA SSD, you should be able to use it with a simple SATA to mSATA or PCIe to mSATA adapter.

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-2-5-Inch-Aluminum-Enclosure-EC-MSSA/dp/B01MS6669V
https://www.amazon.com/QNINE-SATA3-0-Expansion-Express-Controller/dp/B07B8CJ91S/

 

[bwoodard]

Thanks for your replies, folks. I think you just saved me many hours of work. I appreciate the support !