How do I properly install a SSD in a Dell XPS 8700?

[Guest]

I am planning to get a Samsung 850 evo 250 GB for a Dell XPS 8700 with Windows 8.1.

My Questions Follow

What bracket will I need?

What SATA Connector Cable should I use?

Which SATA port should I plug it into?

Do I need any screws and power connectors?

How do I properly install Windows 8.1 on the SSD (My guess is to unplug the HDD, install windows, then plug in the HDD but do some stuff in the BIOS).

Thanks

Edit: Here's the Owner's Manual: ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_xps_desktop/xps-8700_Owner%27s%20Manual_en-us.pdf

 

[Mattios]

You need to follow the instructions in the manual to add a second drive, plug it in as necessary, clone the HDD to the SSD http://lifehacker.com/5839753/the-best-disk-cloning-app-for-windows

If the HDD is more full than the SSDs capacity, I would suggest fresh installing the OS. Unplug the old HDD, plug in SSD then install from USB or CD. Then, plug the old HDD back in and make sure you boot from the new SSD. You can then delete the OS on the HDD but keep your personal files.

Any questions please ask.

 

[Guest]

You need to follow the instructions in the manual to add a second drive, plug it in as necessary, clone the HDD to the SSD http://lifehacker.com/5839753/the-best-disk-cloning-app-for-windows

If the HDD is more full than the SSDs capacity, I would suggest fresh installing the OS. Unplug the old HDD, plug in SSD then install from USB or CD. Then, plug the old HDD back in and make sure you boot from the new SSD. You can then delete the OS on the HDD but keep your personal files.

Any questions please ask.

What hardware will I need to install the SSD? Bracket, screws, cables, etc

 

[USAFRet]

You need to follow the instructions in the manual to add a second drive, plug it in as necessary, clone the HDD to the SSD http://lifehacker.com/5839753/the-best-disk-cloning-app-for-windows

If the HDD is more full than the SSDs capacity, I would suggest fresh installing the OS. Unplug the old HDD, plug in SSD then install from USB or CD. Then, plug the old HDD back in and make sure you boot from the new SSD. You can then delete the OS on the HDD but keep your personal files.

Any questions please ask.

What hardware will I need to install the SSD? Bracket, screws, cables, etc

The physical connection is exactly the same as the old drive.

 

[Guest]

You need to follow the instructions in the manual to add a second drive, plug it in as necessary, clone the HDD to the SSD http://lifehacker.com/5839753/the-best-disk-cloning-app-for-windows

If the HDD is more full than the SSDs capacity, I would suggest fresh installing the OS. Unplug the old HDD, plug in SSD then install from USB or CD. Then, plug the old HDD back in and make sure you boot from the new SSD. You can then delete the OS on the HDD but keep your personal files.

Any questions please ask.

What hardware will I need to install the SSD? Bracket, screws, cables, etc

The physical connection is exactly the same as the old drive.

I will be installing it alongside the HDD. I will be using my SSD as a windows installation and for commonly used programs. I will install other stuff thats large and not used often on the HDD that came with the computer.

 

[USAFRet]

I will be installing it alongside the HDD. I will be using my SSD as a windows installation and for commonly used programs. I will install other stuff thats large and not used often on the HDD that came with the computer.

That is the recommended configuration.

 

[Guest]

But what hardware will be needed?

 

[USAFRet]

But what hardware will be needed?

A regular SATA ssd is exactly the same shape and size as a 2.5" laptop HDD. It will mount exactly the same way, with the same hardware.

 

[Guest]

But what hardware will be needed?

A regular SATA ssd is exactly the same shape and size as a 2.5" laptop HDD. It will mount exactly the same way, with the same hardware.

The XPS 8700 is a desktop, I want to know what hardware I will need (What Kind of SATA cable, bracket, power connector, etc.)

 

[USAFRet]

But what hardware will be needed?

A regular SATA ssd is exactly the same shape and size as a 2.5" laptop HDD. It will mount exactly the same way, with the same hardware.

The XPS 8700 is a desktop, I want to know what hardware I will need (What Kind of SATA cable, bracket, power connector, etc.)

The exact same SATA data and power cables as your other SATA drive(s).
Mounting? Some SSD's come with a 2.5"-3.5" mount adapter, some don't.
At most, buy this: http://www.amazon.com/SABRENT-3-5-Inch-2-5-Inch-Converter-BK-HDDF/dp/B00G56ZNZU
$7

Some cases have 2.5" drive mount points built in. Open yours up and see if it does.

 

[Guest]

But what hardware will be needed?

A regular SATA ssd is exactly the same shape and size as a 2.5" laptop HDD. It will mount exactly the same way, with the same hardware.

The XPS 8700 is a desktop, I want to know what hardware I will need (What Kind of SATA cable, bracket, power connector, etc.)

The exact same SATA data and power cables as your other SATA drive(s).
Mounting? Some SSD's come with a 2.5"-3.5" mount adapter, some don't.
At most, buy this: http://www.amazon.com/SABRENT-3-5-Inch-2-5-Inch-Converter-BK-HDDF/dp/B00G56ZNZU
$7

Some cases have 2.5" drive mount points built in. Open yours up and see if it does.

Any specific SATA port I should plug the SSD into?

Look at page 13-14 here for reference.

 

[USAFRet]

But what hardware will be needed?

A regular SATA ssd is exactly the same shape and size as a 2.5" laptop HDD. It will mount exactly the same way, with the same hardware.

The XPS 8700 is a desktop, I want to know what hardware I will need (What Kind of SATA cable, bracket, power connector, etc.)

The exact same SATA data and power cables as your other SATA drive(s).
Mounting? Some SSD's come with a 2.5"-3.5" mount adapter, some don't.
At most, buy this: http://www.amazon.com/SABRENT-3-5-Inch-2-5-Inch-Converter-BK-HDDF/dp/B00G56ZNZU
$7

Some cases have 2.5" drive mount points built in. Open yours up and see if it does.

Any specific SATA port I should plug the SSD into?

Look at page 13-14 here for reference.

SATA 0, #21 on the diagram. The blue one.

 

[Guest]

But what hardware will be needed?

A regular SATA ssd is exactly the same shape and size as a 2.5" laptop HDD. It will mount exactly the same way, with the same hardware.

The XPS 8700 is a desktop, I want to know what hardware I will need (What Kind of SATA cable, bracket, power connector, etc.)

The exact same SATA data and power cables as your other SATA drive(s).
Mounting? Some SSD's come with a 2.5"-3.5" mount adapter, some don't.
At most, buy this: http://www.amazon.com/SABRENT-3-5-Inch-2-5-Inch-Converter-BK-HDDF/dp/B00G56ZNZU
$7

Some cases have 2.5" drive mount points built in. Open yours up and see if it does.

Any specific SATA port I should plug the SSD into?

Look at page 13-14 here for reference.

SATA 0, #21 on the diagram. The blue one.

Where would I plug in the HDD that came with the computer then?

 

[Mattios]

Into a different port. Like I mentioned before, HDDs can't saturate high speeds so it doesn't matter which port it uses.

 

[andwan0]

Using Samsung's Data Migration software only seems to copy the visible DATA partition.

What if one wants to clone every partition on their new Dell XPS? Especially that useful Recovery Partition which contains the factory defaults.

I am planning to get a Samsung 850 evo 250 GB for a Dell XPS 8700 with Windows 8.1.

My Questions Follow

What bracket will I need?

What SATA Connector Cable should I use?

Which SATA port should I plug it into?

Do I need any screws and power connectors?

How do I properly install Windows 8.1 on the SSD (My guess is to unplug the HDD, install windows, then plug in the HDD but do some stuff in the BIOS).

Thanks

Edit: Here's the Owner's Manual: ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_xps_desktop/xps-8700_Owner%27s%20Manual_en-us.pdf

 

[bmgoodman]

Using Samsung's Data Migration software only seems to copy the visible DATA partition.

What if one wants to clone every partition on their new Dell XPS? Especially that useful Recovery Partition which contains the factory defaults.

I am planning to get a Samsung 850 evo 250 GB for a Dell XPS 8700 with Windows 8.1.

My Questions Follow

What bracket will I need?

What SATA Connector Cable should I use?

Which SATA port should I plug it into?

Do I need any screws and power connectors?

How do I properly install Windows 8.1 on the SSD (My guess is to unplug the HDD, install windows, then plug in the HDD but do some stuff in the BIOS).

Thanks

Edit: Here's the Owner's Manual: ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_xps_desktop/xps-8700_Owner%27s%20Manual_en-us.pdf

Did you ever resolve your issue? How?

I added a Samsung 850 EVO 250 GB on SATA-0 and moved the original Seagate 1TB boot drive to SATA-1 (bumping the DVD to SATA-2). I did a clean install of Windows (with the Seagate disconnected), creating a C: drive for OS and apps and a D: drive for data. I changed the DVD to R: and later reconnected the Seagate drive and assigned what had been the C: drive to be E: and made sure none of the recovery partitions were assigned drive letters.

I could have also just used the SSD as a "Ready Cache", but for that I'm not sure there's much point in anything over 32GB or 64GB.