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September 3rd, 2025 13:58
Optiplex 7070 won't POST with NVME SSD installed
My 7070 SFF seems to be having issues when installing storage, at first I couldn't get to BIOS with neither the primary SATA (WD green 480GB) SSD nor the NVME drive (Samsung PM9B1 256GB 2242 form factor)
. I tried:
* removing the CMOS battery for around 10s and reinstalling it
* replacing the battery with a new one
* modifying the secure boot and other storage related settings
* updating the BIOS (so I am now running the latest version available for my system)
* discharging the caps via the power button to remove any residual charge and reset the BIOS settings
at some point I decided to turn on the system without storage (RAM only) and plugged the SATA SSD while already in BIOS, and then I was able to install W11 pro on the SATA drive normally via USB stick.
But after a restart the system would no longer post, so I had to change settings in the BIOS again, I think it was called "do not check signatures for secure boot" or something like that (I don't remember the exact names, I can look it up if you like)
After installing the NVME on a different PC, I realized the drive still had files and windows 10 installed so I immediately cleaned and formatted the drive (fast format); once I did that, the other computer recognized the drive normally so I still believe the NVME isn't defective.
Unfortunately, that didn't change anything, PC refuses to POST with both NVME and SATA SSD installed, I now suspect there is a problem with the BIOS or the motherboard, I've noticed I sometimes get the "date and time not set" error message when the computer does show an image so perhaps the BIOS settings are resetting every time.
There is a jumper that I can set in different positions. So far, I have only used the default "PW_CLR", the "CMOS_CLR", but there is one labeled "SERVICE MODE", I haven't found any info on what the latter does, so I haven't tried that one. I wonder if you can tell me where to find a guide or technical reference for the motherboard, or maybe I have to perform a long format to the NVME, any ideas?
Thanks in advance.
anne_droid
3 Apprentice
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846 Posts
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September 3rd, 2025 16:34
Hi
Hope this helps...
https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/optiplex-7070-sff/opti7070_sff_service_manual/technology-and-components?guid=guid-ed20f234-c5c4-4103-926c-774e57821bf4&lang=en-us
Possibly you did not allow the full 1 minute?
Oliver Valdez Guzman
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September 3rd, 2025 21:44
No, I didn’t, now I removed the coin cell battery for more than 1 minute, then I reinstalled the nvme and now I get a steady amber LED with constant beeps and cpu fan ramps up but still no image.
According to the troubleshooting>diagnostics settings of the manual you provided, the likely cause of this issue is: “Boot Failure - This is a system fault error condition, including the power supply. Only the +5VSB rail on the power supply is working correctly.” I don’t get it since psu seems to be working just fine as long as I only plug in the sata SSD
ChatGPT says nvme gen 4 might be causing incompatibility issues since the Q370 chipset is only designed for pcie gen 3 and older, idk what you think
anne_droid
3 Apprentice
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846 Posts
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September 4th, 2025 09:53
Hi
Well...
PCIe 3 x4 NVME, Up to 32 Gbps
a 2280 is what DELL specify, so maybe the 2242 either is not compatible, or perhaps causes a short circuit internally.
Further research reveals...
A Samsung NVMe SSD can be installed in a Dell Optiplex 7070, as this model supports standard M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 3x4 drives in the 2280 form factor (22mm wide, 80mm long) for all major Optiplex 7070 variants (SFF, Tower, and Micro).
Compatibility Details
Form Factor: The required size is M.2 2280 (22mm x 80mm), which is the common standard for Samsung's NVMe SSDs like the 970 EVO Plus, 980, and 990 series.
Interface: Make sure to select an NVMe (PCIe) drive, not a SATA M.2 SSD.
Supported Capacity: The system will accept modern capacity options (256GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB). Higher capacities within Samsung’s range are compatible.
BIOS Settings: If the NVMe drive does not appear, set the BIOS storage mode to AHCI (not RAID-on), as RAID mode may prevent NVMe detection for some OS installations.
Thermal Considerations: For best results, especially with 2TB+ models, ensure airflow is not obstructed, as high-performance SSDs can become warm under load.
Recommended Samsung NVMe Models
Samsung 970 EVO Plus: Proven compatibility, reliable, fast.
Samsung 980/980 PRO: Also compatible and suitable for most performance needs with PCIe Gen 3 or Gen 4 (backwards-compatible).
Samsung 990 EVO/PRO: Overkill for most Optiplex office use but works if a high-end, future-proof drive is desired.
Installation and OS Migration
A standard Philips screwdriver and possibly a thermal pad are needed.
Drives are supplied blank: After fitting, either clone the old OS or perform a fresh install.
If using the new drive as a boot device, installing Windows or Linux is straightforward once the BIOS settings are correct.
Summary Table
Any retail Samsung M.2 NVMe (2280) SSD will work well for an Optiplex 7070 as long as it is PCIe/NVMe, not SATA, and sized at 2280.
Oliver Valdez Guzman
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9 Posts
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September 5th, 2025 15:15
@anne_droid problem is, I can’t get to the BIOS, the system won’t POST at all
anne_droid
3 Apprentice
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846 Posts
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September 5th, 2025 16:00
Hi
I would remove all peripherals, and all storage.
Then remove the ram.
So now you have a system that wont work. AND an error message, hopefully, may be shown.
Now add in the ram and note any changes.
At this point will it post?