Unsolved
1 Rookie
•
3 Posts
•
8 Points
0
23
May 24th, 2026 22:57
Refurb Optiplex 7450 AIO; Install NVMe SSD 2280 to replace Kingston 2.5" SSD???
Here's your info:
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-7500 CPU @ 3.40GHz 3.41 GHz
16.0 GB (15.7 GB usable)
64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
Kingston 250 GB 2.5" SSD (not sure if this was OEM or not, but)
Alright, so I purchased the Optiplex a couple years ago, the seller (a university reseslling it's retired tech) installed Windows 11 Pro on it, I've been getting low space messages for ages and I'm over it. Picked up a KingSpec 512GB, Gen 3x4 2280 M.2 NVMe SSD to replace the old drive via cloning. I was fairly certain that component was compatible, that may have been error one(?). Cracked 'er open, put in the M.2 fresh outta the box to begin the cloning procedure... with it installed BIOS won't even BIOS, alright... Boot order looks good, checking off boxes for the process, looks like Windows was installed RAID On, probably a problem, possibly THE problem. Can't turn it to AHCI or BSOD no boot device... Picked up an enclosure, maybe the issue is the lack of unitialized drive? This is where I realized my lack of experience is getting in the way. I'm not an IT guy, but I'm also not entirely computer illiterate and humble enough to know to ask for help before the computer bursts into flames. What's my process here y'all? I know there's cloning software, hadn't gotten there yet but how do I overcome Windows installed w/ RAID on when it comes to the clone and booting Windows from the new drive, etc., etc.? I plan to keep the old drive right where it's at, use it for extra storage, 'cuz why not. Youtube and Google are giving me specks of info, (enough that I can tell you what hasn't worked, possibly why) but I need specifics for this machine...
Help? Please, thank you and much appreciated!
redxps630
11 Legend
•
15.7K Posts
•
80.9K Points
0
May 25th, 2026 04:18
put the 2.5 ssd back. remove the nvme m.2 ssd for now.
follow this clone ssd to ssd instructions
how to clone ssd to another ssd without third party tool | DELL Technologies
you would need an external usb HDD and a small USB flash drive as tools.
jason533
1 Rookie
•
3 Posts
•
11 Points
0
May 25th, 2026 12:56
Your OptiPlex 7450 AIO should support that NVMe drive fine. The problem is most likely Dell’s default “RAID On” setting plus the new drive not being initialized/cloned yet. Don’t switch to AHCI just leave RAID On enabled. Put the NVMe in the USB enclosure, initialize it in Disk Management as GPT, then clone your Kingston SSD to it using Macrium Reflect or AOMEI Backupper. After cloning, install the NVMe internally, unplug the old SSD for the first boot, and it should boot normally. If the PC still won’t POST with the NVMe installed, update the BIOS from Dell Support first.
Banjhakri
1 Rookie
•
3 Posts
•
8 Points
0
May 25th, 2026 21:54
@jason533 I've heard tell that the NVMe drives don't jive well with the RAID On setting, do you expect that'll be a problem?
Also, I'm hung up on the concept of the drive lettering. When I initialize and set up the drive Windows will want me to assign a drive letter, right? Well I can't assign it C: because of the original drive so I do what, just allow it to float the drive letter?
So let's say it's all said and done, new drive fires up no issues and I'm ready to physically re-install the old SSD, what will the system do with that drive once it sees it if, 'cause I'm assuming it'll wanna call itself the C: drive or am I massively overthinking things?
bradthetechnut
9 Technologist
•
9.5K Posts
•
40.1K Points
0
May 26th, 2026 03:11
Just assign a letter to the NVME drive that's not the letter "C." Something like "D" is fine. PC will see it as a "D" and the other one as "C."
Be sure not to waste time if you plan to have both SSD's installed.* Go into Disk Management and reformat it. It can be reformatted the same as it is and it will be wiped and ready for storage.
*If there's 2 SSD's installed with same Win11 OS, it will eventually start with "Disk Checking." Then one or both drives will go BSOD. Only way to recover is to reload.
Banjhakri
1 Rookie
•
3 Posts
•
8 Points
0
May 26th, 2026 20:36
Alrighty, thank you... this is all incredibly helpful. I'm seeing two differing approaches here. Anybody brave enough to breakdown what the pros/cons of either approach are? I've read that cloning using 3rd party has a track record of being unreliable, but it seems easiest. Vs., I have all the equipment to clone using Windows built in system image and bootable media (obscene number of drives laying around), a process that seems a bit on the arduous side but I can understand the potential merit.