Precision 3460 SFF nVME slow transfer rates

You can move, swap the SSD to different M.2 socket and running test on both new and existing one.  This will help to isolate the cause of such low performance.

So doing some experimentation moving drives around the various M.2 slots, it seems that in slot 1, you get full speed transfer rates but when moving to slots 2 or 3 it drops by almost 75% (from 7500MB/s to 1800MB/s).  So the question is why would that be given that the W680 chipset supports PCI Gen 4.

On a new system purchase, it allows configuration of gen 4 drives on all slots.  Some users also tested and validated the tech specs for these slot and confirmed that they are working as gen 4 protocol.

Beside ensuring all your drivers and BIOS firmware are up to date, if your system has a Dell supplied nvme drive, testing it by moving the drive to other slots.  When it does not work as intended, you will have reason to contact Dell support and go from there (as they don't provide support on third party drives). 

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@nisiv wrote:

I have a 3460 SFF that I added 2 additional nVME SSD drives to the open m2 2280 slots.  One of the drives is new WD 850x.  All the reviews/testing of this drive show that is should easily hit 6-7K MB/s but I'm seeing around 1800 MB/s.  in CrystalDiskMark. 

I contacted Dell support but because the drive was not purchased from them, they are unwilling to help/support.

I'm running Windows 11 Professional with all the latest drivers, BIOS, etc.

Any thoughts/ideas on why I'd be seeing decreased performance?

Thanks for the help!

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You can upgrade Dell OptiPlex 3010 DT with a full size GPU. Models like NVIDIA GTX 1660 or GTX 1650 Super are good and safe upgrade option and will work with most Desktop form factor. However, keep in mind that the type of GPU you can install will depend on the available space in the chassis and the PSU power rating.

Even if this were the Optiplex forum, the above advice is completely outside of Dell specs.  The 3010 DT 250w PSU cannot power 100w and 120w GPU's.  One would have to buy a full-size ATX PSU around 450w-500w to sit outside of the case.  DT (desktop) Optiplex is smaller than MT (mini tower).  They will not take full-size GPU; GPU needs to be low-profile.

So either there is proof of claims made in above post or it may be spam?

I'm glad it finally worked out.  One almost wouldn't think it be the motherboard on a new system.

Use a drive diagnostic tool to check the health of the nVME drive. If there are any issues, it may be affecting the transfer rates.

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@nisiv wrote:

I have a 3460 SFF that I added 2 additional nVME SSD drives to the open m2 2280 slots.  One of the drives is new WD 850x.  All the reviews/testing of this drive show that is should easily hit 6-7K MB/s but I'm seeing around 1800 MB/s.  in CrystalDiskMark. 

I contacted Dell support but because the drive was not purchased from them, they are unwilling to help/support.

I'm running Windows 11 Professional with all the latest drivers, BIOS, etc.

Any thoughts/ideas on why I'd be seeing decreased performance?

Thanks for the help!

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The driver is not properly seated in the M.2 slot. Make sure that the drive is properly seated in the slot and that the screws are tightened down.

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@nisiv wrote:

I initiated a system exchange and with the new system all the m2 SSD slots now show full speed as expected.  So, not sure what the issue was with the board on the original system but the replacement is working as expected.  Dell's support was stellar in getting a replacement system without any hassle.

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Thanks for this solution

Thanks to Nisive, I also got my solution for this discussion.

"Precision Fixed Workstations" refers to a line of high-performance computers designed and manufactured by Dell under their "Precision" brand.