XPS 8700, how to install cloned 2TB SSD as replacement for 2TB HDD?

Question

Hi there:

I need to find out if I can clone my Dell XPS 8700 2TB HDD to a 2TB Sata SSD and install it without having to do anything with the mSata Cache that has been referred to in response to someone else's question. The difference in my case is that I have cloned my 2TB HDD to a 2TB Sata SSD.

I will be most grateful if anyone can advise me on what screws and adapter/caddy etc I will need to install the 2TB Sata SSD in my Dell XPS 8700.

Thanks in advance,

RK

ann_droid · Accepted Answer

Hi Probably your BOOT MANAGER in the BIOS is pointing to a HDD and not the intended SSD, so you may have to fix the Boot Manager.

redxps630 · Answer

Re: install it without having to do anything with the mSata Cache

your Dell default is to link a small 32GB mSATA with hdd as a cache. Before you clone hdd it is recommended to break that cache link because it is not recommended any more. A simple new 2TB sata ssd is all you need in new config.

Open Intel rapid technology to break the cache link. Then uninstall small mSATA. Boot pc from single hdd. When successful you can clone hdd to new 2TB ssd.

redxps630 · Answer

Use a 2.5 to 3.5 adapter to mount the new 2TB sata ssd. The Dell adapter comes with screws to mount the ssd. https://www.ebay.com/itm/403342945416?

redxps630 · Answer

How do I disable Intel rapid storage  you may need to do the following change in safe mode  Enter the BIOS with the Del or F2 keys during the boot process Locate SATA operation  Change from RAID to AHCI What might happen if I disable it without safe mode?  Disabling RST in the BIOS (switching from RAID ON to AHCI) may make Windows unbootable if not done in safe mode

RajKayx · Answer

Thanks everyone for your very helpful answers.  Much appreciated.  Any more suggestions and tips are also welcome as I am a complete newbie to computers.  Thanks again everyone.

RajKayx · Answer

Hi Again: I had a 2 TB 3.5' HDD lying around.  As an experiment I cloned my Dell XPS 8700 2 TB HDD and installed it in my computer and it worked like a charm.  I did not do anything to the BIOS, or the mSATA drive. My question is this: If my 2TB 3.5' HDD worked like a charm, if I clone my Dell XPS 8700 2TB to an SSD can't I similarly replace the 3.5' HDD with the 2TB SSD without touching the BIOS and the mSATA drive? The fact is I am nervous about tinkering with the BIOS and the mSATA drive and would just like to replace  my 3.5' with the 2TB SSD as simply as possible. Any light you can throw on this question I will be MOST grateful for. Thanks in advance.

redxps630 · Answer

Re: if I clone my Dell XPS 8700 2TB to an SSD can't I similarly replace the 3.5" HDD with the 2TB SSD without touching the BIOS and the mSATA drive?

that may just fool the computer. PC does not know difference btn hdd and ssd. as long as both are 2 TB sata and the clone is done correctly, it should work just like you have not replaced anything.

RajKayx · Answer

@redxps630​ Thanks soooo much. I really appreciate your advice.

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XPS 8700, how to install cloned 2TB SSD as replacement for 2TB HDD?

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