XPS 8700, slow and 100% disc usage

Question

My 8yr old XPS was slow so I reinstalled win 10 on my 2tb HDD (is also has a 32Gb ssd). Is now super slow and showing 100% disc usage constantly. Should I have installed OS on ssd? How can I troubleshoot (I’ve tried support assist to no avail)….any thoughts XPS gurus?

Chino de Oro · Accepted Answer

Thanks for sharing the system specs. Based on preference usage, the current system components are sufficient and just need to improve the performance of boot drive.

The HDD age is a concern, it can be wiped and keeping in the system for temporary workspace but do not use it for any long term storage.

For system boot upgrade plan, I suggest to remove the cache mSATA SSD, installing 1 to 2 TB of SATA SSD, and perform clean installation of Windows 10 on it.

If you prefer Crucial, pick an MX500. Other choice can be SanDisk Plus. Or spend just a little more to get a budget drive with double the storage space. You will need an SSD adapter kit.

Remember to set SATA operation mode to AHCI and turn on Secure Boot in BIOS settings. After Windows installation is complete, you must install the chipset driver and AMT HECI driver for the system to function properly. Other remaining drivers can be installed by running Windows updates.

Review all the information from links and making a good preparation then your upgrade plan can be done with ease.

Chino de Oro · Answer

Your original operating system may have had setup on the HDD but also used Intel RST SSD cache. When you reinstalled the operating system, it is now solely running from the HDD, hence the slowness.

To resolve the issue, replace the system boot drive by adding a 2.5" SATA SSD or replacing the 32 GB SSD with a larger 256 - 512 GB mSATA SSD.

Clean install Windows to the new SSD and report back if you have any question.

Timm A · Answer

@Chino de Oro​ thanks Chino…but in the meantime is there any way to check if the HDD or system management is corrupt before I invest in a larger Ssd?

Chino de Oro · Answer

Yes, you can run a system diagnostic to check for hardware issue. If the HDD is originally shipped with the system, I would suggest a replacement as it has reached its service life. If the drive was added recently, it can be used as data storage.

As for any concern about operating system corruption, it will be resolved when you perform a clean installation on the SSD drive.

What is the current system specs and your expectation for usages. Upgrading for better performance and repairing to make it works will be resulting in differences with suggestion, recommendation.

Timm A · Answer

400-AADU : 2TB 7200 rpm Hard Drive + 32GB mSATA Solid State Drive

370-AACT : 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz (4GBx4)
338-BEWQ : 4th Generation Intel Core i7-4 790 processor (8M Cache, up to 4.0 GHz)

usage will be just for typical browsing, spreadsheeting and storage. Would be good if whatever ssd is bought requires minimal integration and so is compatible with what is already there…thanks

Timm A · Answer

I am seeing articles like this and wonder if I will need to change many settings!

“If you have an mSATA cache SSD, you should disable the cache before doing anything else. Then you'll have to reconfigure Windows 10 to use AHCI, instead of RAID which is likely the current setting when there's a cache SSD installed.“

Timm A · Answer

Would a Crucial BX500 be a good choice ? (1tb)

Timm A · Answer

Thanks Chino…I’ll let you know how it goes 👍

Timm A · Answer

@Chino de Oro​  thanks for all the helpful info…Just one question….do I need an ssd adapter kit if I get 1tb …or only if I get 2x1tb?

Chino de Oro · Answer

You will need an adapter kit to install 2.5" drive into a 3.5" drive cage. A dual drives adapter was linked due to its low price and quality name brand. But it will work just like a single drive adapter and it's also will be an open option for future add-on if you need to add more SSD storage. The information should provide you ideas of what you need and you can select whichever adapter available to you.

(edited)

XPS Desktops

XPS 8700, slow and 100% disc usage

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