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February 16th, 2025 19:42
XPS 8960, external SSD connected via USB-C, any issues to be aware of?
I have a XPS 8960. I want to purchase an external SSD hard drive (4TB-8T), connecting via usb-c. I have seen a couple of threads regarding changing the bios from raid etc.. when installing a SSD drive internally. Will I have any similar issues to deal with? I figured it is basically plug and play bc it is external? Thank you in advance for any insight?
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RoHe
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February 17th, 2025 18:48
You don't have to worry about the RAID vs AHCI BIOS settings for an external USB drive.
Keep in mind that on the XPS 8960, the rear USB-C port is USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, while the front USB-C port is USB 3.2 Gen 2.
That means the rear USB-C port is, theoretically, 20 Gbps, twice the speed of the front USB-C port which is 10 Gbps. So you may want to get an external SSD that supports 2x2, and plug it into the rear port.
Yes, it's inconvenient to use the rear port because USB-C cables that typically come with external SSDs are short. In my case, I bought a longer USB-C cable that's fully rated for 3.2 Gen 2x2 and keep it plugged into the back of PC. The other end is near the front of the PC so I can easily connect/disconnect my USB 2x2 drive whenever necessary.
If you go that way too, try to keep the 2x2 cable as short as possible while still allowing it to reach where you'd have the drive.