Best SSD for DELL XPS 13, 15, 17

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Looking for the best SSDs for DELL XPS 13, 15 & 17? This guide will help you get the top recommended M.2 PCIe SSDs for DELL XPS 13, 15, 17 laptops.

The Dell XPS line of laptops (Dell XPS 13, Dell XPS 15, and Dell XPS 17) has long been celebrated for its premium craftsmanship, exceptional performance, and sleek, modern design. However, even the most high-end laptops can benefit from a boost in internal storage speed. While the base models of XPS laptops come equipped with SSDs, upgrading to a faster NVMe SSD that harnesses the power of the PCIe interface can deliver a transformative improvement in performance.

For enthusiasts and power users, storage speed is more than just a luxury – it’s a necessity. Although the built-in M.2 SSDs in these Dell XPS laptops already offer impressive boot and load times, what sets them apart is the M.2 2280 slot specifically designed for solid-state drives. This means you have the flexibility to expand your storage and elevate your performance, ensuring you’re always prepared for those demanding tasks and marathon gaming sessions.

Throughout this comprehensive guide, we’ll present you with our top recommendations for SSDs that are perfectly compatible with the DELL XPS 13, 15, 17 Laptops. Whether you aim to expand storage capacity, supercharge loading speeds, or achieve both, we’ve got you covered. We’ll explore a diverse range of M.2 PCIe SSDs, carefully selected to complement the exceptional performance capabilities of the Dell XPS laptops (Dell XPS 13, Dell XPS 15, and Dell XPS 17), enabling you to take your computing experience to unparalleled heights.

Our Top Pick: The best SSDs for DELL XPS 13, 15, 17 Laptops

  1. Samsung 990 PRO: Best Overall PCIe 4.0 SSD
  2. WD BLACK SN850X: Best PCIe 4.0 SSD / Best M.2 SSD Alternative
  3. Seagate FireCuda 530: Best M.2 SSD Alternative
  4. Crucial T700: The Fastest SSD / Best PCIe 5.0 SSD
  5. Crucial P5 Plus: Best Value PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD
  6. Sabrent Rocket 4 PLUS: Best High-Capacity PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD
  7. Samsung 980 PRO: Still an excellent PCIe 4.0 SSD

See also: Best PCIe 5.0 SSDs and Best SATA SSDs.

Best SSDs for DELL XPS 13, 15, 17 Laptops

1. Samsung 990 PRO PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD

Best Overall PCIe 4.0 SSD

Samsung 990 PRO Internal SSD Key Features:

  • Capacities: 1TB, 2TB
  • Sequential Reads up to 7450 MB/s
  • Sequential Writes up to 6900 MB/s
  • M.2 2280 Form Factor
  • PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 2.0 Interface
  • Up to 1200TB TBW (Total Bytes Written)
  • Samsung V-NAND Flash Technology
  • AES 256-Bit Encryption
  • Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Pros:

  • Top-end performance for a PCIe 4.0 SSD
  • Excellent software and support
  • Heatsink and RGB options
  • Consistent, efficient, and cool

Cons:

  • Only 1TB and 2TB models available
  • Pricey

The Samsung 990 PRO Internal SSD is an exceptional powerhouse, setting new benchmarks for PCIe 4.0 storage solutions. It outshines its predecessor, the 980 Pro, with substantial improvements across the board. With read speeds reaching a staggering 7,450MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900MB/s, it takes the crown as the best overall PCIe 4.0 SSD.

This SSD doesn’t just rely on its raw speed; it boasts impressive power efficiency, making it a remarkable choice for heavy users and professionals dealing with large files daily. The integration of Samsung’s new Pascal controller and V7 TLC NAND flash technology contributes to this efficiency, resulting in better performance and battery life, especially in laptops.

The availability of 1TB and 2TB capacities caters to a wide range of users, but it might be excessive for casual usage. The option for a heatsink, including an RGB variant, ensures optimal thermal management. The inclusion of 256-bit AES hardware encryption guarantees data security.

The Samsung 990 PRO’s compatibility with the PlayStation 5 makes it an appealing choice for console expansion, albeit without the benefits of Samsung’s Magician software for optimizing performance and monitoring health. The drive’s software and support ecosystem remains impressive, delivering essential tools to maintain peak performance.

While the Samsung 990 PRO is undeniably a top-tier performer, it’s worth considering the price premium for the 1TB and 2TB models. Those seeking larger capacities may find other options more cost-effective. Nevertheless, if you’re in search of unparalleled speed, efficiency, and reliability in an internal SSD, the Samsung 990 PRO is an excellent investment that redefines what PCIe 4.0 storage can achieve.

Samsung 990 PRO PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD at B&H, Adorama.

2. WD BLACK SN850X Gaming Internal NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD

Best PCIe 4.0 SSD / Best M.2 SSD Alternative

WD BLACK SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Key Features:

  • Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
  • Up to 7300 MB/s Sequential Read Speed
  • Up to 6600 MB/s Sequential Write Speed
  • M.2 2280 Form Factor
  • PCIe 4.0 x4 Interface
  • 1.75 Million Hours MTTF
  • 1200TB Endurance
  • Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Pros:

  • Top-tier performance
  • Decently affordable given its speed
  • Optional heatsink/RGB and a good range of capacities
  • Software support with sufficient warranty

Cons:

  • A little Pricey per gigabyte

The WD Black SN850X stands as a formidable contender in the PCIe 4.0 SSD landscape, excelling in both speed and value. Its exceptional performance, in league with the FireCuda 530, earns it the pinnacle spot for PCIe 4.0 drives. This is owing to its remarkable speed, achieved at a slightly lower cost, ensuring optimal value for your investment.

The SN850X doesn’t merely flaunt its rapid pace; it boasts extraordinary real-world transfer rates and outstanding random write capabilities. This SSD maintains its stance amidst a fierce market competition, a testament to its commendable prowess.

Enhanced by an upgraded controller and modern flash technology, the SN850X maximizes the potential of the PCIe 4.0 interface. Performance enhancements across the spectrum place it among the frontrunners of the PCIe 4.0 realm. The icing on the cake comes in the form of an RGB-equipped heatsink option, available in 1TB and 2TB variants. Backed by WD’s reliable Dashboard application and a substantial five-year warranty, the SN850X radiates dependability.

Although the initial pricing was steep, subsequent adjustments have rendered it more accessible. While the Game Mode 2.0 feature showed promise, it exhibited room for growth in our testing, with reassurance from WD for future firmware enhancements. Should the elusive Samsung 990 Pro remain elusive, the SN850X triumphs as a compelling alternative, reigning supreme among PS5 SSDs.

WD’s SN850X emerges as a paragon of swiftness, making it an unparalleled asset for enthusiasts and gamers alike. Its accelerated speeds and augmented capacities, without compromising durability, solidify its standing as a top-tier option. If you crave seamless gameplay and optimal performance, the WD Black SN850X is the key to unlocking boundless realms of immersive, lightning-fast experiences.

WD BLACK SN850X Gaming Internal NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD at B&H, Adorama.

3. Seagate FireCuda 530 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 Internal SSD

Best Workstation SSD / Best M.2 SSD Alternative

Seagate FireCuda 530 Internal SSD Key Features:

  • Capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
  • Up to 7300 MB/s Read Speed
  • Up to 6900 MB/s Write Speed
  • Sony PlayStation 5 Compatible
  • M.2 2280 Form Factor
  • PCIe 4.0 x4 Interface
  • 3D TLC NAND Flash Technology
  • TBW: 2550TB
  • S.M.A.R.T. & TRIM Support
  • Designed for Gaming & Content Creation
  • Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Pros:

  • Very fast PCIe 4.0 performance
  • Very impressive sustained write speeds
  • Impressive endurance ratings
  • 5-year warranty w/ 3-year data rescue service

Cons:

  • Less efficient than some competitors
  • Expensive

The Seagate FireCuda 530 Internal SSD is a powerhouse storage solution that redefines speed and performance, making it one of the fastest SSDs on the market. Designed with gamers and content creators in mind, this SSD takes advantage of a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface to deliver blistering read and write speeds of up to 7300 and 6900 MB/s, respectively. Whether you’re loading massive game files or working on resource-intensive creative projects, the FireCuda 530 ensures snappy performance that won’t leave you waiting.

One of its standout features is its exceptional durability. With a Seagate-validated E18 controller and 3D TLC NAND memory, this SSD is built to withstand heavy use, allowing you to push your machine to its limits without worrying about performance degradation. It boasts an impressive total bytes written (TBW) rating of 2550TB, meaning you can write and delete data equivalent to 70% of the drive’s capacity every day for five years.

The FireCuda 530 comes in various capacities, from 500GB to a spacious 4TB, ensuring you have enough room for your gaming library or creative projects. Plus, with three years of included Rescue Data Recovery Services boasting a remarkable 95% success rate against unexpected data loss, you can rest easy knowing your precious data is protected.

In summary, the Seagate FireCuda 530 Internal SSD is a speed demon designed to cater to gamers and content creators who demand top-tier performance and reliability. With its lightning-fast speeds, ample capacity options, and robust durability, it’s a storage solution that’s ready to handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.

Seagate FireCuda 530 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 Internal SSD at B&H, Adorama.

4. Crucial T700 PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD

The Fastest SSD / Best PCIe 5.0 SSD

Crucial T700 Internal SSD Key Features:

  • Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
  • Up to 12,400 MB/s Sequential Read Speed
  • Up to 11,800 MB/s Sequential Write Speed
  • M.2 2280 Form Factor
  • PCIe Gen 5.0 x4 Interface
  • Up to 1200TB Endurance (TBW)
  • 1.5 Million Hours MTTF
  • Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Pros:

  • The fastest to date
  • Heatsink options
  • Excellent software and support
  • Up to 4TB in capacity

Cons:

  • Extremely pricey
  • Requires the still rare PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot

The Crucial T700 Internal SSD stands as the pinnacle of performance and innovation in the world of solid-state drives. With unparalleled speed and cutting-edge technology, it sets new standards for PCIe 5.0 SSDs. Sporting a blazing-fast 12,400 MB/s sequential read speed and an impressive 11,800 MB/s sequential write speed, this drive redefines what’s possible in terms of data transfer rates.

Built with Micron’s revolutionary 232-layer TLC NAND, the T700 achieves these speeds while maintaining exceptional endurance, boasting up to 1,200TB of total bytes written (TBW). This robustness ensures longevity even under heavy workloads. Crucial’s collaboration with industry players, including CPU and motherboard vendors, demonstrates their commitment to pushing the boundaries of storage technology.

The T700 doesn’t just excel in speed; it also leverages Microsoft DirectStorage and GPU decompression to revolutionize gaming and creative work. High-resolution textures render up to 60% faster, while loading times are reduced to mere seconds. Additionally, up to 99% less CPU utilization frees up system resources for multitasking.

The drive offers various capacities – 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB – catering to different storage needs. It’s worth noting that while the T700 is an investment, the unmatched performance and reliability it provides make it well worth the premium.

Backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty and supported by Crucial’s 45-year reputation for innovation, the Crucial T700 Internal SSD is not just a storage device; it’s a testament to the relentless pursuit of speed, efficiency, and excellence. If you seek uncompromising performance and wish to be on the forefront of SSD technology, the Crucial T700 is undoubtedly the definitive choice.

Crucial T700 PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD at B&H, Adorama.

5. Crucial P5 Plus PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD

Best Value PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD

Crucial P5 Plus Internal SSD Key Features:

  • Capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
  • Sequential Read Speeds up to 6600 MB/s
  • Sequential Write Speeds up to 5000 MB/s
  • Works with PlayStation 5
  • M.2 2280 Form Factor
  • PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe Interface
  • 2 Million Hour MTTF
  • Up to 1200TB TBW (Total Bytes Written)
  • SMART and TRIM Support
  • TCG OPAL 2.0 Encryption

Pros:

  • Very competitive pricing
  • Hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption
  • Software package

Cons:

  • Not the fastest option available
  • Limited capacity options

The Crucial P5 Plus Internal SSD offers a compelling blend of performance, affordability, and features, making it a top contender in the PCIe 4.0 SSD market. While it may not claim the title of the fastest drive available, its competitive price-to-performance ratio makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users.

Equipped with the Micron NVMe architecture controller and optimized for specific workloads, the P5 Plus showcases reliable and efficient performance. With sequential read speeds of up to 6,600MB/s and write speeds of 4,000MB/s, it doesn’t reach the pinnacle of speed but still offers a noticeable boost compared to PCIe 3.0 drives.

Its robust security features, including 256-bit AES full-disk encryption, TRIM, S.M.A.R.T. reporting, and Windows BitLocker compatibility, ensure data integrity and protection. Backed by a five-year warranty and endurance ratings up to 1,200TBW, the P5 Plus guarantees long-term reliability.

Despite not being the absolute fastest option, the P5 Plus provides a balanced performance that bridges the gap between PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 4.0 SSDs. Its compatibility with both Gen3 and Gen4 systems enhances its flexibility, making it an excellent upgrade option.

In summary, the Crucial P5 Plus shines as a value-oriented PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD. Offering respectable speed, advanced features, and competitive pricing, it caters to gamers, professionals, and creatives seeking reliable and efficient storage solutions. While it might not lead the speed race, its combination of attributes earns it a place as an appealing choice in the SSD landscape.

Crucial P5 Plus PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD at B&H, Adorama.

6. Sabrent Rocket 4 PLUS NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal SSD

Best High-Performance High-Capacity M.2 SSD

Sabrent Rocket 4 PLUS Internal SSD Key Features:

  • Capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
  • Up to 7100 MB/s Read Speed
  • Up to 6600 MB/s Write Speed
  • M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 Form Factor
  • Backward Compatible with PCIe 3.0
  • Built-In Power Management
  • ONFi 2.3, 3.0, 3.2 & 4.0 Interface
  • Works with SMART and TRIM Commands
  • Up to 6,000 TBW Endurance
  • Up to 5 Years Warranty

Pros:

  • The highest capacity (8T)
  • Uses TLC and not QLC for such a large capacity
  • Absolute performance remains strong

Cons:

  • Expensive

The Sabrent Rocket 4 PLUS Internal SSD stands as a beacon of speed and efficiency in the world of storage solutions. This NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal SSD is designed to supercharge your computer’s performance by providing lightning-fast, high-capacity storage.

What sets the Sabrent Rocket 4 PLUS apart is its exceptional read and write speeds. With a staggering maximum read speed of 7100 MB/s and a write speed of 6600 MB/s, it ranks among the fastest SSDs available on the market. This rapid data transfer ensures that your applications load in the blink of an eye, and file transfers become a seamless process.

Moreover, the Sabrent Rocket 4 PLUS is a versatile addition to your setup. It’s compatible with both PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 motherboards, delivering blazing read speeds of up to 3400 MB/s and 3000 MB/s, respectively. This adaptability ensures that you can harness its power regardless of your motherboard’s capabilities.

The SSD also boasts intelligent power management features, supporting various power states, including Autonomous Power State Transition, Active State Power Management, and L1.2 low-power standby modes, which contribute to enhanced energy efficiency.

With capacities ranging from 500GB to a whopping 8TB, the Sabrent Rocket 4 PLUS caters to a wide spectrum of storage needs. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or power user, this SSD offers a high-speed, high-capacity solution to elevate your computing experience to new heights.

Sabrent Rocket 4 PLUS NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal SSD at B&H.

7. Samsung 980 PRO PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD

Samsung 980 PRO Internal SSD Key Features:

  • Capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
  • Sequential Reads up to 7000 MB/s
  • Sequential Writes up to 5100 MB/s
  • M.2 2280 Form Factor
  • PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.3 Interface
  • Samsung V-NAND Flash Technology
  • Samsung Elpsis Controller
  • AES 256-Bit Encryption
  • TCG/Opal 2.0, MS eDrive Encryption

Pros:

  • Extreme performance
  • Competitive price
  • Good endurance rating

Cons:

  • No 4TB option

The Samsung 980 PRO PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD stands as a testament to Samsung’s excellence in SSD technology. While succeeded by the 990 PRO, the 980 PRO still holds its ground as an exceptional PCIe 4.0 SSD, earning praise for its remarkable performance and durability. Particularly, the 2TB version has garnered acclaim, positioning itself as one of the finest SSDs in the market.

This SSD encapsulates a sleek design and a comprehensive software package, elevating its appeal. Boasting impressive PCIe Gen4 performance, sustained write speeds, and robust hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption, it stands as a reliable option for those seeking top-tier SSD performance. Though it might have a higher cost and average endurance ratings compared to some competitors, its strengths outweigh these concerns.

The Samsung 980 PRO employs V-NAND 3-bit MLC flash technology and the potent Elpsis controller, culminating in a compact M.2 2280 form factor. This delivers astonishing sequential read speeds of up to 7000 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 5100 MB/s, epitomizing Samsung’s dedication to lasting performance. The SSD is ideal for hardcore gamers, tech enthusiasts, and those involved in heavy-duty applications like gaming, graphics, and data analytics. Additionally, its reliability is further enhanced by efficient thermal control and the utilization of Samsung’s thermal control algorithm, ensuring durable and consistent performance. With capacities ranging from 500GB to 2TB, the Samsung 980 PRO Internal SSD presents an impressive array of options to cater to diverse storage needs.

Samsung 980 PRO PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD at B&H, Adorama.

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