Best SSD for DELL XPS 8930, 8940, 8950, 8960

Posted on by

Looking for the best SSDs for DELL XPS 8930, 8940, 8950 & 8960? This guide will help you get the top recommended SSDs for DELL XPS 8930, 8940, 8950 & 8960 Desktops.

If you’re the proud owner of one of Dell’s flagship XPS desktop models, including the 8930, 8940, 8950, or 8960, you’re already acquainted with top-tier computing power. However, even the most powerful machines can benefit from a boost in performance, and that’s where a solid-state drive (SSD) comes into play.

SSDs are the unsung heroes of modern computing, offering lightning-fast data access, lower power consumption, durability, silent operation, and a significant performance leap over traditional hard drives. Upgrading to an SSD can revolutionize your computing experience, resulting in faster boot times, rapid file transfers, and an overall smoother workflow.

IIn this comprehensive guide, we’ll present you with our top recommended SSDs that are perfectly compatible with Dell XPS 8930, 8940, 8950, or 8960. Whether your goal is to expand your storage capacity, supercharge loading speeds, or achieve both, we’ve got you covered. We’ll delve into a wide array of M.2 PCIe SSDs, meticulously chosen to perfectly complement the exceptional performance capabilities of the DELL XPS Desktops.

Our Top Pick: The best SSDs for DELL XPS 8930, 8940, 8950 & 8960 Desktops

  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 SSDs for DELL XPS 8930, 8940, 8950 & 8960 Desktops

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 stands as a testament to Samsung’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of SSD technology. This PCIe 4.0 powerhouse takes the crown as the best overall and most remarkable M.2 SSD. With a leap beyond its predecessor, the 980 Pro, the 990 Pro dazzles with elevated read and write speeds, remarkable power efficiency, and reduced heat emissions.

Packing a potent punch, the 990 Pro offers an astonishing sequential read speed of up to 7,450MB/s and write speed of up to 6,900MB/s. This substantial improvement from the 980 Pro translates to seamless handling of colossal files. PC specialist Matthew Connatser attests to its prowess for heavy-duty tasks.

The SSD arrives in 1TB and 2TB capacities, both available with or without a smartly-designed heatsink. The 990 Pro caters to various needs, fitting seamlessly into desktops, laptops, and even the PlayStation 5. Samsung’s cutting-edge Pascal controller, coupled with V7 TLC NAND flash, drives its blazing performance and efficiency gains.

Samsung Magician software amplifies the experience by offering comprehensive optimization tools, health monitoring, and data protection. While the only quibble might be the limited capacities, the 990 Pro offers a competitive edge through its remarkable price-performance ratio.

In a landscape of fast-evolving SSDs, the Samsung 990 Pro shines brightly, rendering it a quintessential choice for those seeking top-tier speed, reliability, and efficiency in their high-performance systems. As Samsung asserts its dominance once again, the 990 Pro cements its position as the SSD to beat in the PCIe 4.0 realm.

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 tall as a paragon of PCIe 4.0 SSD technology, delivering an unrivaled blend of speed, performance, and value. If speed is the name of the game, then the SN850X is the undisputed champion. It reaches blazing sequential read speeds of up to 7300 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 6600 MB/s, ushering in an era of lightning-fast data transfers and seamless multitasking.

What sets the SN850X apart is its ability to harness this phenomenal speed while maintaining real-world transfer rates and exceptional random write performance. Its prowess is evident in every facet, and it positions itself at the forefront of a crowded SSD market.

Equipped with an improved controller and advanced flash technology, the SN850X embraces the PCIe 4.0 interface, elevating its performance across the spectrum. Its excellence shines even more brightly with the addition of an optional heatsink, complete with RGB lighting, ensuring that this SSD not only outperforms but also maintains stability during extended gaming sessions.

However, a standout feature is the Game Mode 2.0, enhancing performance for Windows gaming and ensuring seamless multitasking while in-game. Although slightly pricier at launch, the SN850X has evolved to offer an impressive price-performance ratio that gamers and PC enthusiasts will appreciate.

WD’s Black SN850X captures the essence of top-tier SSDs with a robust range of capacities (1TB, 2TB, and 4TB), reinforced by a commendable 5-year warranty. For those seeking uncompromising speed, durability, and excellent value, the WD Black SN850X stands as an undeniable testament to cutting-edge SSD technology.

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 blazing fast storage solution that’s here to revolutionize your computing experience. If you’re a gamer, content creator, or simply demand the best from your system, this SSD is ready to deliver exceptional performance.

At the heart of the FireCuda 530 is its cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 x4 interface, which propels read and write speeds to an astounding 7300 MB/s and 6900 MB/s, respectively. This level of speed ensures that you can load games, launch applications, and handle data-intensive tasks with unprecedented swiftness. Even better, the drive supports S.M.A.R.T. and TRIM functions, ensuring consistently optimized performance.

What truly sets the FireCuda 530 apart is its durability. With a TBW (Total Bytes Written) rating of 2550TB, it’s engineered to withstand heavy usage, allowing you to write and delete data extensively for years to come. This drive is tailor-made for pro-level gaming and content creation, offering transfer speeds up to twice as fast as PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSDs and an incredible twelve times faster than SATA SSDs.

For those who need ample storage, the FireCuda 530 doesn’t disappoint, offering capacities ranging from 500GB to a colossal 4TB. You can store graphics-intensive games and large files without breaking a sweat.

Additionally, Seagate sweetens the deal with three years of Rescue Data Recovery Services, providing a 95% success rate against unexpected data loss. This SSD isn’t just fast; it’s reliable and ready to handle your heaviest workloads.

In summary, the Seagate FireCuda 530 Internal SSD is a game-changer in the world of storage. With unparalleled speed, remarkable endurance, and generous storage options, it’s the perfect choice for gamers, content creators, and anyone who demands top-tier performance from their system.

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 emerges as an unrivaled powerhouse in the realm of storage solutions, solidifying its position as the leading PCIe 5.0 SSD available today. With an unparalleled sequential read speed of 12,400 MB/s and write speed of 11,800 MB/s, it boldly claims the title of the fastest SSD on the market. This drive’s exceptional speed doesn’t come at a premium, as it remains competitively priced, only marginally higher than the more affordable PCIe NVMe SSDs.

Engineered with Micron’s cutting-edge 232-layer TLC NAND technology, the T700 boasts optimal efficiency, delivering high performance while maintaining impressive endurance. Crucial’s strategic collaboration with industry leaders, facilitated by its parent company Micron, ensures this SSD is optimized to perfection.

Offering varying capacities – 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB – the T700 caters to diverse storage needs. A crucial advantage in the PCIe 5.0 landscape is its passive heatsink option, ensuring peak performance without added noise. The inclusion of Microsoft’s DirectStorage further elevates its appeal, accelerating texture rendering and slashing loading times while minimizing CPU usage.

While other contenders may eventually vie for the throne, the Crucial T700’s commanding speeds and up to 1.5 million random read/write IOPS remain unchallenged. Its robustness is showcased in its resilience during intense workloads, making it a dependable choice for resource-intensive tasks.

This SSD’s endurance, backed by a five-year warranty, attests to its longevity, offering users 600TB of write endurance per TB of capacity. Admittedly, the T700 demands a premium, but its premium performance is undeniable. The Crucial T700’s exceptional blend of speed, innovation, and reliability asserts its dominance in the SSD landscape, a benchmark for future advancements.

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 an enticing proposition for users seeking a blend of performance and affordability in the PCIe 4.0 SSD market. While it may not claim the crown for the fastest drive, its competitive pricing and feature-packed design make it a solid choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts.

The P5 Plus stands out as a value-oriented option that doesn’t compromise on reliability. Crafted with the in-house Micron NVMe architecture controller and LPDDR4 DRAM, this drive optimizes performance for specific workloads, delivering consistent results. Sequential read speeds up to 6,600MB/s and write speeds of up to 4,000MB/s promise impressive data transfer rates, albeit falling short of the top-tier competitors.

Security-wise, the P5 Plus shines with AES 256-bit full-disk encryption, ensuring data integrity. It also boasts TRIM, S.M.A.R.T. data reporting, and compatibility with Windows BitLocker for a secure computing experience.

While not the speed king, the P5 Plus carves its niche by catering to demanding users who want to harness the benefits of PCIe 4.0 without breaking the bank. Its five-year warranty and endurance of up to 1,200 TBW (2TB variant) offer peace of mind for long-term usage.

In sum, the Crucial P5 Plus Internal SSD carves a smart path between performance and cost-efficiency. If you’re after a PCIe 4.0 drive that balances speed, reliability, and value, the P5 Plus deserves consideration for its competent performance, security features, and enticing pricing.

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 titan in the realm of storage solutions, embodying the epitome of speed and capacity. Designed to elevate your computing experience, this NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 SSD is a powerhouse of innovation. With its Toshiba BiCS4 96L TLC NAND Flash memory and PCIe 4.0 bandwidth, it unleashes astonishing read speeds of up to 7100 MB/s and write speeds of 6600 MB/s when paired with a compatible motherboard.

This storage marvel isn’t confined to the present; it’s forward-thinking and backward compatible. It seamlessly integrates with PCIe 3.0 motherboards, still achieving remarkable read speeds of up to 3400 MB/s and write speeds of 3000 MB/s. Its adaptability extends further through support for various Open NAND Flash Interfaces, demonstrating a commitment to versatility.

Moreover, the Sabrent Rocket 4 PLUS features built-in power management, enhancing efficiency with Autonomous Power State Transition, Active State Power Management, and L1.2 low-power standby modes. Embracing essential features like SMART and TRIM commands, alongside advanced wear leveling and error correction technologies, this SSD ensures not just speed but durability. With capacities ranging from 500GB to a whopping 8TB, the Sabrent Rocket 4 PLUS Internal SSD redefines what’s possible in the world of high-performance storage.

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, despite being succeeded by the Samsung 990 PRO, remains a paragon of PCIe 4.0 excellence. Celebrated for its prowess in performance and build quality, the 2TB variant is hailed as one of the preeminent SSDs available. It showcases unparalleled PCIe Gen4 performance, steadfast write speeds, and fortified AES 256-bit hardware encryption. Alongside its appealing design, bundled software suite, and substantial 5-year warranty, it leaves an indelible mark.

While it stands at a higher price point compared to competitors and boasts average endurance ratings, the 980 PRO retains its stature as the pinnacle choice for those chasing extraordinary SSD performance. While newer drives have emerged, the Samsung 980 Pro with Heatsink rectifies an evident shortcoming, rendering it compatible with the Sony PS5 SSD.

Engineered using V-NAND 3-bit MLC flash technology and the Elpsis controller, the Samsung 980 PRO PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Internal SSD boasts an M.2 2280 form factor, paired with a PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.3 interface, delivering sequential read speeds of up to 7000 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 5100 MB/s. TCG/Opal 2.0 and MS eDrive encryption enhance security. The Samsung 980 Pro unfurls superlative Gen4 SSD performance, albeit at a premium price. For those in quest of the pinnacle SSD, Samsung’s 980 Pro remains a robust contender.

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

Read more: