The Dell XPS lineup—XPS 13, 14, 15, and 16—all ship with factory-installed M.2 NVMe SSDs, but here’s the good news: even when the RAM is soldered (and it often is), the SSD is almost always user-replaceable. Whether you need to upgrade a slow factory drive or replace a failing one, swapping SSDs is one of the few hardware upgrades left to DIYers. This guide covers the best SSDs for every XPS model, compatibility rules, and step-by-step installation.
Dell XPS SSD Compatibility at a Glance
| XPS Model | Generation | Slot Count | Form Factor | Interface | Max Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XPS 13 | 9300–Current | 1× | M.2 2280 | NVMe PCIe 3.0 | 2TB |
| XPS 14 | 9440+ | 1× | M.2 2280 | NVMe PCIe 4.0 | 2TB |
| XPS 15 | 9520–9530 | 2× | M.2 2280 | NVMe PCIe 3.0 | 4TB (2TB each) |
| XPS 15 | 9540+ | 1× | M.2 2280 | NVMe PCIe 4.0 | 2TB |
| XPS 16 | 9630+ | 1× | M.2 2280 | NVMe PCIe 4.0 | 2TB |
Key rule: All Dell XPS models use standard M.2 2280 form factor. No proprietary connectors, no soldered storage. If your model is in this list, it accepts any M.2 NVMe drive. No compatibility headaches.
Best Overall SSD for Dell XPS: Samsung 990 Pro
If you want the fastest, most reliable SSD money can buy, the Samsung 990 Pro is the gold standard. It crushes PCIe 4.0 speeds (up to 7,100 MB/s read), includes a heatspreader for thermals, and comes with Samsung’s solid warranty and Magician software for drive management. It’s overkill for most users, but if you’re video editing, 3D rendering, or transferring huge files regularly, the performance is worth the premium.
Buy Samsung 990 Pro on Amazon UK
Typical 1TB models run £120–150. Heatspreader models (recommended for laptops with decent airflow) are around £20 more.
Best Value SSD for Dell XPS: WD Black SN770
The WD Black SN770 delivers 95% of the 990 Pro’s performance at 70% of the price. It’s a PCIe 4.0 drive with speeds up to 5,150 MB/s read, excellent for everyday work, gaming, and video projects without breaking the bank. It runs cool (no heatspreader, so fits thin laptops easily), and WD’s warranty is solid. For most XPS users, this is the sweet spot.
Buy WD Black SN770 on Amazon UK
1TB versions typically cost £60–85. Great upgrade from stock drives.
Best for XPS 15 Dual Slots: Crucial T500
If you own an older XPS 15 (9520 or 9530) with two M.2 slots, the Crucial T500 is an intelligent choice. Pop one in each slot to get 4TB of total storage: one for Windows/macOS and one for data and projects. The Crucial T500 is a PCIe 4.0 drive with reads up to 5,200 MB/s, reasonable pricing, and minimal thermals. Crucial also includes Acronis True Image for easy drive cloning if you’re upgrading from the factory drive.
1TB around £60–75 each. Buying two (2TB total) runs approximately £120–150.
Best Budget SSD for Dell XPS: Kingston NV2
Tight budget? The Kingston NV2 is a no-frills PCIe 3.0 drive that still delivers solid 2,100 MB/s speeds—fast enough for everyday computing, light creative work, and gaming. It’s one of the cheapest NVMe options on the market, yet Kingston’s build quality and warranty are respectable. If you’re upgrading from a SATA SSD or a slow factory drive, the jump will be noticeable.
1TB versions around £35–50. Best entry-level upgrade.
Best 2TB Option: Samsung 990 EVO
Need maximum storage without the PCIe 4.0 price tag? The Samsung 990 EVO is a smart middle ground. It’s PCIe 5.0 compatible (backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 and 4.0 controllers), supports rapid reads up to 5,000 MB/s, and includes a 5-year warranty. The 2TB capacity is perfect for media creators, photographers, and anyone archiving large projects. It’s also available in single-sided configurations for ultra-thin laptops.
Buy Samsung 990 EVO 2TB on Amazon UK
2TB typically costs £100–130, depending on sales.
Single-Sided vs Double-Sided: Which Fits Your XPS?
Most M.2 NVMe drives come in two configurations: single-sided (chips on one side only) and double-sided (chips on both sides). The difference matters for XPS 13 users especially—the chassis is razor-thin, and some double-sided drives may physically interfere with the back panel or thermal pads.
Rule of thumb: If your XPS 13 shipped with a single-sided SSD, stick with single-sided. If it came with double-sided, either works. XPS 15 and 16 have more clearance, so either is fine. When ordering, check the product photos—single-sided drives typically show only one side of chips. If unsure, contact the seller or check Dell’s parts documentation for your specific model.
All the drives above (Samsung, WD, Crucial, Kingston) offer single-sided options at the same price. Just verify in the product listing.
How to Replace an SSD in Your Dell XPS
Upgrading is straightforward. You’ll need:
- Small Torx T5 or T6 screwdriver (often included with new SSDs)
- Plastic spudger or soft opening tool (to avoid damaging the chassis)
- Anti-static wrist strap (optional but recommended)
- Your new M.2 NVMe SSD
Steps:
- Power off completely and unplug the laptop. Wait 30 seconds.
- Remove the bottom panel. Most XPS models have 5–8 Torx screws securing the back panel. Carefully pry one corner with your spudger and gently lift.
- Locate the M.2 slot. On older XPS 15 (9520–9530), you’ll see two slots near the centre. On newer models, it’s usually near the back right corner.
- Eject the existing drive (if present). Press inward on the screw at the end of the drive—it will pop out at a 45° angle. Gently pull it free.
- Insert your new drive. Align the notch on the drive with the key on the slot, slide in at 45°, then press down and secure with the Torx screw.
- Replace the back panel and screw it down. Don’t over-tighten.
- Power on and verify in BIOS. The drive should appear as a new unformatted device. You can initialise it in Windows Disk Management or use cloning software to copy your old drive.
Total time: 10–15 minutes. No special skills required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the SSD in every Dell XPS model?
Yes. Every XPS 13, 14, 15, and 16 has a user-replaceable M.2 NVMe SSD. The RAM may be soldered, but storage is always upgradeable. Check the compatibility table above to confirm your exact model and slot count.
Will a faster SSD improve boot times or gaming performance?
Boot times: yes, slightly (a few seconds faster). Gaming: barely noticeable—GPU and RAM matter far more. The real benefit of upgrading to PCIe 4.0 is file transfer speed and project load times in creative software (video, CAD, 3D rendering). If you mostly browse the web and open documents, even a budget PCIe 3.0 drive is plenty fast.
Do I need thermal pads or a heatspreader?
Most modern SSDs run cool enough without heatspreaders. Dell’s stock thermal pads on the back panel are usually adequate. If your SSD includes a heatspreader (like Samsung drives), it won’t hurt—just leave any existing thermal pads in place. New pads aren’t necessary unless you remove the existing ones.