Getting the Right SSD and Tools to Install It
Getting the Right SSD and Tools to Install It
To determine, what kind of SSD you need, first check to see whether your XPS 13 has an Intel 5th gen (aka Broadwell) or 6th Gen (aka Skylake) processor. If your CPU’s model number begins with a 5 (ex: Core i5-5200U), you have Broadwell but if it begins with a 6 (ex: Core i5-6200U), you have Skylake. Both models require an M.2 Type 2280 SSD on a chip, rather than a traditional 2.5-inch drive. Though both the early and late 2015 laptops can take M.2 SSDs with a standard SATA interface, the newer Skylake models can accept blazing-fast PCIe SSDs as well. A standard SATA M.2 SSD such as the Samsung 850 EVO (opens in new tab) costs as little as $85 for a 250GB model and just over $150 for a 500GB capacity. A speedy PCIe M.2 drive like the Samsung 950 Pro (opens in new tab) costs $100 to $200 more but is triple the speed. To open up the XPS 13’s chassis you’ll need two different screw drivers: a small pentalobe we could find and a tiny Phillips Head #000. You’ll also need a 4GB USB Flash Drive to serve as a rescue disk and an external hard drive to back up your software and files.
Boot Disk and Rescue Media
Boot Disk and Rescue Media
You don’t want to take your old SSD out without being able to put your Windows operating system, applications and files on the new drive. In order to transfer your data, you need to create a backup file on an external hard drive. Any USB hard drive – or even a large capacity Flash drive – should do the job. In these steps, we’ll show you how to make a backup and rescue media before you get down and dirty with the hardware. We’ll be using free software called Macrium Reflect. Here’s how:
Boot From The Rescue Media
Boot From The Rescue Media
Now that you have your backup and rescue media on your USB drive and external hard drive, you want to make sure your XPS 13 will boot to the rescue media after you put in your new SSD. Here’s how:
Switch Out the SSDs
Switch Out the SSDs
Time to get your hands dirty. Now that your XPS 13 is prepared to boot from your rescue media so that you can restore your backup, it’s time to open up your laptop, take out your SSD and put in a new one. You’ll need two screwdrivers – we used the smallest pentalobe we could find and a Phillips Head #000. Don’t forget to use a cup or bowl to store your loose screws so you don’t lose them.
Restoring Your Backup
Restoring Your Backup
With the new SSD is your laptop, it’s time to restore your backup so you can get back to using your laptop.
Dell XPS 13 User Guide
Dell XPS 13 User Guide
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