In this video, I will go over how to install or upgrade an M.2 SSD on a Dell Optiplex 7050 micro.

To start, let's examine the previous SSD and the new SSD that I will be using. The previous SSD is a 126GB M.2 SATA SSD, while the new SSD is a 250GB M.2 PCIe SSD.

Difference between SATA and PCIe SSDs

SATA SSDs are slower compared to PCIe SSDs as they have limited bandwidth. On the other hand, PCIe SSDs have a faster read and write speed as they use a direct connection to the motherboard.

In terms of visual differences, SATA SSDs typically have a thin and flat interface with two notches in the connection, while PCIe SSDs have a thicker interface with only one notch in the connection and additional pins. The number of pins determines the speed at which data can be transferred from the SSD to the motherboard.

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With the upgrade from a 126GB M.2 SATA SSD to a 250GB M.2 PCIe SSD, the difference in performance is noticeable. The faster read and write speeds make the system feel more responsive and efficient. I needed extra storage space and the upgrade provided just that. I now have enough space to set up a dual boot system with both Windows and Linux, which was my original goal.

Windows 11 on Dell Optiplex 7050 micro

On an unrelated note - you can run Windows 11 on your Dell Optiplex 7050 micro. But there may be a few additional steps that you need to follow to get it up and running smoothly. This video shows you how you can set up Windows 11 on Dell Optiplex.