Best SSD for Dell XPS 16 9640: 2025 Picks & Upgrade Guide

The Dell XPS 16 (9640) is a powerful laptop designed for professionals, creators, and gamers. However, if you want to boost its performance and storage capacity, one of the best ways is to clone Dell XPS SSD to upgrade it.

In this guide, we'll cover the best SSD for Dell XPS 16, factors to consider before buying, and a step-by-step upgrade guide to help you install a new SSD smoothly.

Dell XPS 16 9640 SSD Specification & Compatibility

Before buying an SSD, it's important to know the specifications and compatibility requirements of the Dell XPS 16 (9640):

• SSD Type: PCIe NVMe M.2 2280 SSD
• Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4
• Capacity: 512GB/1TB/2TB/ 4TB
• Slots: 1 slot

According to the Dell XPS 16 9640 Owner's Manual, these are the storage options:

Since the Dell XPS 16 supports PCIe Gen4 SSDs, choosing an SSD with high read/write speeds (above 5,000MB/s) will maximize performance. If you don't know your Dell laptop's exact SSD specification and compatibility, check the user manual or Dell's official website.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing an SSD for Dell XPS 16

When selecting the best SSD for Nitro 5 or your Dell XPS 16, keep these factors in mind:

• Performance: Look for PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs with read speeds of at least 5,000MB/s for smooth performance.
• Storage Capacity: Choose between 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB, depending on your needs.
• Power Efficiency: Some SSDs consume less power, helping to extend battery life.
• Reliability & Warranty: Stick to trusted brands like Samsung, WD, Crucial, or Sabrent, which offer warranties of 5 years or more.

Best Solid-State Drive for Dell XPS 16

Based on performance, reliability, and price, here are the top SSDs for the Dell XPS 16:

Samsung 990 Pro – Best Overall

Samsung is a leading SSD manufacturer known for high-performance and reliable storage solutions. Their Samsung 990 Pro and 970 Evo Plus series are among the best for speed, durability, and efficiency.

• Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4
• Read Speed: Up to 7,450MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6,900MB/s
• Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
• Price (Amazon): $159.99/$249.99/$464.99
• Benefits: best speed and reliability for professional use

✅Pros:

• Top-tier performance: sequential read and write speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s, respectively, maximizing PCIe 4.0 capabilities.
• Low latency: impressive responsiveness, beneficial for gaming and intensive applications.

❌Cons:

• Firmware concerns: possibilities of firmware issues leading to drive failures.

WD Black SN850X – Best for Gamers

Western Digital (WD) is a well-established brand offering a mix of high-speed and budget-friendly SSDs. The WD Black SN850X is one of the top choices for gaming and high-performance tasks, while the WD Blue SN570 is a solid budget option.

• Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4
• Read Speed: Up to 7,300MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6,300MB/s
• Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
• Price (Amazon): $93.99/$189.99/$279.00/$879.99
• Benefits: great for gaming and heavy workloads

✅Pros:

• High performance: sequential read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,600 MB/s, suitable for gaming and professional workloads.
• Reliable firmware: generally positive feedback regarding stability and longevity.​

❌Cons:

• Price variability: prices have been fluctuating, which might affect purchasing decisions.

Crucial P5 Plus – Best Budget Option

Crucial is a brand under Micron, Crucial provides affordable yet high-quality SSDs. Their Crucial P5 Plus is a great PCIe Gen4 option, and the Crucial MX500 remains a reliable SATA SSD for older systems.

• Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4
• Read Speed: Up to 6,600MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 5,000MB/s
• Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Price (Amazon): $50.48/$97.99/$125.00
• Benefits: affordable and reliable for everyday use

✅Pros:

• Balanced performance: Provides solid read/write speeds, making it a reliable choice for everyday computing and gaming.​
• Affordability: often priced competitively compared to other high-end NVMe SSDs.

❌Cons:

• Thermal management: higher operating temperatures under heavy loads, suggesting the potential need for additional cooling solutions.

Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus – Best High-Capacity Option

Sabrent is a performance-driven brand known for its high-speed SSDs at competitive prices. The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus offers top-tier Gen4 speeds, making it an excellent choice for gaming and content creation.

• Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4
• Read Speed: Up to 7,100MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6,600MB/s
• Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
• Price (Amazon): $111.99/$219.99/$499.99/$979.99
• Benefits: large storage and strong performance

✅Pros:

• High capacity options: available in capacities up to 8TB, catering to users requiring extensive storage.​
• Competitive pricing: a good balance between performance and cost, especially for higher capacities.​

❌Cons:

• Variable performance: inconsistencies in sustained write speeds during prolonged operations.

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Dell XPS 16 SSD Upgrade

It is a great way to upgrade your Dell XPS 16-inch solid-state drive to boost performance, reduce load times, and expand storage. The process to clone SSD to SSD can be tricky, so follow the guidance carefully.

Part 1. Clone SSD for Dell XPS 16 with EaseUS Disk Copy

Since there is only one slot on your Dell XPS 16 computer, upgrading the SSD requires transferring your system, files, and applications from the old drive to the new one.

Instead of reinstalling Windows and setting everything up from scratch, professional disk cloning software like EaseUS Disk Copy simplifies the process by cloning your existing SSD to the new one.

After downloading and installing the software on your laptop, let's see how to upgrade Dell XPS 16 9640 SSD now:

Before starting, use an M.2 SSD enclosure or a USB-to-NVMe adapter to connect the new SSD to your Dell XPS 16 and see how to clone NVMe SSD with only one slot.

Prior Notice:

• The "Sector by sector copy" asks the size of your destination disk to be at least equal to or larger than that of the source disk. Leave this feature unchecked if you wish to clone a larger hard disk to a smaller hard disk.
• All data on the destination disk will be completely erased, so take care.

Step 1. To start copying/cloning an entire disk to another, choose this disk as the source disk under "Disk Mode" and click "Next".

Step 2. Choose the other disk as the destination disk.

Step 3. Check the disk layout of the two disks. You can manage the disk layout of the destination disk by selecting "Autofit the disk", "Copy as the source" or "Edit disk layout". 

• "Autofit the disk" makes some changes by default on the destination disk layout so that it can work at its best status.
• "Copy as the source"does not change anything on destination disk and the layout is the same as source disk.
• "Edit disk layout" allows you to manually resize/move partition layout on this destination disk.

Tick the "Check the option if the target is SSD" option to put your SSD in its best performance.

A message now appears, warning you that data will be lost. Please confirm this message by clicking "OK" and then click "Next".

Step 4. Click "Proceed" to officially execute the task.

Part 2. Remove the new SSD

Step 1. Turn off your laptop and unplug it.

Shut down your Dell XPS 16 completely.

Disconnect the power adapter and any peripherals (USB drives, external monitors, etc.).

Step 2. Unscrew the bottom panel.

Flip the laptop upside down on a soft surface to avoid scratches.

Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove all the screws securing the bottom panel.

Gently pry the panel using a plastic opening tool or a guitar pick to avoid damaging the case.

Step 3. Disconnect the battery cable.

Disconnect the battery cable from the connector on the system board.

Step 4. Locate the SSD slot.

Find the M.2 SSD slot, which is usually covered by a small heatsink or bracket.

Step 5. Unscrew and remove the SSD.

Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to unscrew the SSD retaining screw.

Carefully slide the SSD out at a slight angle (around 30 degrees) to avoid damaging the slot.

Part 3. Install the new SSD

Step 1. Insert the new SSD into the slot.

Align the gold connector pins of the new SSD with the slot.

Insert it at a 30-degree angle and gently push it in until it's fully seated.

Step 2. Secure the SSD

Use the same retaining screw removed earlier to fasten the SSD in place.

If your Dell XPS 16 has a heatsink or thermal pad, reinstall it over the SSD to help with cooling.

Step 3. Reassemble the Laptop

Reattach the bottom panel and secure it with the T5 screws.

Make sure everything is properly closed before flipping the laptop back.

Part 4. Set up the new SSD in Dell XPS 16

If you cloned your old SSD using EaseUS Disk Copy:

• Start your laptop normally.
• Open File Explorer (Win + E) and check if all files and programs are intact.
• If the laptop doesn't boot, enter BIOS (Press F2 at startup) and set the new SSD as the primary boot device.

If you are doing a fresh Windows installation:

• Turn on the laptop and press F2 repeatedly at startup.
• Under Boot Configuration, check if the SSD appears.
• Create a Windows 11 bootable USB using EaseUS Disk Copy or Microsoft's Media Creation Tool.
• Insert the USB, restart, and press F12 to boot from it.
• Follow the on-screen steps to install Windows on the new SSD.

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Conclusion

Upgrading your Dell XPS 16 (9640) SSD can significantly boost speed and storage capacity. Here is a conclusion of the best SSD for Dell XPS 16 9640 laptop:

The Samsung 990 Pro is the best overall pick, while the WD Black SN850X is ideal for gaming. Whether you need top performance or a budget-friendly option, there's an SSD that fits your needs. Follow the step-by-step upgrade guide, and your Dell XPS 16 will run faster in no time.

Best SSD for Acer Nitro 5 Gaming FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about upgrading your Nitro 5's SSD.

1. Can I install a PCIe Gen5 SSD in Dell XPS 16?

No, the Dell XPS 16 (9640) only supports PCIe Gen4 SSDs. A Gen5 SSD will not work at full speed.

2. Does upgrading the SSD void the warranty?

No, Dell allows SSD upgrades, but if you damage components during the process, it might void the warranty.

3. What is the maximum SSD capacity supported?

The Dell XPS 16 supports up to 4TB of SSD storage in a single slot.

4. Should I clone my old SSD or do a fresh install?

If you want to keep your files and settings, cloning is easier. A fresh install is better for a clean, optimized system.