I have a Dell desktop running Win 8.1 Pro with a motherboard that has an Intel H61 chipset, (a) which I understand does not support AHCI, and (b) is only SATA II compatible. I have recently purchased a 2.5” SSD and would like to make that SATA III compatible (and, if possible AHCI compatible as well). How may I achieve that? If I install this PCI-Express 2.0 Controller Card (available on Newegg), into a PCI slot on my computer and then connect the SSD to this controller card (or to the motherboard, not sure what would plug into what), would it make my SSD, SATA III compatible? Also, would I need to upgrade the cable that connects the SSD to the motherboard/PCI controller card? Thanks.

Question

I have a Dell desktop running Win 8.1 Pro with a motherboard that has an Intel H61 chipset, (a) which I understand does not support AHCI, and (b) is only SATA II compatible. I have recently purchased a 2.5” SSD and would like to make that SATA III compatible (and, if possible AHCI compatible as well). How may I achieve that? If I install this  PCI-Express 2.0 Controller Card (available on Newegg), into a PCI slot on my computer and then connect the SSD to this controller card (or to the motherboard, not sure what would plug into what), would it make my SSD, SATA III compatible? Also, would I need to upgrade the cable that connects the SSD to the motherboard/PCI controller card? Thanks.

Accepted Answer

I did the same thing with an old dell precision t3400, my ssd came with a cable, this card allowed me to boot off the ssd as well.

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