2015 XPS 13 SSD FW Problem with M.2 Samsung PM851

Generally I really am liking this system. But I have a question/problem potential issue with the SSD. I am noticing inconsistent test results with the SSD. I have the 512 GB, Samsung F/W EXT25D0Q and I believe it is an older firmware that may have problems. Can anyone else confirm? The more research I do on the PM851 the more I am unsure. It seems that the most recent firmware is EXT49D0Q. Which really kind of annoys me that for a top of the line system, I have to update the firmware which was released back in July 2014.

Any ideas or problems or just general thoughts?

 

I am assuming you found the Dell download link (for another notebook model) for the v49 firmware? Because I saw that too and was keen on updating, but the included upgrade instructions pdf says that the v25 we have in our PM851 might already be the highest (unless I'm reading it wrong). It says that the v49 applies to the mSATA version of the PM851, whereas the XPS13 uses M.2 (and goes by different firmware numbering), and so I left the firmware alone.

 

Same here and yes I noticed that the pdf referenced another firmware version. Maybe it' s just me, but I'm surprised that more people have not noticed or written anything about it. But for the money paid, I am really interested in this part of the system most.

 

Here is the EXT49D0Q firmware update pdf info I was talking about for those interested:
Looks like EXT49D0Q is equivalent to EXT24D0Q for the M.2 version of the PM851. The ones that Dell are shipping with the XPS13 are EXT25D0Q, so even newer. I would not worry about having an outdated firmware version.

 

Have you run any SSD tests? I have not been able to get back consistent results using CrystalMark or AS SSD.

 

Left on AC power, right on battery power:

 

I wouldn't recommend running CDM on the 5x1000MB setting on SSD's as you're writing huge amounts of data to the SSD which has limited writes, thus reducing lifespan - use one of the lower values, slightly less accurate but better for SSD longevity

 

Thanks for the info, this is my first time using that program. Those were just the default settings.