Dell Latitude (Skylake) incompatible with popular SSDs?

Computer: Dell Latitude (Model E5470)

Problem: Remove mechanical hard drive. Install third-party SSD. Computer will not boot Windows (whether a clone or fresh install) nor will it boot Linux from the SSD.

Drives tested:

• Samsung 850 EVO
• Intel 540s
• Crucial MX200

Detail: I have a Dell E5470, under warranty, and I believe this model is fundamentally broken. This problem may affect all Skylake models. If so, Dell should fix/replace for all customers - otherwise I can see customers going to small claims court or someone starting a class action lawsuit.

I have tried multiple SSDs from different manufacturers with the same result. The BIOS will not always see the SSD. The boot menu will not always see the SSD. When attempting to boot from the SSD you get an error "No Boot Device". However the Dell Diagnositic Test will see the hard drive.

You can boot a USB installer for Windows or Linux and actually install an OS to the hard drive, so the computer does see the SSD at some point. During the Windows installation process when it restarts, it somtimes (not always) will succeed. That is, the SSD can boot from a warm boot as part of the installation process. However as soon as you turn off the laptop, the drive will fail to boot. That is, cold booting the SSD will fail.

Dell support have been unable to resolve. Machine was seen by an on-site technician, they replaced the motherboard and witnessed the no boot device problem (the mechanical drive was also failing to boot for some reason). They helped request a return to factory depot. On return, the mechanical drive was working, but the same problem. Tried support again and just ended a 1hr 15min call with Dell asking me to read the manual, check BIOS settings, check hard drive specifications and contact the hard drive manufacturers. Support are saying that as long as their mechanical drive, as shipped, can boot then there is nothing wrong with the laptop. If third party SSDs do not work, then that is a problem with the manufacturers of those drives. Dell Support do not believe that the Latitude E5470 (perhaps the entire range) could be defective.

Long story short. If you have a Dell Latitude and have had similar problems, please post your SSD model and links to any relevant information. If you are from Dell and are reading this, please escalate and try to fix asap. Currently my E5470 is not fit for purpose and I hope that Dell is not knowingly selling a defective machine which does not work with third-party SSDs.

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Dell Latitude (Skylake) incompatible with popular SSDs?