NVME, motherboard and Windows 7 compatability

[Artas1984]

From what i understand default Windows 7 does not have any driver for installing SSD in NVME protocol mode?

This is just like Windows XP did not have AHCI driver?

Since i've ordered a new Plextor M8Pe M.2 type SSD and Asus Z97-A motherboard, can i install Windows 7 in AHCI mode first, and then select NVME after certain updates?

How does this work anyway? In the BIOS menu i can select IDE, AHCI or RAID options. How do i make this NVME mode even appear? I only heard of this problem recently so i can not imagine how do you set up your SSD to work in NVME mode.

I also have read than Windows driver for NVME protocol is slow and people should be using whatever driver comes with the SSD.

But, in case of Plextor M8Pe is there any driver or should i use Windows drivers?

And finally, Asus Z97-A is supporting NVME protocol interface right? Because i do not see this option in the BIOS, perhaps it should come with a BIOS update?

 

[Beastie]

I think there is a windows update which enables NVME for W7.

You might have to faff around if you're using the drive as your boot drive..

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...an-nvme-ssd-from-a-usb-3-0-thumbdrive.783921/

 

[Static~Charge]

FYI - ASUS says that you need BIOS 2205 or later for NVMe support. Go to their website, download the latest BIOS release, and install it.

 

[Artas1984]

Did you look at the specs for the Asus Z97-A motherboard? It supports SATA Express (practically worthless) and M.2, but not NVMe. That Plextor drive is not compatible with this board (as a boot drive, anyway).

What? I've read that it supports Intel 750 PCI-E SDD in NVME protocol:

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/solid-state-drives/consumer-ssds/000005729.html

So if it supports Intel PCI-E 750 SDD, surely it supports Plextor M.2 SSD right?

 

[Beastie]

can i install Windows 7 in AHCI mode first, and then select NVME after certain updates?

I don't think so, but I'm not sure




Intel don't have a short answer either

http://download.intel.com/support/ssdc/hpssd/sb/nvme_boot_guide_332098001us.pdf

 

[Static~Charge]

What? I've read that it supports Intel 750 PCI-E SDD in NVME protocol:

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/solid-state-drives/consumer-ssds/000005729.html

So if it supports Intel PCI-E 750 SDD, surely it supports Plextor M.2 SSD right?

I changed my original post while you were posting this. The motherboard's specs page says nothing about NVMe, but the BIOS updates mention it.

 

[newtekie1]

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...an-nvme-ssd-from-a-usb-3-0-thumbdrive.783921/

This might help.

 

[Artas1984]

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...an-nvme-ssd-from-a-usb-3-0-thumbdrive.783921/

This might help.

Yes, though i am planning to install Windows 7 from a DVD (don't you dare laughing guys!)

So it seems from that Intel install guide that with proper UEFI, the boot manager automatically selects the drivers from the SSD firmware to install Windows in NVME mode. But then Intel does not guaranty that this will work, strange indeed.

 

[Ferrum Master]

Intel 750 is a funny thing. It boots even without nvme driver in bios... Intel has put his father gene mojo in it.

It should boot a z97 fine. Just don't do CSM to use proper UEFi mode.

Poke in winraid forum for f6 drivers also. There are also guides to check for bios nvme driver module... if you are smart enough using ami tools.