Requirements to use a PCIe*/NVMe* solid state drive

PCIe/NVMe*-based SSDs require specific hardware, BIOS, and driver support

Summary

PCIe*/NVMe*-based SSDs (Solid State Drive) require specific hardware, BIOS, Operating System (OS) and driver support in order to be used. 

NOTEModern hardware and OSes are expected to work, without issue, out of the box. 

Boot Drive

To use as a bootable drive, you need: 

  • Motherboard that supports PCIe*/NVMe* SSD form factor, such as PCIe* (Add-In Card), M.2, U.2. Consult your system/motherboard manual/support for more information. 

  • There may be multiple connectors, but that does not mean they support the NVMe* standard. 

  • System BIOS that supports UEFI 2.3.1 or later, with NVMe* support. 

  • GPT (GUID Partition Table) partition 

  • See how to install OS (Operating System) to GPT (LINK). 

  • Microsoft® Windows 8.1 and newer have an NVMe* driver built in. Windows® 7 & 8 will require a Windows® update prior/during installation. 

  • For installation instructions, refer to ‘Intel® Solid State Drives with PCIe* NVMe* Boot Installation Guide’ (LINK) for more information. 

Secondary Drive

  • Review the first two bullets of ‘Boot Drive’. 

  • Microsoft Windows® 8.1 and newer have a NVMe driver built in.

    • Windows® 7 & 8 can have it via a Windows® update. 

Questions?
Contact Solidigm™ Customer Support

 

 

Requirements to use a PCIe*/NVMe* solid state drive