NVMe boot support is available for Windows 8/10 and it's also recommended that you apply the Samsung NVMe driver for much improved write speeds on Samsung NVMe SSD's.Ī 'key' defines both the socket (female) and the plug-in card connector (male).

However, Windows 7 boot support for NVMe devices is very limited and requires a Microsoft hotfix to be applied and currently requires one to clone the windows installation from another non-nvme drive to the target NVMe drive in order to achieve a bootable Windows 7 system. These SSD's are generally compatible in the same motherboards and systems as the AHCI models so long as the manufacturer has provided an updated UEFI bios with the correct NVMe module. Around mid 2015 the Samsung SM951 became available in an NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Host Controller Interface) version, then in 2016 came the NVMe-based Samsung 950 Pro, followed more recently by the OEM Samsung SM961 and it's retail equivalent the 960 Evo along with the 960 Pro. The Samsung XP941, and the AHCI model of the Samsung SM951 use the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) protocol, which is very widely compatible, and requires no additional drivers to boot Windows 7/8/10. There are two types of controllers used on PCIe M.2 SSD's. These measurements are commonly expressed like '2242' (meaning 22mm wide, 42mm long), or '2280', meaning 22mm wide, and 80mm long. Commercially available M.2 SSD drive lengths include 30mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm, and 110mm. M.2 form factors vary in length and width, with the chips usually populating just one side of the circuit board to keep the drive profile extremely low (less then 3mm). Put simply, it typically can't be installed from the Windows DVD, but it is possible to do a UEFI install from a USB drive with these instructions.

One of the most common questions we get is how to get Windows installed onto the Samsung XP941, SM951 or 960 Evo. Installing Windows on the Samsung XP941 / SM951 / SM961 / 960 Pro/Evo PCIe M.2 SSD This blog post he wrote helped clarify some of the finer points contained here. A special mention needs to go Kent Smith of LSI. This post is an attempt to dispel any confusion around the new M.2 SSD format, and has been developed as a resource for RamCity staff, customers and anyone else with an interest. Looking for help with XP941/SM951/SM961/960 Evo/Pro compatibility information for your laptop/NUC/desktop or motherboard? Jump straight to it.

Samsung nvme drivers v1.4.7.17