How to install and set up your Samsung 950 Pro M.2 SSD [17" R3]

Hi ccsasuke,

Why would the default be RAID? I would have thought the default would be AHCI?

I would still go for BIOS defaults, then go straight back into BIOS and check if it's RAID or AHCI and correct that if its wrong.

 

Well I don't really know why BIOS default is RAID, but that's what I remember. I can double check when I get back to my laptop later.
If BIOS is the problem, why isn't Linux affected? I'm still very puzzled by this problem..
Do you think the fact that I have two m.2 NVMe SSDs might be a cause? I did notice that both of my SSDs gave 40k IOPS under Windows.

 

Hi ccsasuke,

Can you take out the non-OS SSD and speed test with one in? Hope your OS SSD is in slot 1 for 4x, as slot 2 is 2x.

 

Yes that is what I am thinking of trying.
It is in slot 1 since I can indeed get 2GB/s sequential read which should be PCIe x4 performance.

 

Hi Guys, I hate having to register here just to jump in for some help but having spent a week trying to get a Samsung M2 950 Pro SSD 256B to boot windows on my Alienware 15 R2 I kinda run out of options! I've read hundreds of posts but can't quite sort out my problem. I'd appreciate some advice if someone can help please.

My Samsung SSD is seen in windows but not in my Bios. I've tried changing the SATA setting from Raid to AHCI but the Bios never recognises it. If I try to install Windows 10 on a UEFI USB, I need to run Diskpart in a terminal window to put a GPT partition on the disk to get the installation started however Windows fails as it says it can't change the boot configuration which sounds like the Bios issue rearing it's head.

What can I do differently? Do I need to format the main spinning disk first to remove Windows from it first? (haven't done this yet as I'd have no OS at all!)

Initially I tried using the samsung clone software which ran successfully but I can't boot into the SSD as the Bios won't see it.

My Bios version is 1.2.14

Many Thanks
Dave

 

Hi Dave,

Try removing the HDD, then reset BIOS to defaults, then check BIOS is set to AHCI (not RAID), then try the Win10 install.

 

I really need some help with this! What exactly do you mean when you say "Make in BIOS you have it set to ACHI"??? Where is this ACHI setting in the BIOS, I have looked everywhere-no luck. How do I make sure this is in ACHI?

Please see this thread from post #1113 and onward... I am very stuck, cannot get this to work. PLEASE help!

 

I got it to go to ACHI, didn't know I had to change it from RAID to that setting. Please update the post to show how to change to ACHI; that is very helpful.

Fingers crossed this will fix all the problems I was having all day long.. Why must this entire process be this complicated? WoW. Bangs head against the wall.

 

With your computer turned off -> Power on -> Tap F2 -> Once you're in BIOS go to the second page -> Use your arrow keys to scroll down to where it says ACHI/RAID and change accordingly.

 

OP updated.

 

After literally re-installing Win 10 Pro 4 times today, I finally got everything working properly the 5th time. This thread needs to be stickied (seriously). Without it, I would have gone mental. Even Alienware reps have no clue how to do this properly!!

And to think when I get the SM961's I'll have to re-do all of this for a raid 0 config; God only knows how difficult that'll prove to be? Looks like they really went out of their way to make us not want to upgrade lol. Note to self: never work on an empty stomach.. Everything becomes clear after food.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread.

 

Jerseyboy, Thanks for the advice. Will give it a crack tonight and see if I can manage it. Small world, I'm also in Jersey, live in town!

Dave

 

Hi Dave,

Small island eh!

 

Hello Jersey boy,

I have recently gotten my 17R3 and the samsung950 pro. I want to do a fresh install. I was wondering, is there a complete guide for a fresh install, any ideas how can I make the boot usb for a fresh install?

Any help will be highly appreciated

 

JerseyBoy! Nice to see you around haha...resurrected lol...

 

Awesome topic I'll try this dell support can't figure out why mine will not install Windows on the m.2 also. I'll try these steps you all have listed.


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Sounds great, hope it works out for you. Keep us posted.

Cheers

 

Well I got windows back up but still no second SSD will show up. I know the SSD works fine too


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So I started having trouble with my 950 pro m.2 drive it would not boot from it. I had been running for about 4 months with it flawlessly. So I called Dell for support and they said this SSD is not compatable and much trouble has surrounded them. Mine seems to be running quite hot to the touch. I am not sure what to do now since I ordered the 17R3 with the HDD planning to upgrade to the 950pro per iunlock recommendation. I see he sold his. Should I contact Samsung or bite the bullet and buy a Dell recommended m.2 ssd? List as follows

SSD 1TB Hynix PC300 PCIe NVMe 2280

SANDISK X400 512G M.2 2280 SSD

SSD 256G Samsung PM951 PCIe NVMe 2280

LITEON CV3 128G M.2 2280 SSD

SSD 512G Samsung PM951 PCIe NVMe 2280

HYNIX SC308 256G M.2 2280 SSD

SANDISK X400 128G M.2 2280 SSD

SSD 256G Toshiba XG3n PCIe NVMe 2280

SSD 256G Hynix PC305 PCIe NVMe 2280

HYNIX SC308 128G M.2 2280 SSD

SANDISK X400 256G M.2 2280 SSD

SSD 512G LiteOn CX2 PCIe NVMe 2280

HYNIX SC308 512G M.2 2280 SSD

SSD 512G Hynix PC300 PCIe NVMe 2280

SSD 1TB LiteOn CX2 PCIe NVMe 2280

SSD 1TB Samsung PM951 PCIe NVMe 2280

LITEON CV3 512G M.2 2280 SSD

SSD 512G Toshiba XG3n PCIe NVMe 2280

SSD 1TB Toshiba XG3n PCIe NVMe 2280

SSD 256G LiteOn CX2 PCIe NVMe 2280

LITEON CV3 256G M.2 2280 SSD

 

@iunlock

I saw this topic and i was wondering if maybe you could help me with some questions, since my samsung 960 EVO is scheduled to arrive this thrusday.

I'll quote some parts of your post, to make it more simple (i hope).

Questions:

1) Do i have to remove my current HDD 7200 rpm to install my SSD and install windows 10 on it (since im pretending to use it as my main) or can i keep both connected?

2) on the part of troubles, i only have to do those steps IF i have some of that problems correct? IF not, i can plug the SSD, set as primary in BIOS, and install windows normally (as i would do with a HDD) right?

3) In the section " How to install Windows on your m.2 SSD", will i have to set BIOS to AHCI to install the SSD, or only if i have a problem? If so, after installing the SSD, can i back to RAID?

4) FINAL QUESTION: i saw in the final part of the post, that you tell to download the intel rapid storage and install it during the windows install (by copying the drivers to another usb or the same as windows is located). I also saw this method on this video (5min20s):





My question is if i will have to do this, or only if my computer doenst recognize the SSD.

I thouth the SSD would be simple install, as a new HD, but now im seeing that there are some tips and tricks to do it....

Thanks for everything, and sorry for the long text.