STRIX Z790-E + Windows 11 install + NVMe = 3 Body Problem

[Mookun]

I just completed a build with brand new hardware:
STRIX Z790-E
64GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5
i7-12700K
Samsung 990 EVO NVMe SSD 2TB M.2

Everything boots to Bios just fine, but I’m running into problems installing Windows 11 (via USB thumb drive) onto the brand new NVMe, which is installed in the M.2_1 slot. I keep getting a dialog that says “Install driver to show hardware” along with a browser to find and load it. I take it to mean that it’s not seeing the NVMe and it needs something that isn’t found in the Windows 11 installer.

The Bios version is 2002 and the settings are default except:
XMP - XMP 1
Launch CSM - Disabled
Secure Boot - Standard
OS - Windows UEFI
Enable VMD Controller - disabled (I’m not setting up RAID)

The Bios sees the NVMe under NVMe Configuration, but not in PCH Storage Configuration (for some reason there’s a listing for M.2_5, but no M.2_1)

I made the Windows 11 installer USB first using the Windows Media Creation Tool, but that didn’t work, just a blue screen. Then I made it using Rufus, which got me to the “Install driver…” dialog, which I guess is… progress?

Does this problem sound familiar to anyone? God, I hope so.

Cheers from Ireland.

[Silent_Scone · Accepted solution]

Hi @Mookun 

It wouldn't be listed under PCH Storage, as M.2_1 is connected to the CPU lanes.

Attempt to recreate the installation media using Rufus, use another pen drive if possible. Under normal circumstances, you should not need a separate driver assuming VMD is disabled. My first assumption would be to try with a new pen drive.

Regardless, here is a link to the Samsung support site if you should need it.

Tool & Software Download | Samsung Semiconductor Global

[Mookun]

Thanks for the quick reply. I will give it a go!

[Mookun]

I checked out the Samsung link you provided for the NVMe driver v3.3, but I noticed that the 990 EVO NVMe SSD is not listed under supported storage devices. It also doesn’t say that it supports Windows 11. Is this what you were referring to, or was there a different download on that page that you were pointing me to? Thanks.

[Mookun]

Just a note to say that I’ve been mistakenly referring to my NVMe drive as a Samsung 990 EVO SSD NVMe when it’s actually a Samsung 990 Pro SSD NVMe. 

[cekeu]

Hello, I would try installing Windows with the BIOS restored to default, and after a successful installation, I would configure the BIOS.
Make sure RAID is disabled by pressing F7 for a simplified BIOS view.

Also, another possibility when the disk is not detected during installation if RAID is enabled is to load the SATA/IRST > 64bit Driver during Windows installation having previously connected the USB key including the Motherboard drivers.

[Mookun]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Putting the Windows installer onto a new USB drive did the trick.