ASUS Z690-I Strix issue - Samsung Pro 990 4TB Crash and WD SN Does not

[just_a_newb]

I got a very frustrating issue that has been difficult for me to address.

For some reason my Samsung 990 Pro does Crash my PC as soon as the Intel Management engine (IME) driver is installed but does not happen with the Western Digital SN750.

I upgraded the PC and after so much work put into this, Been 2-3 days testing with different settings. And I was able to discard the PCIe Power management Settings, Graphics Card, I upgraded the Samsung Firmware as well after the issues started to happen.
I've tested both under same variables, by reinstalling windows and downloading different versions of drivers. And also stopping windows from updating drivers automatically ( both under Updates by pausing updates and advance pc settings on Hardware settings to stop downloading drivers)

So far the only thing that affect it is when I install the IO Serial Drivers. Its Random when it happens but happens very fast. As soon as it is installed it starts crashing. 
Once it crashes the PC, windows will not boot.

I'm unable to pinpoint the issue exactly but I think it might be the SSD or an issue with the drivers or even the motherboard. I once had that same issue with a 2TB SSD as well on the M.2 _2 Slot. Whenever I had 2 SSDs installed Sometimes it will disconnect the secondary SSD.

[JohnAb · Accepted solution]

Only an idea - have you checked that both SSDs have the latest firmware available? 

If it's a drivers issue (seems less likely if the only difference is the OS SSD), but you can get later drivers than the support pages from MoKiChU's threads here: 

https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/hardware-build-advice/index-all-my-drivers-firmware-software-threads/m...

He released a new set of MEI drivers just today (2345.5.3.0) perhaps they will be better for you? I'm using them now and they seem fine. Well, no obvious differences from the last release, but they might help. 

I hope the above is helpful, but to be honest both of your SSDs are from good/reputable manufacturers. I'd be surprised if anything is wrong with either of them. 
 

[just_a_newb]

Thanks for the link. That will certainly at least give me an extra shot to see if I can resolve the issue. After I took the Samsung SSD off just no more PC crashes. Although I still have an issue with the Intel LAN which will disconnect and stop working after some time. I will give it a shot all those drivers and see if they actually fix the issue I've had for so long