Rapid Storage Technology driver problem

[shadmehr79]

Hello everyone

I'll keep it short. I want to update my 990 Pro firmware via Samsung Magician, but it shows me this error:

The latest firmware is: 7B2QJXD7

So maybe because of this issue, Magician can’t recognize my SSD. It seems to be related to the RST driver.

The latest version of the RST driver available on the motherboard support page is 20.1.0.1015. 
The latest version of the RST driver on Intel’s website is 20.2.6.1025.2.

So can ASUS please update the driver on the motherboard support page?

Intel says:

Note: Intel recommends that end users utilize driver updates provided by their system manufacturer/provider or via Windows Update to eliminate the potential impact caused by loading non-customized drivers. System manufacturers regularly customize Intel generic drivers to meet the needs of their specific system design. In such cases, use of the Intel generic driver update is not recommended.

Because of this, I'm afraid of potential issues or data loss caused by using Intel’s generic drivers.

[JohnAb]

It's your lucky day if the driver is indeed the issue. You can get v20.2.8.1028 from here:

https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/downloads-for-motherboards/drivers-intel-chipset-mei-vmd-serial-io-gna...

I'm using that driver and have had no issues. Well, I've never had any issues, but you might as well try that latest version. It dates from August. 

[shadmehr79]

thanks for ur reply

is it an official version from asus ?

[JohnAb]

As far as I know, it's a version direct from Intel, but you can totally trust MokiChU that makes these drivers available. 

[JohnAb]

You'll have to update using Device Manager:

[shadmehr79]

Which one must I update?

 

[JohnAb]

I think it will be the A77F controller. If I'm wrong, then I don't think it will install anyway on the wrong device. 

[MoKiChU]

Hi,

The Intel VMD drivers themselves are not the root cause of your issue, the root cause of your issue is that Samsung Magician is not compatible with SSDs mapped under/managed by Intel VMD, and that according to your Device Manager, you have mapped your SSD under Intel VMD and therefore it is managed by Intel VMD ("Intel RST VMD Managed Controller xxxx" in your Device Manager). If your SSD wasn't mapped under Intel VMD, it would be displayed "Standard NVM Express Controller", like for the @JohnAb SSDs in his Device Manager.

Please refer to my post here : https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/downloads-for-motherboards/drivers-intel-chipset-mei-vmd-serial-io-gna...

In your case, if you are not planning a RAID soon, you can keep VMD enabled but don't map your SSDs under Intel VMD.

Follow this to fix your issue :

- Enable Safe Mode Boot (in order to auto-repair your boot once your SSDs unmapped from Intel VMD) :

- Press Windows key + R > Type msconfig and then press Enter
- Boot tab > Check Safe boot - Minimal > Apply > OK > Restart

- Press Del when the ROG/TUF/PRIME/ProArt logo appears to enter in your BIOS
- Disable Intel Rapid Storage Technology :

- Press F7 to switch in Advanced Mode.
- Advanced tab > System Agent (SA) Configuration > VMD setup menu :​

- Enable VMD controller : Enabled​

- Map PCIE Storage under VMD : Disabled​

- Map SATA Controller under VMD : Disabled

- Press F10 to Save & Exit
- Once in Safe Mode > Disable Safe Mode Boot :

- Press Windows key + R > Type msconfig and then press Enter
- General tab > Check Normal startup > Apply > OK > Restart

[JohnAb]

Fantastic answer. I was wondering about the RST/VMD settings, but wasn't sure. I did remember that MoKiChU had explained this in the past, but it was a dim and distant memory. 

[shadmehr79]

Hey, thanks for your detailed answer.

“If you are not planning a RAID soon, you can keep VMD enabled but don’t map your SSDs under Intel VMD.”

No, I don’t have any plans for RAID.

I’m very new to these kinds of settings, so I have just one question about your solution.

“Boot in Safe Mode (Start your PC in safe mode in Windows — Microsoft Support).”

In this step, are you sure it’s safe for my data? I don’t want to reinstall Windows (I’m currently using Win10).

How can I do all of these steps safely?
Do I need to disable/enable Secure Boot or CSM?