Compatability Question (Samsung 960 EVO + ASUS ROG STRIX GAMING (X99)

[Violet915]

A compatability question I would like answered before I make a purchase, preferably from people who actually own or know somebody who has these two mixtures exactly:

I've got a problem with my SM961 OEM not compatible with my ROG STRIX X99 GAMING, and according to several people, the model's Vendor list, and ASUS support (notified too late, TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!) this SM961 is incompatible with my motherboard. According to the vendor list, the only verified EVO even close to this speed is the 950 PRO and it's ridiculously priced. So since a 960 is almost the same thing, and holds the same drivers as a 950 PRO, i'm wondering if anybody has been able to get the 960 and this motherboard working and are compatible.

 

[photonboy]

The SM961 is compatible as of BIOS version 1504. (so update to 1701 if you haven't done so)

"STRIX X99 GAMING BIOS 1504
1.Improve system performance
2.Add in turn-off function of LED under S3/S4/S5 status.
3.Fixed Samsung device (SM961, printer) issues."

I believe you must have "AUTO" or "M.2" but not "U.2" enabled for M2/U2 switch (pg 3-26)

 

[Violet915]

The SM961 is compatible as of BIOS version 1504. (so update to 1701 if you haven't done so)

"STRIX X99 GAMING BIOS 1504
1.Improve system performance
2.Add in turn-off function of LED under S3/S4/S5 status.
3.Fixed Samsung device (SM961, printer) issues."

I believe you must have "AUTO" or "M.2" but not "U.2" enabled for M2/U2 switch (pg 3-26)

Well, im on BIOS 1401 and those options have disappeared completely after updating to both of those. I saw those patch notes and I thought the same as you did. But it did not help my issue, so I just flashed back to 1401.

 

[Violet915]

Is it possible you could provide me with a screenshot of where I can locate these? because I have to wrestle this BIOS just to get the M.2 to boot windows now. Also any clue whether the 960 Evo is compatible for not?

 

[clarkjd]

The SM961 is compatible as of BIOS version 1504. (so update to 1701 if you haven't done so)

"STRIX X99 GAMING BIOS 1504
1.Improve system performance
2.Add in turn-off function of LED under S3/S4/S5 status.
3.Fixed Samsung device (SM961, printer) issues."

I believe you must have "AUTO" or "M.2" but not "U.2" enabled for M2/U2 switch (pg 3-26)

Well, im on BIOS 1401 and those options have disappeared completely after updating to both of those. I saw those patch notes and I thought the same as you did. But it did not help my issue, so I just flashed back to 1401.

Is it possible you could provide me with a screenshot of where I can locate these? because I have to wrestle this BIOS just to get the M.2 to boot windows now. Also any clue whether the 960 Evo is compatible for not?

If you are on 1401, then you need to update to 1701 to get support for the 960. Just go to ASUS website, support, download BIOS. follow the instructions in your user manual EXACTLY to update the BIOS.Don't skip styeps or try to shortcut the procedure.

 

[Violet915]

The SM961 is compatible as of BIOS version 1504. (so update to 1701 if you haven't done so)

"STRIX X99 GAMING BIOS 1504
1.Improve system performance
2.Add in turn-off function of LED under S3/S4/S5 status.
3.Fixed Samsung device (SM961, printer) issues."

I believe you must have "AUTO" or "M.2" but not "U.2" enabled for M2/U2 switch (pg 3-26)

Well, im on BIOS 1401 and those options have disappeared completely after updating to both of those. I saw those patch notes and I thought the same as you did. But it did not help my issue, so I just flashed back to 1401.

Is it possible you could provide me with a screenshot of where I can locate these? because I have to wrestle this BIOS just to get the M.2 to boot windows now. Also any clue whether the 960 Evo is compatible for not?

If you are on 1401, then you need to update to 1701 to get support for the 960. Just go to ASUS website, support, download BIOS. follow the instructions in your user manual EXACTLY to update the BIOS.Don't skip styeps or try to shortcut the procedure.

I know how to update my BIOS, you put the file on a FAT32 formatted USB Flash Drive, reboot and load into the BIOS, use ASUS's EZ Flash Secure module and select the file in the browser. Job done.

What I am asking is if you can guarantee for sure that the Samsung 960 EVO M.2 NVMe SSD is compatible with this motherboard.

 

[clarkjd]

I know how to update my BIOS, you put the file on a FAT32 formatted USB Flash Drive, reboot and load into the BIOS, use ASUS's EZ Flash Secure module and select the file in the browser. Job done.

What I am asking is if you can guarantee for sure that the Samsung 960 EVO M.2 NVMe SSD is compatible with this motherboard.

What I can guaranty is that unless you update the BIOS, it definately will NOT support the 960. What have you got to lose? If it works with the BIOS update, you are good to go. If it doesn't work, then you either get a new moterboard(and all that entails,ram, possibly a new license for Windows, etc), or a different SSD. The BIOS update is free. Again,what have you got to lose?

 

[Violet915]

I know how to update my BIOS, you put the file on a FAT32 formatted USB Flash Drive, reboot and load into the BIOS, use ASUS's EZ Flash Secure module and select the file in the browser. Job done.

What I am asking is if you can guarantee for sure that the Samsung 960 EVO M.2 NVMe SSD is compatible with this motherboard.

What I can guaranty is that unless you update the BIOS, it definately will NOT support the 960. What have you got to lose? If it works with the BIOS update, you are good to go. If it doesn't work, then you either get a new moterboard(and all that entails,ram, possibly a new license for Windows, etc), or a different SSD. The BIOS update is free. Again,what have you got to lose?

About £140 because the 960 I plan to buy is cheaper than the rip off 950 PRO.

 

[clarkjd]

I know how to update my BIOS, you put the file on a FAT32 formatted USB Flash Drive, reboot and load into the BIOS, use ASUS's EZ Flash Secure module and select the file in the browser. Job done.

What I am asking is if you can guarantee for sure that the Samsung 960 EVO M.2 NVMe SSD is compatible with this motherboard.

What I can guaranty is that unless you update the BIOS, it definately will NOT support the 960. What have you got to lose? If it works with the BIOS update, you are good to go. If it doesn't work, then you either get a new moterboard(and all that entails,ram, possibly a new license for Windows, etc), or a different SSD. The BIOS update is free. Again,what have you got to lose?

About £140 because the 960 I plan to buy is cheaper than the rip off 950 PRO.

So, You DON'T have the 960 in hand? At any rate you need the BIOS update in order to have ANY chance of the 960 working. And the BIOS update won't break anything already working.

After the BIOS update, If you get the 960 and it DOESN'T work, you are no worse off than you are now. Just RMA the 960 as not compatible.

 

[Violet915]

I know how to update my BIOS, you put the file on a FAT32 formatted USB Flash Drive, reboot and load into the BIOS, use ASUS's EZ Flash Secure module and select the file in the browser. Job done.

What I am asking is if you can guarantee for sure that the Samsung 960 EVO M.2 NVMe SSD is compatible with this motherboard.

What I can guaranty is that unless you update the BIOS, it definately will NOT support the 960. What have you got to lose? If it works with the BIOS update, you are good to go. If it doesn't work, then you either get a new moterboard(and all that entails,ram, possibly a new license for Windows, etc), or a different SSD. The BIOS update is free. Again,what have you got to lose?

About £140 because the 960 I plan to buy is cheaper than the rip off 950 PRO.

So, You DON'T have the 960 in hand? At any rate you need the BIOS update in order to have ANY chance of the 960 working. And the BIOS update won't break anything already working.

After the BIOS update, If you get the 960 and it DOESN'T work, you are no worse off than you are now. Just RMA the 960 as not compatible.

Guess I'll run the risk. It doesn't make sense why a 960 wouldn't work if the took most 950's off sale. It's basically the same SSD.

 

[clarkjd]

Guess I'll run the risk. It doesn't make sense why a 960 wouldn't work if the took most 950's off sale. It's basically the same SSD.

Hardware-wise you may be right. Any changes may only be in the controlling firmware, which is why you need the BIOS update.

 

[Violet915]

Guess I'll run the risk. It doesn't make sense why a 960 wouldn't work if the took most 950's off sale. It's basically the same SSD.

Hardware-wise you may be right. Any changes may only be in the controlling firmware, which is why you need the BIOS update.

Well it looks like the issue is solved. I buy the 960 and i risk it not working, or i RMA this motherboard and get an X99 Raider from MSi. MSI actually support these things, first time ASUS let me down :/ not buying from them again.