Question Seeking Advice on M.2 SSD Compatibility with Asrock z390 Extreme4

[xaohs]

Hello everyone,

I've recently upgraded my PC and passed down some components to a family member, including my Asrock z390 Extreme4 motherboard. To enhance their experience, we replaced their old SATA drive with a new M.2 SSD. I've had positive experiences using an M.2 drive with this motherboard, so I anticipated a smooth transition.

We purchased this M.2 drive: . The Asrock z390 Extreme4 specs can be found here

The motherboard has a 1 x Ultra M.2 Socket (M2_1) that supports various M.2 modules, including PCIe up to Gen3 x4. The SSD we bought is Gen4, and from my understanding, it should be backward compatible, running at Gen3 speeds on this motherboard.

However, we're encountering an issue: the BIOS doesn't recognize the SSD when installed. I'm trying to determine if this is a compatibility issue or a fault with the SSD itself. Should I return this SSD and get a replacement, or opt for a different model, and if so, could you recommend one? We are looking for 1tb. Any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Darkbreeze]

What is the currently installed motherboard BIOS version?

I would try removing and reinstalling the drive first. I would also try using the OTHER M.2 slot as well.

Also, if there are OTHER drives attached, to any of the SATA headers, it's possible that one or the other might be knocking the other out due to the sharing of lanes.

Also, in some cases especially on some of the older BIOSes, some M.2 drive models will not show up on the BIOS until you either boot to the Windows installer and install Windows on it using the Custom option during the process and allowing Windows to automatically create the required partitions and perform any necessary formatting, or go into either Disk managment or a third party partition manager such as Paragon partition manager and create a partition on the bare drive and assign that partition a drive letter. Normally that's not the case on newer hardware, and even on that particular platform, but it's something to be aware of in any case as it might be relevant.

Likely though it might be due to the drive being newer than the firmware version that is installed on the motherboard and it simply not recognizing the drives controller. Updating the BIOS to the latest stable release may alleviate that.

If none of that helps, then it's likely a problem with the drive.

 

[Bob.B]

Hello everyone,

I've recently upgraded my PC and passed down some components to a family member, including my Asrock z390 Extreme4 motherboard. To enhance their experience, we replaced their old SATA drive with a new M.2 SSD. I've had positive experiences using an M.2 drive with this motherboard, so I anticipated a smooth transition.

We purchased this M.2 drive: . The Asrock z390 Extreme4 specs can be found here

The motherboard has a 1 x Ultra M.2 Socket (M2_1) that supports various M.2 modules, including PCIe up to Gen3 x4. The SSD we bought is Gen4, and from my understanding, it should be backward compatible, running at Gen3 speeds on this motherboard.

However, we're encountering an issue: the BIOS doesn't recognize the SSD when installed. I'm trying to determine if this is a compatibility issue or a fault with the SSD itself. Should I return this SSD and get a replacement, or opt for a different model, and if so, could you recommend one? We are looking for 1tb. Any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Proper bios?
Does the m.2 show in some other pc?

 

[xaohs]

What is the currently installed motherboard BIOS version?

I would try removing and reinstalling the drive first. I would also try using the OTHER M.2 slot as well.

Also, if there are OTHER drives attached, to any of the SATA headers, it's possible that one or the other might be knocking the other out due to the sharing of lanes.

Also, in some cases especially on some of the older BIOSes, some M.2 drive models will not show up on the BIOS until you either boot to the Windows installer and install Windows on it using the Custom option during the process and allowing Windows to automatically create the required partitions and perform any necessary formatting, or go into either Disk managment or a third party partition manager such as Paragon partition manager and create a partition on the bare drive and assign that partition a drive letter. Normally that's not the case on newer hardware, and even on that particular platform, but it's something to be aware of in any case as it might be relevant.

Likely though it might be due to the drive being newer than the firmware version that is installed on the motherboard and it simply not recognizing the drives controller. Updating the BIOS to the latest stable release may alleviate that.

If none of that helps, then it's likely a problem with the drive.

That's a good idea, I will try installing the latest BIOS stable release. And there were no other drives connected, as indeed there's a shared bus between one of the SATA's.
If this does not alleviate the issue, do you think it's indeed a problem with the drive itself? They should be compatible right?

 

[Darkbreeze]

Yes, with an updated BIOS there is no reason that drive shouldn't work on that board.

 

[xaohs]

Hi! I have updated the BIOS to the latest version and that has resolved the issue! The m.2 is now recognized and works fine! Thanks for the help

 

[Darkbreeze]

You are welcome. Stop by anytime you have questions. Good luck man.