Z170 and M.2 for Windows 8

[Terrorsquad1990]

So soon I'll be starting putting together a new system with a ASUS Z170 motherboard.

I came across a new kind of SSD's called M.2, which looks very promising!

However, I also came across ALOT of people seem to have issues putting Windows OS onto the M.2 device. (seems to be Windows 7 mostly)

I want to know if there are any problems I should be aware of before I try to install Windows 8 onto the M.2 device? (unless it has been updated through UEFI)

If so, what do you advise?

Secondly, what M.2 device do you recommend for me using on the Asus Z170-A, together with i7 6700-K (meant for gaming)

Edit: the m.2 device will only be used for the OS; nothing else. Games, programs and others will be put onto another SSD.

Cheers

 

[basroil]

m.2 is just an interface, any m.2 using AHCI/RAID SATA (express) mode should work perfectly fine with Windows 8. Those with NVMe/PCIe might have issues. If you download the storage controller drivers ahead of time and use them during install, it should be fine either way though.

As for m.2, it depends on if your M.2 is SATA only or if it's got PCIe support. For PCIe, the Samsung 950 Pro is the fastest disk out there. For SATA, the Samsung 850 EVO works pretty damn well and would fit into tier 1 SSD lists, and very cheap at just $75 for 120gb or under $200 for a 500GB one (that will fit the OS and all your software + some games).

 

[Terrorsquad1990]

m.2 is just an interface, any m.2 using AHCI/RAID SATA mode should work perfectly fine with Windows 8. Those with NVMe might have issues. If you download the storage controller drivers ahead of time and use them during install, it should be fine either way though.

Could you repeat your answer for someone who's new to all this? 😛

I'm just planning to put a M.2 SSD into my new PC for the OS only, instead of using a 3.5" SSD. Keep in mind that the PC will be totally new; no OS or anything will be on it.

That brings me to my second question about the controller drivers: what are those and how do I use them on a PC without an OS?

Cheers

 

[basroil]

Could you repeat your answer for someone who's new to all this? 😛

Read the motherboard specifications, if it says "PCIe x2" or x4 for the M.2 slot, then it's PCIe. If it only says they have a M.2 slot, most likely it's using SATA underneath (like all your current drives)

I'm just planning to put a M.2 SSD into my new PC for the OS only, instead of using a 3.5" SSD. Keep in mind that the PC will be totally new; no OS or anything will be on it.

That brings me to my second question about the controller drivers: what are those and how do I use them on a PC without an OS?

You need to first download and extract the drivers for the motherboard from the motherboard manufacturer's website, and put them on a disk (preferably the same one that has your OS install media if you are using USB that you created). What you are looking for is storage controller drivers, the rest can be ignored for now. When you go to install, there will be an option to load drivers. Just load the drivers then and you'll be able to install without issue.

 

[Terrorsquad1990]

Could you repeat your answer for someone who's new to all this? 😛

Read the motherboard specifications, if it says "PCIe x2" or x4 for the M.2 slot, then it's PCIe. If it only says they have a M.2 slot, most likely it's using SATA underneath (like all your current drives)

I'm just planning to put a M.2 SSD into my new PC for the OS only, instead of using a 3.5" SSD. Keep in mind that the PC will be totally new; no OS or anything will be on it.

That brings me to my second question about the controller drivers: what are those and how do I use them on a PC without an OS?

You need to first download and extract the drivers for the motherboard from the motherboard manufacturer's website, and put them on a disk (preferably the same one that has your OS install media if you are using USB that you created). What you are looking for is storage controller drivers, the rest can be ignored for now. When you go to install, there will be an option to load drivers. Just load the drivers then and you'll be able to install without issue.

I'll just type what it says:

" 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key** storage devices support (both SATA & PCIE mode)***

** = Supports PCIE RAID config via onboard M.2 and PCIex16_3
*** = M.2 shares SATA mode with SATA express. Change this item before installing M.2 SATA devices. "

So kinda confused here as I have no knowledge yet about those different SATA configs, especially the *** part. I know its something I should change in UEFI, but the sentense is confusing to me

So imagine I got the M.2 SSD in my hand, what are the steps I should do/follow to install windows OS onto it?

 

[basroil]

So imagine I got the M.2 SSD in my hand, what are the steps I should do/follow to install windows OS onto it?

If you got a PCIe based M.2, just put it in, and then put the installer media in the computer (along with the drivers), and follow the on screen instructions.

If you got a SATA version, turn on the machine before putting the disk in and access the BIOS. From there, follow the instructions in the manual to switch the M2 to SATA mode. After that it's the same as PCIe version, insert and install.

 

[Terrorsquad1990]

So imagine I got the M.2 SSD in my hand, what are the steps I should do/follow to install windows OS onto it?

If you got a PCIe based M.2, just put it in, and then put the installer media in the computer (along with the drivers), and follow the on screen instructions.

And where should I read those? Do I need to go into UEFI (Del) or Boot Options (F8) when I started the PC? I've done some clean installations before through USB but have no experience using other drivers next to the OS files. Can I just click and drag the disk control drivers onto the USB after the Windows 8 Media has been made onto it?

Cheers

 

[basroil]

And where should I read those? Do I need to go into UEFI (Del) or Boot Options (F8) when I started the PC?

Asus has all their manuals online in the drivers section.

I've done some clean installations before through USB but have no experience using other drivers next to the OS files. Can I just click and drag the disk control drivers onto the USB after the Windows 8 Media has been made onto it?

Just drag and drop the extracted files (most use executable compression, so you'll need to open the exe to extract)

 

[Terrorsquad1990]

And where should I read those? Do I need to go into UEFI (Del) or Boot Options (F8) when I started the PC?

Asus has all their manuals online in the drivers section.

I've done some clean installations before through USB but have no experience using other drivers next to the OS files. Can I just click and drag the disk control drivers onto the USB after the Windows 8 Media has been made onto it?

Just drag and drop the extracted files (most use executable compression, so you'll need to open the exe to extract)

Hmmm.. Doesn't really give me alot of info on which driver I should pick and download, though.. Nor are there any manuals :/

http://www.asus.com/be-nl/Motherboards/Z170-AR/HelpDesk_Download/

EDIT: just noticed the prices for a PCIe based SSD's.. Those are insane rofl, won't take one of those..

Guess I'll go with the SATA ones, which you said might give issues

 

[Terrorsquad1990]

Ok, so M.2 interface based SSD for my OS, which one should be best? Looking at max 250GB size.

Still need to know if it will bring any issues compared to SATA SSD's, which are pretty much plug and play..

 

[basroil]

Ok, so M.2 interface based SSD for my OS, which one should be best? Looking at max 250GB size.

Still need to know if it will bring any issues compared to SATA SSD's, which are pretty much plug and play..

SATA based M.2 are identical to SATA cable SSDs, so no issues there.

If you want something good enough for 99% of people, get http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4P02T64861&cm_re=m.2_evo-_-20-147-398-_-Product . It's large enough to fit everything but games and large files, and less than $110.

As for manuals, they are right there on the site. For example: http://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z170-A/HelpDesk_Manual/

As for drivers, check for a file that says "Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology Driver Software V14.6.0.1029 for Windows 7 32bit & 64bit / 8.1 64bit / 10 64bit.(WHQL)." or similar.

 

[Terrorsquad1990]

Ok, so M.2 interface based SSD for my OS, which one should be best? Looking at max 250GB size.

Still need to know if it will bring any issues compared to SATA SSD's, which are pretty much plug and play..

SATA based M.2 are identical to SATA cable SSDs, so no issues there.

If you want something good enough for 99% of people, get http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4P02T64861&cm_re=m.2_evo-_-20-147-398-_-Product . It's large enough to fit everything but games and large files, and less than $110.

As for manuals, they are right there on the site. For example: http://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z170-A/HelpDesk_Manual/

As for drivers, check for a file that says "Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology Driver Software V14.6.0.1029 for Windows 7 32bit & 64bit / 8.1 64bit / 10 64bit.(WHQL)." or similar.

Do I still need those drivers when using M.2 SATA SSD?

 

[basroil]

Do I still need those drivers when using M.2 SATA SSD?

Always a good idea to load the drivers. If you're using the newest install media from http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media it might not be necessary, but just in case you should include it.

 

[Terrorsquad1990]

Do I still need those drivers when using M.2 SATA SSD?

Always a good idea to load the drivers. If you're using the newest install media from http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media it might not be necessary, but just in case you should include it.

Just noticed I also got a Chipset Support DVD with the new motherboard.
I'm actually building a PC without any optical CD drives.

Is it possible to put them onto an USB aswel? If yes, how so?

 

[basroil]

Do I still need those drivers when using M.2 SATA SSD?

Always a good idea to load the drivers. If you're using the newest install media from http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media it might not be necessary, but just in case you should include it.

Just noticed I also got a Chipset Support DVD with the new motherboard.
I'm actually building a PC without any optical CD drives.

Is it possible to put them onto an USB aswel? If yes, how so?

If you have another computer, just load up the disk and drag the disk contents to a new folder on the USB. Some things are much easier to do nowadays

 

[Terrorsquad1990]

Do I still need those drivers when using M.2 SATA SSD?

Always a good idea to load the drivers. If you're using the newest install media from http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media it might not be necessary, but just in case you should include it.

Just noticed I also got a Chipset Support DVD with the new motherboard.
I'm actually building a PC without any optical CD drives.

Is it possible to put them onto an USB aswel? If yes, how so?

If you have another computer, just load up the disk and drag the disk contents to a new folder on the USB. Some things are much easier to do nowadays

AH yes, stupid me. Was thinking I needed to boot with USB from UEFI, but its just drivers.. Sorry for that last stupid question!

I'm considering going Windows 10 actually, since they offer OS onto USB already and prices are very close to eachother.
(since I cant use same key twice; for this PC and new one I need to buy another OS) 😛

 

[basroil]

I'm considering going Windows 10 actually, since they offer OS onto USB already and prices are very close to eachother.
(since I cant use same key twice; for this PC and new one I need to buy another OS) 😛

Same steps for Win 10 or 8. As for USB, the link I gave you lets you make your own Windows 8.1 USB, which is the recommended method (since then you can put driver files on there). For Windows 10 the link is http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/media-creation-tool-install . Of course you need a new key for either method, but at least it's much faster to make your own disk than wait for it to come in the mail.