FAQs

Here you’ll find frequently asked questions and solutions for your computing life upgraded
with Samsung V-NAND SSD.

  • How do I configure the AHCI settings?

    The best way to enable AHCI is to go to BIOS, activate AHCI mode, and then install the operating system. Start the system, enter the BIOS setup, and change the SATA settings from IDE to AHCI. The AHCI configuration method may vary, depending on the motherboard, so please contact the motherboard manufacturer for assistance.

  • How do I install the SSD on my computer?

    • 1.

      Data Migration
      If you are replacing an existing drive with SSD, use of the Samsung Data Migration software (Magician or Data Migration) is recommended to transfer files from the existing drive to the new SSD. The software can be downloaded from the following website:
      https://semiconductor.samsung.com/us/consumer-storage/support/tools/

    • 2.

      Installation
      Make sure that the system is powered off, and then locate the storage slot. Connect the SSD to the system, and then reassemble the PC.

  • The BIOS may not have an option to set a hard drive password for NVMe™ SSDs.

    Samsung NVMe™ SSDs support the security feature of setting a password on the hard drive. However, the BIOS program that comes with your computer may not support this feature. Please contact the computer manufacturer for troubleshooting.

  • Can I enable more than one SSD encryption method at the same time?

    You cannot enable more than one encryption method at the same time. AES, TCG/OPAL, IEEE1667 (Encrypted Drive) cannot be enabled at the same time. To enable one, the others must be disabled.

  • Why is the displayed capacity of a Samsung SSD (Solid State Drive) different from its actual capacity?

    Samsung SSDs comply with the IDEMA (International Disk Drive Equipment and Materials) standards.

    However, the difference between the actual capacity and the displayed capacity is due to the different methods of representing 1GB. To make it easier for consumers, the manufacturer expresses 1GB as 1,000MB instead of 1,024MB, but the calculation is based on 1,024MB when the OS calculates the capacity.

  • How do I clone a disk if the source disk is larger than the target disk?

    To start Data Migration, the source disk must be smaller than the target disk. Media data such as movies, music, and photos should be moved to other storage or deleted whenever possible. The Samsung Data Migration software provides the features above for user convenience. However, users should prepare sufficient storage to transfer media files.

  • Do Samsung NVMe™ M.2 SSDs come with screws?

    Samsung NVMe™ M.2 SSDs do not come with screws. This is because motherboard manufacturers usually provide standard screws and spacers by motherboard.

  • Can a Samsung NVMe™ M.2 SSD fit into a traditional PCIe slot?

    Yes. There are many add-in card adapters available, but Samsung recommends using the original M.2 slot for Samsung NVMe™ SSDs for optimal performance and compatibility.

  • What is the physical size of a Samsung NVMe™ M.2 SSD?

    Samsung NVMe™ SSDs use the M.2 (2280) form factor. M.2 is the industry standard, and Samsung NVMe™ SSDs are 22mm wide and 80mm long.

  • Do Samsung NVMe™ M.2 SSDs work with PCIe x1 slots?

    Samsung NVMe™ SSDs are not compatible with PCIe x1 slots.

  • Do Samsung NVMe™ M.2 SSDs work well with all M.2 slots?

    There are various types of M.2 slots. "B-Key" enables SATA or PCIe NVMe™ SSD using up to 2 PCIe lanes, whereas "M-Key" enables NVMe™ SSD using up to 4 PCIe lanes.

    The PCIe NVMe™ M.2 SSD performance with 4 PCIe lanes is approximately twice as high as that with 2 PCIe lanes, and most motherboards today support the 4-lane "M-Key" slot. This is a solution supported by Samsung NVMe™ SSDs, which work with various types of M.2 slots.

    Samsung NVMe™ SSDs use "M-Key" to maximize performance by utilizing PCIe x4. They cannot be inserted into the M.2 slot with "B-Key."

    Refer to the user manual or contact your system provider to verify if the specific type of M.2 (M or B Key) slot is available on your motherboard.