Compatibility issue with M.2 NVMe SSDs - Models: 660p Intel, P1 Crucial, 760p Intel, H10 Optane+SSD Intel

[dugi_gotoff_ashr]

Hello.

All drives in different capacities are tested, and 3 units of NUC8I7HVK NUCs recognize all drives, but after exiting BIOS and entering again, they are not there anymore. Tested ALL capacities of 660p, all P1 Crucials, 1TB+32 H10 Intel, 760p 256GB. Only Samsung PM951 and Kingston KC2000 were proven to be reliable and are always detected by system, without any issues. Tested with couple of memory modules (Kingston, Crucial). Two NUCs have 058 BIOS, and one 054 BIOS version. From time to time, it's not possible to turn it on - only after clear CMOS it's possible to turn it on.

Similar symptoms described in this thread, but we have tested it with more SSDs and NUCs and PSUs: https://forums.intel.com/s/question/0D50P0000490XPvSAM/nuc8i7hvk-a-bootable-device-has-not-been-detected-despite-ssd-inserted-and-os-installed?language=en_US

[LeonWaksman]

Hi @dugi_gotoff_ashr​ 

1. This is valuable information. Thank you.
2. However I would to point your attention to the Intel list of tested and validated SSDs. The Intel 660P 1TB is listed as compatible drive. I for my self have installed in my NUC8i7HVK Intel 760P series 1TB.

Leon

[dugi_gotoff_ashr]

Hi. I tested many SSDs. Also KC2000 2TB which are validated. The same issue is present: after restart SSD disappears from BIOS. Tested two NUCs, got a new pair through warranty. Tested different DRAM modules, pairs of each SSD model. Crazy.

[dugi_gotoff]

OK, so after suggestion that ONLY validate modules should be used in thi NUCs to test it, we got Kingston DRAM Kits from compatibility list.

----

I must say, it's not acceptable to force customers to use some special DRAM modules - I believe that JEDEC standard is the standard we should follow (not some DRAM modules which were available back when you were doing validation). After all, DRAM SKUs are being often discontinued, what happens then, when it's not possible to get DRAM module from the compatibility lists?

---

So, we have received DRAM modules and populated NUCs with it.

HX426S15IB2K2/32 Kingston DRAM 32GB 2666MHz DDR4 CL15 SODIMM (Kit of 2) HyperX Impact EAN: 740617265392

NUC is still unstable, whole issue happens even with those DRAM modules. All four NUCs (two we got from AWR and two previously purchased).

So, it’s not DRAM, it’s not SSD – it’s NUC – either BIOS or some firmware or electrical issue.

The whole problems occurs when you enter BIOS after restart / shut down. Then, NUC does not lists SSD in BIOS device lists. Then, sometimes, it’s not possible to even turn it on. Sometimes, you get mouse cursor on black screen.

Either clear CMOS help, either pull out SSD and the turn on, but what is the most interesting, and what could give you a hint in resolving this issue which I believe happens with ALL those units is video port signal: after I change video cable (from display port to HDMI, or vice versa), NUC can be turned on NORMALLY, no issues at all.

Just to be clear, NUCs have been restarting for whole day (by batch file procedure) and they have NEVER failed to boot. So, entering BIOS and going to PCI devices tab in BIOS makes a problem.

It took almost 10 days to test everything - Intel, now it's your turn to fix this.

Thank you.

[LeonWaksman]

Hi @dugi_gotoff​ 

1. I wasn't suggesting that "...that ONLY validate modules should be used in thi NUCs to test it..." . I wrote that your information is valuable. However, since you have tested "...ALL capacities of 660p...", I informed you that according to Intel's test 660P -1TB should work. If it not working in your tests, may be there is a problem in your NUC. I've given you also information that in my NUC8i7HVK I have 760P 1TB SSD, working good. The Intel Compatibility list is prepared not as requirement for the user which part may be installed, rather to help user to buy tested part and avoid problems. I agree with you that in ideal world, DRAM specified according JEDEC specification should work. But appears that even parts are qualified according to JEDEC, still there are differences between them.
2. For your information only, I've tested your scenario in my NUC (i.e. entered BIOS by pressing on F2, opened PCI tab, long press on Power Button switched NUC OFF). After this my NUC started normally. This doesn't mean that you are doing something wrong. It only says that I couldn't duplicate your problem.
3. My suggestion is to download Intel System Support Utility (SSU): https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25293/Intel-System-Support-Utility-for-Windows- . Please run the SSU scan and save the results. Then attach the txt file with the results to your post. Hope that on Monday you will have support from Intel engineer.
4. If you want, you may update your Bios using Bios recovery method. This method ensures that all parts of Bios are updated.

Leon

[dugi_gotoff]

Hey, Lwaksman, i wasn’t replying to you, this is just my timeline with those NUCs. 😀 Actually, nuc with windows installed is perfect, if you don’ touch the BIOS! It recognises all SSDs we tried, boots fast, works perfect in Windows. Just don’t touch the BIOS, forbidden city! I hope Intel will manage to make a fix.

And I’m open for rewards!!!

As for dram validation, it would be nice that intel validates standard modules from 3-4 major vendors, kingston, crucial, samsung, hynix as they release new standard skus (and they make high quality modules). It just like 12 modules, it would ease the whole process and save money to all (awr procedure costs a lot, time too). I will use the ssu tool, for sure.

[AndrewG_Intel]

Hello dugi_gotoff,

Thank you for posting on the Intel® communities.

We understand that you are having a particular issue with Intel® NUC Kit NUC8i7HVK where they do not recognize the SSD after entering BIOS after restart/shutdown, and then it is needed either to clear CMOS or to unplug and plug back the SSD.

We understand that you have tried different SSD and RAM kits and have replaced two units and, you can replicate the issue even using components listed on the Intel® Product Compatibility Tool.

Please allow us to investigate further regarding this behavior on our end.

Best regards,

Andrew G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

A Contingent Worker at Intel

[AndrewG_Intel]

Hello dugi_gotoff,

Thank you for your patience in this matter.

We noticed that you currently have a support case open and we are going to continue the support under that case. We will proceed to close this inquiry.

As a side note, the Intel® Optane™ Memory H10 with Solid State Storage is not supported with Intel® NUC.

Andrew G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

A Contingent Worker at Intel