Verification of Intel VMD/AHCI configuration for Samsung 990 Pro SSD firmware update on Vector-17-HX-A13VHG model

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aorlecki

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On the MSI Vector-17-HX-A13VHG laptop, I am planning to update the firmware of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD (4TB/2TB model) from the current version 4B2QJXD7 to the critical stability version 7B2QJXD7.

Due to the presence of Intel VMD (Volume Management Device) technology, and the fact that Windows 11 is installed using VMD drivers, I need precise information about the BIOS/UEFI configuration:

1. Is there an option in the BIOS/UEFI settings for the MSI Vector-17-HX-A13VHG model to switch the storage controller mode (SATA/NVMe) from VMD (RAID) to AHCI?
2. If yes, please provide the [exact path] in BIOS/UEFI to this option (e.g., Advanced → PCH Storage Configuration → SATA/VMD Mode).
3. If the VMD to AHCI switching option is NOT available (i.e., VMD is permanently enabled and mandatory):
Please confirm that the only correct procedure to update the firmware for this NVMe drive is to use a **bootable USB drive with the Samsung Linux-based tool (ISO)**, which is designed to **bypass** the Windows/VMD driver layer.

Purpose of the query: I must confirm the safest method to ensure the firmware update process will not cause the currently VMD-configured Windows 11 system to fail to boot (BSoD/INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE). I want to avoid any steps involving driver manipulation in Windows (like uninstalling VMD controllers) if VMD cannot be disabled in the BIOS.
 

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"Following our discussion regarding the firmware update for the Samsung 990 Pro SSD (4B2QJXD7 → 7B2QJXD7),

I would like to structure and summarize the conclusions regarding the VMD configuration on my MSI Vector laptop.

1. Goal: Firmware Update (Goal Achieved)​

The firmware update for the Samsung 990 Pro SSDs can be carried out without the need to interfere with VMD drivers in the Windows operating system (msconfig / Device Manager).

The successful update procedure I followed consisted of:

  1. Preparing a bootable USB drive with the firmware update (7B2QJXD7).
  2. Invoking the Boot Menu (F11 key) or entering the BIOS/UEFI and setting the boot priority to USB.
The Linux environment on the USB drive operates independently of the VMD drivers in Windows and correctly detected the drives, allowing for the successful update of both SSDs (2TB and 4TB).

2. Permanent Transition to AHCI (Instability Error)​

The attempt to permanently switch to AHCI mode — intended for better compatibility — resulted in a system failure, despite following the complete, supposedly safe procedure (msconfig + Safe Mode):

  • I used the Right Ctrl + F2 key combination in the BIOS/UEFI to switch the VMD Controller to Disabled.
Unfortunately, after returning to Normal Mode, Windows failed to load the standard AHCI/NVMe drivers, which resulted in a BSoD (INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE). Consequently, the goal of permanently switching to AHCI has been deferred, and the system was restored to the stable VMD mode.

3. Final Conclusion​

Given that the VMD controller blocks the Samsung Magician software from initiating updates, and the transition to AHCI is unstable on this model: So far the only available option for any future firmware updates will remain the manual use of a bootable USB drive.

Thank you for your support and the precise information regarding the hidden VMD option."
 
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