FAQ
TL;DR: On MSI X99A, an NVMe M.2 like Transcend MTE820 may show in BIOS but not in Windows 7. PCIe Gen3 x4 delivers 32 Gb/s; "Delivering next generation M.2 Gen3 x4 performance." Install an NVMe driver or use Windows 10, then initialize the disk. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17416663]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Windows users fix “drive not detected” issues on X99 systems using NVMe M.2 SSDs.
Quick Facts
- The MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon supports M.2 PCIe Gen3 x4 with up to 32 Gb/s bandwidth. [X99A GAMING PRO CARBON]
- Transcend MTE820 is an NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 2280 SSD using 3D TLC NAND. [Transcend MTE820 SSD]
- Windows 7 needs Microsoft’s NVMe update for OS-level detection of NVMe SSDs. [Update to add native driver support for NVM Express in Windows 7]
- Without the NVMe driver, the SSD can appear in UEFI boot entries but not in Windows or Disk Management. [Elektroda, Tkbo, post #17414461]
Why doesn’t Windows 7 see my Transcend MTE820 on an MSI X99A?
Windows 7 lacks native NVMe support, so it cannot enumerate NVMe SSDs until you add the Microsoft NVMe update. After installing it, the OS can detect and use NVMe drives normally. As Microsoft describes, you must “add native driver support for NVM Express” to Windows 7. Reboot after installation, then check Disk Management to initialize the disk if needed. [Update to add native driver support for NVM Express in Windows 7]
Is the Transcend MTE820 compatible with the MSI X99A Gaming Pro Carbon?
Yes. The X99A Gaming Pro Carbon provides an M.2 slot with PCIe Gen3 x4 bandwidth (up to 32 Gb/s). That matches NVMe PCIe M.2 drives such as the Transcend MTE820. Install the drive in the M.2 slot and ensure the motherboard firmware is current for best compatibility. [X99A GAMING PRO CARBON]
How do I add NVMe support to Windows 7? (How‑To)
Install Microsoft’s NVMe update, then reboot.
- Download the NVMe support update for Windows 7 from Microsoft.
- Install the update and complete any requested restart.
- After reboot, open Device Manager to confirm the NVMe controller appears, then proceed to initialize the disk.
This update enables the native NVMe stack in Windows 7. [Update to add native driver support for NVM Express in Windows 7]
How do I format the MTE820 once Windows detects it? (How‑To)
Use Disk Management to initialize and format the SSD.
- Press Windows+X (or open Control Panel) and launch Disk Management.
- When prompted, initialize the disk (GPT recommended for UEFI systems).
- Create a new volume, choose NTFS, assign a drive letter, and finish the wizard.
After this, the drive appears in Explorer and applications. [Create and format a hard disk partition]
Windows 7 setup doesn’t list the NVMe drive — what should I do?
Load an NVMe driver during setup or use newer installation media. Windows 7 installation media lacks NVMe support by default, so the drive remains hidden. Use the installer’s “Load driver” option with the NVMe driver on USB, or switch to Windows 10 for built‑in NVMe support. This aligns with advice to add an NVMe driver for Windows 7. [Elektroda, pawelcb33, post #17416942]
BIOS shows the SSD in Boot menu, but Disk Management and CrystalDiskInfo are empty — why?
That behavior indicates the UEFI firmware detects the device, but Windows lacks an NVMe driver. NVMe SSDs won’t appear under SATA devices or in tools like CrystalDiskInfo until the proper driver loads. It can still show by name in the boot list, as users observed. Install the NVMe update, reboot, and check again. [Elektroda, Tkbo, post #17414461]
Is the Transcend MTE820 a Mac‑only (AHCI) SSD?
No. The MTE820 is a standard NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 2280 SSD. It targets PCs and workstations that support NVMe, including gaming and content‑creation builds. It is not an Apple‑proprietary AHCI module. Confirm your motherboard’s M.2 slot supports PCIe/NVMe, then install normally. [Transcend MTE820 SSD]
Should I return the drive, or can I make it work on this board?
Don’t return it yet. The X99A Gaming Pro Carbon supports M.2 PCIe Gen3 x4, which aligns with the MTE820. Install the NVMe driver on Windows 7 or use a Windows 10/11 installer that includes NVMe support. After that, initialize the disk and it will operate normally. [X99A GAMING PRO CARBON]
Will Windows 10 detect the MTE820 without extra drivers?
Yes. Windows 10 includes an inbox NVMe driver and supports NVMe devices natively. The SSD should appear during setup and within the OS without additional drivers. For best results, keep firmware and chipset drivers up to date. [NVM Express in Windows]
What interface and form factor does the MTE820 use?
The MTE820 uses the NVMe protocol over PCIe Gen3 x4 on the M.2 interface. Its form factor is M.2 2280, which measures 22 mm by 80 mm. Confirm the motherboard’s M.2 slot accepts 2280 modules and supports PCIe lanes for full performance. [Transcend MTE820 SSD]
How can I verify or monitor the SSD after it appears in Windows?
Use Disk Management to confirm the partition and drive letter, then a health tool. CrystalDiskInfo can read SMART and temperature once the NVMe driver is active. If it still doesn’t appear, recheck drivers and cabling, and ensure the M.2 slot is enabled. The forum suggestion to use CDI remains valid after driver setup. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17414400]
Can I boot Windows 7 from the MTE820 on this platform?
Booting Windows 7 from NVMe is possible only when appropriate NVMe support is present and firmware is configured. Windows 7 lacks native NVMe; it relies on the added Microsoft NVMe update or vendor drivers. For a simpler, supported path, use Windows 10, which includes NVMe boot support. [NVM Express in Windows]
Is staying on Windows 7 a good idea for NVMe drives?
Not recommended. Windows 7 reached end of support on January 14, 2020, which limits fixes and driver updates. Modern NVMe functionality and security are better on Windows 10 or 11. Upgrading improves compatibility and reduces troubleshooting time. [Windows 7 support has ended]
