The drivers for this drive are available for Windows 8 and up and Server 2012R2 and up by either downloading it within the installation or are built into the OS. We do not support using this drive with Windows 7 or below. It will work with newer Linux versions. Please verify if your distribution supports NVMe. These are not supported in any version of MacOS. FAQ: KSD-060117-NVME-01

High-performance NVMe SSDs require adequate airflow for maximum bandwidth and performance. During heavy workloads or extensive benchmarking, the drive will heat up and the controller firmware may implement thermal throttling in order to maintain proper operating temperature and ensure drive integrity. If performance degradation is observed within these circumstances, confirm the SSD is receiving adequate cooling and/or increase the system’s fan speed to reduce drive temperatures.　

Note: Thermal throttling will engage when temperature reaches 80°C FAQ: KSD-060117-NVME-02

Our NVMe SSD rely on native Linux and Microsoft NVMe drivers. Microsoft’s native NVMe driver issues Forced Unit Access (FUA) IO writes and Flush commands to NVMe devices that have a volatile write cache. This, in effect, undermines the write caching on the target SSD by often bypassing the DRAM cache and writing directly to NAND. As a result of this behavior, the NVMe SSD’s performance is reduced. To obtain maximum performance, you need to disable write cache buffer flushing on the target drive within Windows.　　

Steps to Disabling Write-Cache Buffer Flush　

1. Open Device Manager　

2. Select Disk Drives and expand, then select target drive.　　

3. Right-click and select Properties　

4. Check “Turn off Windows write-cache buffer flushing on the device”　　

a. Note: By disabling write-cache buffer flushing on the device, you run the risk of losing data in transit and/or data corruption in the event of a power failure. Only disable this feature if you are aware of the risks associated with it.　

Performance Comparison

FAQ: KSD-060117-KC1000-04

Kingston SSD Manager (KSM) is ending support for Microsoft Windows 7. The latest version of KSM with Windows 7 support is v1.1.2.5. If you are using Windows 7 and experience complications with KSM, please make sure you have AHCI mode enabled in BIOS and install the latest Intel RST storage driver provided by your system manufacturer. If you still need assistance, feel free to contact our Kingston Technical Support department. FAQ: KSM-001125-001-00

Kingston SSD Manager 1.1.2.6 will not offer firmware updates for NVMe SSDs until IEEE 1667 support has been disabled. In order to complete the firmware update you must do the following:

1. First, we recommend you backup your data.
2. Then use a secondary system to complete a REVERT using the PSID on the drive label. Note: Performing a REVERT will securely erase all data on the drive.
3. Disable IEEE 1667 support
4. The firmware update will become available upon refresh or restart of KSM FAQ: KSM-001125-001-01

During the OS installation, go to UTILITIES / TERMINAL　

In terminal type:　

diskutil list　

Then press RETURN. Scroll up to top and verify the Kingston SSD disk (i.e. disk0, disk1, etc).

Then type:　

diskutil mountDISK disk0 (or whichever ddisk is the Kingston SSD).　

Then press RETURN. It should show "mounted successfully".

Then type:　

diskutil eraseDISK apfs YOURDRIVENAME disk0 (or whichever disk is the Kingston SSD)　

Warning – This step (eraseDISK command) will delete all data on the target drive. Confirm that you have selected the drive you wish to delete and then continue.　

Then press RETURN. It should show "successful". Then exit terminal and proceed with the normal installation of the OS. FAQ: KSD-092917-GEN-21

ElectroStatic Discharge, ESD is simply the discharge of built up static electricity.ESD should not be taken lightly as this is one of the few things an individual can do to damage or destroy their computer or hardware components.It is like when you rub your feet on the carpet and you touch something metal.ESD can occur without the user feeling a shock and will occur when only working on the inside of the computer or handling hardware.

How to help prevent ESD
The best method of preventing ESD is to use an ESD wrist strap or a grounding mat or table.However, because most users do not have access to these items, we have included the below steps to help reduce the chance of ESD as much as possible.

• Standing – We recommend that you are standing at all times when working on the computer. Setting on a chair can generate more electrostatic.
• Cords - Make sure everything is removed from the back of the computer (power cord, mouse, keyboard, etc).
• Clothes - Make sure not to wear any clothing that conducts a lot of Electrical Charge, such as a wool sweater.
• Accessories - To help reduce ESD and help prevent other problem, it is also a good idea to remove all jewelry.
• Weather - Electrical storms can increase the ESD risk; unless absolutely necessary, try not to work on a computer during an electrical storm.In very dry areas, the air itself becomes a part of the electrostatic build-up mechanism every time there is an air flow (wind, air conditioning, blower) passing over an insulated surface.Do not let high humidity levels build a false confidence, and beware of corrosion problems with interconnects and other electrical interfaces.

To learn more about ESD and how to protect your electronics, please refer to the below site.

ESD Association
http://www.esda.org/aboutESD.html

FAQ: KTC-Gen-ESD