Solved Intel VMD or just plain NVMe?


NavyLCDR

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I have a laptop with i7 11th Gen CPU. I can either turn on Intel VMD and use the VMD driver from Intel (part of IRST) for my two SSDs - with no RAID, I am not interested in setting up RAID, or I can disable Intel VMD and run standard NVMe drivers (or Samsung NVMe for my one Samsung SSD). Does anyone have any real info as to which is better - as in faster?
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11 21H2

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
I haven't a clue what's the best. If you haven't done it yet, you could look up the specs for the Intel VMD and see if it fits your needs.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
In my experience you will notice next to no difference, I'm guessing that the laptop has Intel Optane drives?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Beta, 11 Dev, W11 Canary
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Alienware M15 Ryzen Edition R6
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900HX
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 8GB GDDR6
    Hard Drives
    1 x Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
    1 x Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB
In my experience you will notice next to no difference, I'm guessing that the laptop has Intel Optane drives?
Once someone upgrades their computer from a HDD to a SSD I don't think there will be any speed increases that will be noticeable.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Once someone upgrades their computer from a HDD to a SSD I don't think there will be any speed increases that will be noticeable.
Yep, pretty much
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Beta, 11 Dev, W11 Canary
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Alienware M15 Ryzen Edition R6
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900HX
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 8GB GDDR6
    Hard Drives
    1 x Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
    1 x Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB
@NavyLCDR

I think you'll have to go back to "Old School Engineering" -- try it and see. I doubt whether like others have posted you'd notice any significant difference - especially on a laptop. You might though on any VM's you might have as you can presumably use HOST native Nvme mode. I think just try out combos and see. Windows install especially via dism and apply-image doesn't take long especially on that type of laptop with i7 as well.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows XP,7,10,11 Linux Arch Linux
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    2 X Intel i7
I think the quantifiable differences are likely going to boil down to benchmarks only and real world experience will be unnoticeable.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink SEI8
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8279u
    Motherboard
    AZW SEI
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 2666Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Plus 655
    Sound Card
    Intel SST
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus ProArt PA278QV
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB NVMe
    PSU
    NA
    Case
    NA
    Cooling
    NA
    Keyboard
    NA
    Mouse
    NA
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Mini PC used for testing Windows 11.
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900x
    Motherboard
    Asus Rog Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    64GB DDR4-3600
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GeForce 3080 FT3 Ultra
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2TB WD SN850 PCI-E Gen 4 NVMe
    2TB Sandisk Ultra 2.5" SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus 850
    Case
    Fractal Meshify S2 in White
    Cooling
    Dark Rock Pro CPU cooler, 3 x 140mm case fans
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Corsiar K65 RGB Lux
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender.
I've tried both, I don't see any difference in performance. Since I am not going to enable RAID, I am going to leave VMD disabled and use the NVMe drivers. The SSD maintenance programs (like Samsung Magician) did not work with the VMD drivers anyway.

Also, on clean installs, with VMD enabled you have to have the IRST driver available before Windows setup will see the drives installed.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
I have a Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Model 15ILT6 of which I just put a 500gb Samsung 980 (NVMe M.2) in and removed the 1tb 2.5" 5400rpm HDD. At this juncture I have no need for two drives. Samsung's Magician monitoring software indicates the Intel VMD Controller driver is not compatible with Magician. Samsung does not offer any NVMe driver for the Samsung 980 or 980 PRO... you use the Windows native NVMe driver.

From much reading, it is my understanding that the Intel RST is a RAID function built into the Intel Gen 11 CPU with the CPU incorporating the VMD Controller which controls the NVMe functions (effectively overriding/blocking the actual NVMe on-board controller). The CPU/Intel VMD Controller even handles the Host Memory Buffer function on dram-less NVMe like the Samsung 980 or WD_Black SN750 SE.

I can disable the Intel VMD Controller in the BIOS, which will then allow the Samsung NVMe to be "seen" by the Magician Monitoring Software due to using the Microsoft native NMVe driver. What I haven't been able to locate is the current Microsoft native NVMe Driver version number/date -and- any facts comparing the MS native driver which will "drive" the Samsung Controller vs. the Intel VMD Controller driver.

Any insights?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
I've tried both, I don't see any difference in performance. Since I am not going to enable RAID, I am going to leave VMD disabled and use the NVMe drivers. The SSD maintenance programs (like Samsung Magician) did not work with the VMD drivers anyway.

Also, on clean installs, with VMD enabled you have to have the IRST driver available before Windows setup will see the drives installed.
Question... "I've tried both". I have a similar situation regarding VMD being enabled in the BIOS and using the Intel VMD Storage Controller driver vs. VMD being disabled and using the Windows native NVMe Storage Controller driver. NOTE: Looking under Device Manager > Storage Controllers

I currently have a Samsung 980 NVMe M.2 installed with no secondary drive in the HDD/SSD caddy. VMD is enabled in the BIOS and am using the Intel VMD Storage Controller driver. Works great for me... very fast. BUT, Samsung Magician does not work due to the Intel VMD driver. NOTE: the Samsung 980 series does not have a Samsung driver... uses the Windows native NVMe driver or the Intel VMD driver.

I am wanting to periodically (temporarily) disable VMD in the BIOS to be able to utilize the info on Magician. Just to verify, you have successfully "toggled" between enabling and then disabling VMD in the BIOS without any subsequent issue(s)...??

Thanks.
GoldBug
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Model 15ILT6
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
Question... "I've tried both". I have a similar situation regarding VMD being enabled in the BIOS and using the Intel VMD Storage Controller driver vs. VMD being disabled and using the Windows native NVMe Storage Controller driver. NOTE: Looking under Device Manager > Storage Controllers

I currently have a Samsung 980 NVMe M.2 installed with no secondary drive in the HDD/SSD caddy. VMD is enabled in the BIOS and am using the Intel VMD Storage Controller driver. Works great for me... very fast. BUT, Samsung Magician does not work due to the Intel VMD driver. NOTE: the Samsung 980 series does not have a Samsung driver... uses the Windows native NVMe driver or the Intel VMD driver.

I am wanting to periodically (temporarily) disable VMD in the BIOS to be able to utilize the info on Magician. Just to verify, you have successfully "toggled" between enabling and then disabling VMD in the BIOS without any subsequent issue(s)...??

Thanks.
GoldBug
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Model 15ILT6
My advice is that it's more hassle than it's worth tbh
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Beta, 11 Dev, W11 Canary
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Alienware M15 Ryzen Edition R6
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900HX
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 8GB GDDR6
    Hard Drives
    1 x Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
    1 x Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB
My advice is that it's more hassle than it's worth tbh
My laptop has an nvme/optane drive and will not boot with vmd disabled, using the Intel IRST driver.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook 14
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    N/A
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
    PSU
    Yep, got one
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wired
    Internet Speed
    72 Mb/s :-(
    Browser
    Edge mostly
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0
Question... "I've tried both". I have a similar situation regarding VMD being enabled in the BIOS and using the Intel VMD Storage Controller driver vs. VMD being disabled and using the Windows native NVMe Storage Controller driver. NOTE: Looking under Device Manager > Storage Controllers

I currently have a Samsung 980 NVMe M.2 installed with no secondary drive in the HDD/SSD caddy. VMD is enabled in the BIOS and am using the Intel VMD Storage Controller driver. Works great for me... very fast. BUT, Samsung Magician does not work due to the Intel VMD driver. NOTE: the Samsung 980 series does not have a Samsung driver... uses the Windows native NVMe driver or the Intel VMD driver.

I am wanting to periodically (temporarily) disable VMD in the BIOS to be able to utilize the info on Magician. Just to verify, you have successfully "toggled" between enabling and then disabling VMD in the BIOS without any subsequent issue(s)...??

Thanks.
GoldBug
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Model 15ILT6
To "toggle" you need to remove the existing storage controller devices in device manager first. Only uninstall the controller device, not the device driver. Set Windows to boot into safe mode. Shutdown. Boot into BIOS and toggle VMD either on or off. Boot into safe mode. Then restart normally.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!

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