Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)
KIOXIA
This is due to the definition of capacity. KIOXIA defines a megabyte (MB) as 1,000,000 bytes, a gigabyte (GB) as 1,000,000,000 bytes, and a terabyte (TB) as 1,000,000,000,000 bytes. However, computer operating systems report storage capacity using powers of 2 (1GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes), which results in a lower reported capacity. Actual formatted capacity may also vary based on file size, formatting, and pre-installed software.
First, ensure your system or motherboard supports NVMe™; otherwise, it can only be used as a storage device, not a boot device. If NVMe™ is supported, check if the drive is recognized in the BIOS/UEFI, confirm it is at the top of the boot priority list, and verify if the M.2 slot's bandwidth is shared with other media.
Potential reasons include different benchmark methods (KIOXIA uses ATTO), using low-performance third-party SATA controllers, or running the SATA controller in IDE mode instead of AHCI or RAID. Additionally, an outdated driver or using a SATA 6Gbit/s SSD on a SATA 3Gbit/s controller (which limits speeds to 250-260MB/s) can reduce performance.
Ensure the data and power cables are properly connected. You must initialize the SSD in Windows by going to Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management -> Disk Management. Follow the prompts to initialize, format, and assign a drive letter to the new SSD.
Ensure your motherboard has a free M.2 slot and supports NVMe™. Boot from the OS installation media, choose the SSD as the installation drive, and after completion, adjust the BIOS boot priority list to move the NVMe SSD (or Windows Boot Manager) to the top.
No, Apple utilizes proprietary slots that are incompatible with standard M.2 drives like the EXCERIA series.
You require a motherboard or system with a free M.2 PCIe slot (not M.2 SATA or mSATA), BIOS/UEFI support for NVMe™ if used as a boot drive, and an operating system that supports NVMe™ drives.
They work in any M.2 slot supporting PCIe NVMe™. They are not compatible with legacy SATA, PCIe AHCI, mSATA, or M.2 WWAN slots.
Usually, a screw is required for M.2 installation. Most systems or motherboards with an M.2 slot include the necessary mounting screw.
Yes, the reliability and performance benefits of SATA HDD RAID configurations apply to SATA SSDs as well. Setup and maintenance are identical to SATA HDDs.
It is recommended to change the SATA mode to AHCI or RAID if the default is set to IDE.
Yes, all KIOXIA EXCERIA SSDs currently on the market support TRIM.
Firmware is crucial software that tells the device how to function and communicate with the system. Updates can improve compatibility, performance, and reliability, as well as fix bugs related to TRIM and Garbage Collection. KIOXIA recommends keeping firmware up to date.