NP540 Windows 8.1 Express Cache support?

This thing came with Windows 8 and the ExpressCache feature worked out of the box. I downgraded to Windows 7 and could still use the Express Cache feature by formatting the partition to HFS+ and installing the requisite drivers. However, I never needed the feature because I had an SSD - which I just sold to a friend. So now I'm trying to get the Express Cache working and I can't figure it out.

1. Installed Windows 8.1
2. Samsung SW Update doesn't offer the Express Cache driver.
3. Manually downloading and installing the driver used in 7/8 results in kernel security blue screens. They go away when I uninstall/disable EC in Settings
4. Have no idea how to proceed.

Does Samsung just not support this feature anymore? I'll buy a cheap 32GB/64GB SSD if I have to, but I'd rather not.

 

ExpressCache works fine in Win8.1, though most users find they have to re-install the EC software after performing an update (see this post). But in your case, after a clean install of Win8.1, that should not be the problem.

We don't recommend manually creating an HFS+ partition on the iSSD. That advice was superseded over two years ago by later ExpressCache versions. Instead, just delete all partitions on the iSSD before installing ExpressCache and let it create its own partition.

The most likely issue is that the iSSD needs to be converted to MBR (if you have a Legacy BIOS/CSM installation and your HDD is MBR layout) or to GPT (if you have an UEFI installation and your HDD is GPT laylout). In other words, the iSSD must be the same partition layout (MBR or GPT) as your HDD. Use Minitool Partition Wizard or DISKPART to convert it (which will also delete any partitions on it). But make sure to uninstall ExpressCache first, then re-install it after the iSSD has been converted.

We had a similar question here just a few days ago.

Use the Find Model feature in SW Update to download the latest ExpressCache software under Win8 drivers. I just now looked up NP540U4E-K01US (not knowing exactly which model you have) and noticed is has EXpressCache version 1.0.98 -- which is newer than the 1.0.94 that we have so far been referring to. I'll have to check that version out myself

 

Alright, good to know then. I made the partition using a gparted live usb, so I'm surprised it's having compatibility problems. Yesterday I ended up reinstalling Windows 8.1 onto the iSSD itself, I have a whopping 5GB free after turning off the hibernate file and page file. I'll probably either buy a cheap 64GB SSD or retry the Express Cache using the method you mentioned above.

Thanks.

 

Gotcha. I would try that myself (installing Windows on the iSSD) except mine only has 8GB.

Note: For others who may see and are tempted to try it, just make sure you know what you are getting yourselves into. For starters, check the recent thread linked below:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/757458-install-windows-issd.html

Sooner or later I'l'l have to swap in an SSD, but I really like having the 750GB that my HDD offers (it helps that it's a 7200rpm) and I am in no mood to give up my ODD either.

 

Capacity is no longer a reason for not getting an SSD given that 1TB is available.

However, I can understand that you could be waiting for the cost to drop further (or make do with the 500GB SSD).

John

 

Yes, I meant until cost of the 1TB comes down. $4-500 is more than I am willing to spend, since this is not my primary machine, it's just for coffee shops and presentations. ExpressCache does a good job of speeding up HDD access for my use, so I don't really have a performance problem ATM. I just switched back to my Win8 partition the other day (from Win8.1 on my test partition) and that helps to: I'd forgotten how smooth this thing runs