Intel Volume Management Device (VMD) is a technology designed to enhance the management of NVMe SSDs. It improves efficiency and functionality, especially for RAID and Optane-enhanced NVMe drives. Many Acer TravelMate notebooks come with the Intel VMD controller enabled by default in CMOS setup, but you can disable this feature if you prefer. Use the instructions below to change your VMD controller settings and install a custom image on your TravelMate.
How to disable the Intel VMD controller in your BIOS/UEFI
- Completely power off your computer by holding the Power button down for 10 seconds.
- Press the Power button to turn the computer on.
- Tap the F2 key when the Acer screen appears.
- In the Main menu, change the Intel VMD setting to disabled.
- Press the FN + F10 keys simultaneously to save your changes and exit the BIOS.
Note: The VMD controller option in CMOS setup may be hidden by default. In this case, you may need to press Ctrl+S on the Main menu in CMOS setup to show this setting.
Installing a custom image on your TravelMate
If you want to install a custom operating system image on your device, you have two options:
Option 1: Install with VMD Controller Enabled
- Make sure Intel VMD is enabled in your BIOS/UEFI setup.
- Download and install the latest Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) driver from the Acer support site to ensure proper detection of your storage devices.
- Install your custom image on your TravelMate. Note: RAID and Optane technologies will function correctly, but performance remains unaffected even if they are not used.
Option 2: Install with VMD Controller Disabled
- Make sure Intel VMD is disabled in your BIOS/UEFI setup.
- Install your custom image on your TravelMate. Your storage drives will be automatically detected. Note: System updates may reset CMOS settings to default which will enable the VMD Controller again. To fix this, enter CMOS Setup and disable the VMD controller again.
Models that include Intel VMD
- TravelMate P214-55
- TravelMate P215-54
- TravelMate P414-53
- TravelMate P414RN-53
- TravelMate P416-52
- TravelMate P416-53
- TravelMate P614-52
- TravelMate P614-53
