Installing Linux on NVMe with HP Z840: A Step-by-Step Guide

Select Language:

Are you trying to install and boot Linux from an NVMe drive using an HP Z Turbo Drive in an HP Z840 workstation? If so, you’re not alone in facing challenges with this setup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through the installation and boot process effectively.

Start with the Basics

Before diving in, make sure your setup is correct. Here’s what you need to do:

Update Your BIOS: First, check if you have the latest BIOS version installed. As of April 2024, ensure you’re up-to-date to avoid known issues.

ADVERTISEMENT
Remove Non-Essential Drives: Disconnect all other drives from your system except for the DVD drive. This helps to minimize potential conflicts during the installation process.
Position Your Drive Properly: Install your NVMe drive in the recommended slot for the Z840, which is Slot 1 (8 lanes). This is crucial for maximizing the drive’s performance.
Reset BIOS Settings: If you’ve made changes to your BIOS previously, it might help to reset it to factory defaults. This can clear out any settings that might be causing trouble.
Test with a Live USB: Boot from a live version of Linux using a USB drive. Ensure that the NVMe disk is recognized; you should be able to partition, read, and write to it without any issue.
Install Linux: Use the live Linux environment to install the OS onto the NVMe drive. The installation process should create a small GRUB partition along with a larger root partition.
Verify Your Partitions: After the installation, mount the root partition in the live system. Make sure it contains the files you expect. While you may not need to check the GRUB partition, ensuring the root partition is correct is essential.

Booting Challenges

If you’re unable to boot from the NVMe drive, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many users experience the same issue. Here are some potential solutions to explore:

Boot Mode Configuration: You might be trying to boot in UEFI mode, but the system only shows your NVMe drive in legacy mode. Double-check your BIOS settings to confirm that UEFI is enabled, and look for any boot options relating to NVMe.
Investigate GRUB Configuration: If your BIOS recognizes the drive but won’t boot from it, the GRUB installation might be misconfigured. Consider reinstalling GRUB from the live USB environment, ensuring it points to the correct partitions.
Hardware Considerations: Although you’ve mentioned that hardware bifurcation isn’t an issue, it’s still a good idea to ensure that the NVMe drive is compatible with your setup. You might also want to try different slots if available.
Seek Community Input: Engaging with online forums or communities, such as discussion threads related to the HP Z840, can provide insights from users who have successfully booted Linux from similar setups. They might point out common pitfalls or errors to avoid.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot your installation and boot from your NVMe drive. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you hit a roadblock—there’s a wealth of knowledge in the Linux community that can assist you on your journey!