Kitfox does not recognize my WD_

If your Kitfox system (or any Linux-based system) does not recognize your WD_BLACK SN770 2TB NVMe SSD, it can be frustrating—especially since the SN770 is a high-performance Gen4 NVMe SSD widely used for gaming and productivity. This guide will walk you through why this may happen and offer a detailed troubleshooting process, especially for Linux/Kitfox-based environments.

📦 What is the WD_BLACK SN770?

The WD_BLACK SN770 2TB is a PCIe Gen4 NVMe solid-state drive known for:

Fast read/write speeds (up to 5,150 MB/s read)

M.2 2280 form factor

Compatibility with PCIe Gen3 (backwards compatible)

DRAM-less architecture using Host Memory Buffer (HMB)

It is designed for Windows, Linux, and console use (if supported by firmware). However, issues can arise in niche Linux distributions like Kitfox, which is often based on Arch, Gentoo, or other minimal distros.

🔍 Common Reasons Why Kitfox Doesn’t Recognize the WD_BLACK SN770

1. NVMe Driver Not Loaded

Linux systems require the nvme kernel module. If your distro is custom/minimal (like Kitfox), it may lack built-in support.

2. UEFI/BIOS NVMe Incompatibility

Some systems have outdated firmware that doesn’t properly support certain NVMe drives, especially newer Gen4 models.

3. Drive Not Initialized or Formatted

If the SN770 is brand-new, it won’t have a file system or partition, so it may not be auto-mounted or visible.

4. PCIe Lane Configuration Issue

Some motherboards limit M.2 slot PCIe lanes depending on CPU/chipset or BIOS settings.

5. Hardware Compatibility

Not all M.2 slots support NVMe (some are SATA-only). Ensure your slot supports NVMe PCIe.

6. Missing Firmware or Kernel Support

Older or custom kernels might lack support for newer NVMe features used by the SN770.

🛠 How to Fix It – Step-by-Step

✅ Step 1: Confirm Hardware Detection via UEFI/BIOS

Reboot and enter your system’s BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing DEL, F2, or ESC during startup).

Check:

Is the WD_BLACK SN770 listed under NVMe Devices or Storage Configuration?

Ensure NVMe mode is enabled, not set to SATA or RAID.

Disable Legacy Boot and ensure UEFI boot mode is enabled.

If the BIOS doesn't detect it, try reseating the drive or testing it in another machine to verify it isn’t DOA.