how to boot from SSD instead of NVMe on Mini S12 Pro ?

netllama

I just received a Mini S12 Pro. I want to boot exclusively from a 512GB micron m4 SSD, instead of the NVMe that comes with the unit.

I can’t figure out any way to make this SSD used as a bootable device.

The SSD is detected inside the BIOS (via CHIPSET -> PCHIO -> SATA) in SATA PORT 1. I’ve tried toggling it between “HARD DISK DRIVE” and “SOLID STATE DRIVE” but that doesn’t have any impact. That is literally the only place the BIOS ever shows this SSD. Its never listed on any of the BOOT Options.

This same SSD boots without any problems in other computers. Its only this Beeline unit where its refusing to work.

Surely there must be some way to make this work?

thanks !

casina

I’ve the same problem on Mini S12 N95, could anyone help?
Thanks a lot

netllama

I eventually figured out that the SSD disk needs to have the EFI partition setup to make it bootable, despite the BIOS claiming that it could boot without EFI mode.

I contacted Support too, and they were completely useless. First they insisted that I install MS Windows (this is a pure Linux environment), then they wanted me to format the disk (which means i’d have to lose all the data). They don’t understand how their own product (BIOS) works.

SmilingInSeattl

netllama

Your solution response intrigues me. I just purchased an EQR, and though I’ve just set it up with Windows to replace an old unit my wife uses to watch old TV series, I’m thoroughly thinking about playing with it first and installing either Manjaro or ARCH on it. In the thinking process I’ve thumbed through the BIOS at least 3 times, noted and played with the BOOT sequence tab. What I don’t see that most Linux users at least used to look for is a CSM or Legacy + UEFI boot mode.

Did you try to set up your Linux drive to boot as UEFI? I admit I just keep updating old hardware when a significant change comes to a major peripheral type, or old hardware fails and what I find I can replace it with forces an upgrade. I’ve been running (playing with) Linux since I first compiled a kernel on an abandoned laptop back in 1994 using an external CD Drive! Although I’ve used Fedora, SuSE, Ubuntu and Mint over the years, I now use Manjaro for a basic desktop, but I dual boot also into ARCH (which I’ve actually had longer, but found being “cutting edge” sometimes can create hair pulling stress when an update borks the working machine. Manjaro still “gets me” once in a while, but it’s easier to back out of unless I get strict with “backup” every time before you do an update. I use ARCH to try out some new software to decide if it’s the best to use for my application and if it works. Once I dec ide I like it, then I’ll install it on my Manjaro partition.

jbr439

Same issue here with a Mini S12 Pro (actually 2 of them). Cannot get the devices to legacy boot.

I’ve pulled my hair out googling the issue to death and mucking around in the BIOS. Nothing works.

I’m trying to legacy boot Ubuntu and that fails. And yes the SSD disk is MBR/BIOS and boots fine on other machines in legacy mode. And yes secure boot is off and the boot mode changed to legacy.
FWIW, UEFI boot of a Ubuntu GPT/UEFI SSD disk works.
In both cases, I’m using an external USB drive.

Both devices have BIOS AMI version ADLNV105.

Unless someone has an answer for this issue, I have to conclude that there’s a bug in the BIOS preventing legacy booting.

As such, would a later BIOS version fix the problem?

[The reason I want legacy boot is because I have some existing MBR/BIOS disks (with data) that I want to use in Beelink devices.]