Windows Server 2019 install to intel RST Raid 1 volume not showing up in installer

raidwindows-server-2019

I have an asrock rack Z490D4U-2L2T motherboard (working with a Intel 11700K) that supports Intel RST (BIOS reports driver version as 18.31.0.5166). I have two Samsung 870 evo SSDs that I want to put in RAID 1 and install Windows Server 2019 to them.

In the bios, I have switched the SATA mode selection to Intel RST Premium with Intel Optane System Acceleration (RAID Mode). Both drives do show up in the bios.
In the RST specific bios section, I select Create RAID volume, put them in RAID 1 and select create.

BIOS Storage Configuration
BIOS RST Configuration
BIOS Raid 1 Volume

Everything seems to be working, I save and reboot into the Windows Server installer. When I get to the storage selection screen, it is blank.

I went to Intel RST Driver Installation Software and downloaded the two zip files, and extracted their contents to a usb drive. I plug the USB drive in, and the Windows installer cannot find any drivers.

Windows Installer Disk Selection
Windows Installer Driver Selection
Driver USB Contents

I am unfamiliar with advanced windows installs, so I think maybe I am missing a step somewhere? Did I not download the correct drivers?

Is it even possible to boot off an Intel RST Raid volume with windows server?

Best Answer

Unfortunatly, Intel drops RST support for Windows Server 2019. The driver you have downloaded is only for 2016.

Look closer https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/15667/intel-rapid-storage-technology-intel-rst-user-interface-and-driver.html

Windows 10, 64-bit*, Windows Server 2016 family* Size: 3.7 MB SHA1: EF7FAE2C67B5586F951E33C97B2B37D0AC75D485