Troubleshooting Hackintosh NVMe Panic: Controller Fatal Bit Set Issue

  1. Introduction:

    • Explanation of the NVMe panic issue: "3rd party NVMe controller. Controller fatal bit set."
    • Overview of the situation: experiencing the panic with SN750 2TB NVMe drive, which was previously used as a macOS boot drive.
  2. System Configuration:

    • Description of the current hardware setup, including NVMe drives used for macOS and Windows boot drives.
    • Mention of recent changes, such as switching from SN570 1TB to SN770 2TB as the macOS boot drive.
  3. Understanding the Panic:

    • Analysis of the panic log provided to understand the error messages and potential causes.
    • Discussion on possible reasons for the panic, including hardware conflicts, power consumption, or firmware issues.
  4. Troubleshooting Steps:

    • Checking NVMe drive health using WD tools and CrystalDisk.
    • Verifying firmware updates for both SN750 and SN770 drives.
    • Exploring the possibility of macOS confusion between the NVMe drives.
    • Considering the impact of recent hardware changes on system stability.
  5. Potential Solutions:

    • Evaluating the necessity of using the SN750 NVMe drive for Windows boot.
    • Exploring alternatives, such as using SN570/SN580 class drives for both macOS and Windows boot.
    • Discussing the priority of stability over drive speed or class.
  6. Testing and Validation:

    • Implementing potential solutions and monitoring system behavior.
    • Conducting stress tests and system checks to ensure stability and reliability.
    • Gathering feedback and observing any recurrence of the NVMe panic issue.
  7. Conclusion:

    • Summary of troubleshooting steps taken and potential solutions considered.
    • Recommendations for achieving system stability and minimizing the risk of NVMe panic.
    • Encouragement to seek further assistance or explore alternative configurations if the issue persists.
Controller fatal bit set NVMe Panic - again with SN750 2TB

I used to have NVME panic issues with my SN750 2TB as my macOS boot drive.

I swapped it out for a SN570 1TB and thought I had solved the issue.

Today I woke up to the "3rd party NVMe controller. Controller fatal bit set." freeze and warning in macOS

Here's what's my configuration and why I'm stumped

Hackintosh Boot Drive: SN770 2TB

Windows Boot Drive: SN750 2TB (the one from macOS in the past)

I got the "3rd party NVMe controller. Controller fatal bit set." warning related to the SN750 (which is the Windows boot drive)...in macOS?

Is it possible that macOS has them confused?

Could I be getting a panic in macOS, for a Windows Boot Drive ... somehow?

Is macOS trying to write some kind of data to that for some reason anyhow?

Another data point -- this system was running flawlessly the last week with:

Hack Boot Drive: SN570 1TB

Windows Boot Drive: SN750 2TB

Just yesterday I did a Clonezilla from the SN570 1TB to the new SN770 2TB .. all went well and I used the system for many more hours last night after the clone... and then I woke up to that panic this AM

  1. I'm confused why macOS is freezing with an NVMe panic related to the Windows Boot Drive (SN750)

  2. It it just coincidence that this came the morning after a drive switch on the macOS side?

  3. Could the combo of the SN770 + SN750 be somehow using too much power or something else the SN570 wasn't doing?

  4. Maybe just the presence of the SN750 anywhere in my build is the issue?

I don't know what to do here.

WD tools and CrystalDisk both show no issues for either NVMe drive.

The SN750 is firmware up to date.

The SN770 did have a firmware update which I've applied -- but again, the macOS panic mentioned the SN750?

Here is the panic log: https://file.io/EVnFNlQZvYpQ

I'd really appreciate any thoughts -- I'm so bummed this somehow has returned.

I thought by switching my boot drive away from the SN750 I'd been saved

Thoughts...

  1. Maybe I need to get rid of the SN750 even for Windows usage?

  2. Perhaps I need to step down to just SN570/SN580 class drives (for mac or win or both)?

  3. I really don't care about the class or speed of the drive, etc -- I just want stability!

Author: @turbineseaplane