.zip or .exe file. For the F6 version, extract the folder to a USB drive.If your model isnāt listed, search the Acer support site for āN20C5ā ā Acer sometimes publishes cross-model drivers under that board code.
As a last resort (if Acer is slow to update), you can use Intelās generic IRST driver. Download from Intelās Download Center and look for āIntel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) Driver for Windows 10/11ā. However, the Acer-tuned version is always preferable because it includes custom power management settings for your specific N20C5 hardware.
The term N20C5 is not a product name you will find on a retail box. Instead, it is an internal motherboard designation used by Acerās original design manufacturer (ODM), typically Compal or Quanta. You will see this string in:
Laptops with the N20C5 board almost always use modern NVMe SSDs (M.2 2280 form factor) or, in some configurations, a SATA HDD/SSD. The storage driver is essential because the motherboard employs a VMD (Volume Management Device) or RAID controller mode by default. acer n20c5 storage driver
If Windows is already installed but running poorly:
Alternative: Run the SetupRST.exe from the Intel RST package (if you downloaded the full installer). This auto-detects the N20C5 controller.
Since āN20C5ā is not a retail model name, you need to confirm your exact laptop series to download the correct driver. Hereās how: Download the
Common Acer models that use the N20C5 board include:
Once you know your full model, go to Acerās official support site and enter that model number. The drivers listed thereāspecifically the āIntel SATA AHCI Driverā or āIntel Rapid Storage Technology Driverāāare the correct N20C5 storage drivers.
Download version 18.x or higher ā Older versions (17.x) have known VMD compatibility issues with N20C5 boards. If your model isnāt listed, search the Acer
Alternative direct link (if model search fails):
Search for "Acer Intel RST Driver F6 N20C5" on Acerās Community forums. Verified community members often share the specific .zip file name (e.g., RST_F6_18.7.1.1002_N20C5.zip).
Cause: Windows is trying to boot in AHCI mode but the BIOS is set to RST/VMD.
Fix: Reboot to BIOS ā Change SATA mode from Intel RST Premium to AHCI ā OR ā Reinstall Windows with the proper driver injected.