Windows 7: Do I need to install a driver for ACHI?

Lebon14 · 01 Nov 2010

Hi guys.

I got all the hardware for my new build and since I will be using a SSD, I will need to turn on ACHI. It's my first time with it. Always been on IDE before.

So, my main question is : Do I need to install a driver? Does Windows come with one?

My secondary question is : Will it affect my classical S-ATA data-holding HDD?

Motherboard : X58A-UD3R rev.2

Thanks for the help

theog · 02 Nov 2010

if you need drivers,You can download the Sata Controller drivers for X58A-UD3R rev.2 here:
GIGABYTE - Motherboard - Socket 1366 - GA-X58A-UD3R (rev. 2.0)

SATA Driver - Load in Windows 7 or Vista Setup

mckillwashere · 02 Nov 2010

One recommendation of mine is a fresh install if you are swapping to ACHI mode...

Lebon14 · 02 Nov 2010

Guys, that's not what I meant... I have a SSD, I enabled ACHI in the BIOS last night, but before I install Windows, will I need a driver during installation? ...or when Windows is installed?

Hopalong X · 02 Nov 2010

If it works like my ASUS the ACHI is part of Bios not the driver. The Gigabyte drivers you install later with the CD for the SATA controller not the SSD/HDD specifically.
Mine uses JMicron controller and you know what yours is or will soon.

I think that was what you wanted to double check on correct?

brianzion · 02 Nov 2010

windows will install the ssd with the right settings i use two and i just connected the power and sata cables and rebooted and it was all done and the drives where all set up i hope this helps.

Bill2 · 02 Nov 2010

Windows 7 supports AHCI out of the box, so you dont need any 3rd party drivers. However, later you can also try out the Intel rapid storage drivers, if available for your board.

TVeblen · 04 Nov 2010

Windows will install with it's own generic AHCI driver.
Once installed you can then install the Gigabyte AHCI driver that you will find on your motherboard CD, or from download.

I had an annoying issue with my Asus rig when running the standard Windows 7 AHCI driver: my hard disks were showing up as removable devices. Installing the Asus AHCI driver corrected that problem.

There is an option to load drivers during Windows installation, but obviously I did not do it. I don't know if it is necessary or of any benefit to do so beforehand. You could try it and let us know how it turns out!

To install the AHCI driver afterward:

Open Device Manager
Navigate to IDE/ATA/ATAPI Controller > ***AHCI Serial ATA Controller (or similar)
Right click > Properties
Choose: Update Driver
Browse to the folder that contains the AHCI driver from Asus > Select > OK
“Successful” Message > Close
“Must Restart > Restart
Drivers Install > Another Restart necessary > Restart
Drivers successfully Installed. Remove Hardware Icon no longer showing.

Windows 7: Do I need to install a driver for ACHI?

Do I need to install a driver for ACHI? problems?