P55m-UD2 and AHCI problems

Hi all,

I've had some issues in the past with my current motherboard (gigabyte p55m-ud2) and have recently updated the bios to f7 and was hoping for some help.

Previously, I've had issues with the motherboard not detecting IDE optical drives correctly with AHCI enabled, so I was forced to install W7 using RAID/IDE mode so the DVD drive would actually detect and install.

Ever since I have had W7 installed, the optical drive has still never worked correctly (detects as SCSI), and only allows me to read but never write (it constantly fails). I've searched around and found it to be a common issue with my model LG dvdrw, with most people suggesting to upgrade to a sata dvdrw.

I have now updated my BIOS to the latest, with some reports of certain IDE optical drives actually functioning correctly- but have run into additional problems.

The first issue, is that windows is telling me that my version of windows is no longer genuine (which I have put down to it detecting a hardware change, as the bios revision has changed).

Secondly, I have tried to enable AHCI mode and during boot either freezes after post, displaying an "Loading operating system" screen, or freezes after the intro animation and gives a BSOD (with varying error messages each time).

I've considered purchasing a new dvd drive and starting from scratch, as I remember reading somewhere that you are required to select AHCI mode on the intial install and it can't be changed afterwards.

Can anyone shed some light on this issue for me? If i'm going to have to do a reinstall, there is no point in me activating windows again.

Thanks,
Luke

It is suggested, IF you want to choose AHCI you do it prior to installing the OS because it takes a registry hack to do it afterward.

I don't know for sure, but I believe only the hard drives are run using the AHCI controller, since that option is normally under the Drive configuration. I have not run an IDE optical drive and I do not run AHCI, but I do not think your problem is caused by that option.

Just in case, the drive options should be IDE or AHCI or RAID. Each one is different, but your bios may indicate a "RAID READY" type system that does not require the use of certain matrix drivers for the RAID.

0rbytel said:

I've had some issues in the past with my current motherboard (gigabyte p55m-ud2) and have recently updated the bios to f7 and was hoping for some help.

Previously, I've had issues with the motherboard not detecting IDE optical drives correctly with AHCI enabled, so I was forced to install W7 using RAID/IDE mode so the DVD drive would actually detect and install.

Hi Luke
Did you manage to get this working with AHCI and IDE optical drive?

I managed to install from IDE LG GSA-4163B with AHCI enabled, but then I had loads of problems with the drive not ejecting when asked or taking 5mins to recognise new disc when inserted. Some of that may have been down to a dodgy drive, but I'm having similar problems with an alternative IDE DVD drive I had.

Mine is a new build with F7 BIOS from new.

Did you end up buying a new SATA optical drive?

Hi otherwayup,

No, i had nothing but issues with the ide drive, and it got to the point where I ripped the thing out and threw it. I had all the same issues as you described, with the drive not opening, taking forever to read a disk etc,

I ended up buying a lite-on sata drive for $25, and it works beautifully. Not only does it solve most of my problems, but I can actually burn disks now too.

From all the issues i experienced, i'd suggest just going out and buying another drive. They're relatively cheap nowdays, and it's well worth it considering the issues that the IDE drives seem to cause for those boards.

Hi Luke,

Could you let me know exactly which Lite-On drive you bought, as I think I'll give up and get the same.

p.s. Are you on Win7 64bit?

Many thanks.

You can diagnose and repair your HD using the maker's diagnostics bootable CD. In many cases, it can repair a failing HD to extend its use indefinitely.

Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.

I run full diagnostics scan every time I install, then zero the HD to get it cleanest possible.

otherwayup said:

Hi Luke,

Could you let me know exactly which Lite-On drive you bought, as I think I'll give up and get the same.

p.s. Are you on Win7 64bit?

Many thanks.

Hi Mate,

I ended up buying a Lite-on iHAS124, which was AU$27.00, cheap as chips really. It performs well above what the IDE drive did too, both reading and writing.

And yes, i'm using W7 64bit.

Let us know how you go!

Luke,

From other info. I've picked up I believe the IDE header is "controlled/managed" by the GSATA2 ('Onboard SATA/IDE' in the BIOS which is apparently a rebadged jmicron chip). I'm worried that if the IDE header doesn't work, then maybe the GSATA2 headers won't either.

My internal HD is connected to the (blue from memory) SATA2_0 header, so I only have my faceplate eSATA and external drive bay cables connected to the GSATA2 headers (purple from memory).

I don't have anything to connect to them to try them out, so can't test if the GSATA2 is not working as well.

I don't suppose you have checked/tested if the GSATA headers work ok have you?

Thanks.

No, can't say I have. I have my drives connected to the blue sata2 headers. I'll see if I can get my hands on an eSata drive and let you know.

I borrowed another IDE drive, just in case and it works fine. I checked my drive in the lender's PC and it didn't work, so the problems were with my drives rather than the motherboard.

Looks like I'll be buying a new drive then.