Windows 7: Images & switching AHCI to IDE

I'm think of "permanently" switching my onboard sata mode from [AHCI] to [Native IDE].
What effect is this likely to have on Windows and Macrium Images old & new???

That is Old image made with [AHCI] setting reimage to [Native IDE] setting
Old image made with [Native IDE] setting reimage to [AHCI] setting - if I I ever switched back from Native IDE to AHCI.

I'm curious why you would want to do that; everything I've read says AHCI out-performs IDE.
I certainly wouldn't do it but it's your machine. You know something I don't? Please share

In any case, I don't think Macrium knows or cares which interface you are using.

I know this isn't much help, but I had to ask.

I asked a related question elsewhere (Hardware?) and the one respondent much preferred IDE (for sata mode) for their SSD.

I considered IDE sata mode was a backward step initially. But driver updates wouldn't stop Windows device manager seeing the Sata HDD & DVD as Scsi. Generally not a problem but the odd program wouldn't see the drive:
- Seatools wouldn't see a Seagate sata HDD
- Hirens boot CD wouldn't see it.

Changed to Native IDE mode and windows sees HDD & DVD as ATA devices. Above programs now work fine.
What about speed? CrystalDiskMark benchmarked sequential reads better. Informal testing suggested better speed performance!

So that's why I changed.

Agreed. Please let us know why we need to go backwards?

Why? How? Only one respondant?

Honestly if you're going to base this decision on one respondant, you haven't done enough research.

- AHCI vs IDE
- Google - AHCI vs IDE

Just trying to help

Does IDE support TRIM for your SSD? I would think that important.

Good point. Again, this is where the research comes in

No although I appreciated the respondent's comment, it wasn't the basis of my decision. I did research the topic and there were pros and cons - hot swapping, trim etc, etc.

I have seen a number of people asking - why does windows see my sata as a scsi? I haven't seen any acceptable answer. Windows claimed my drivers were the best for the situation.

I'm running a conventional HDD (not an SSD) and the benefits appear to outweigh the negatives. I'm taking a pragmatic approach at this stage and I can swap the BIOS back to AHCI if and when I want to.

GeneO,
I'm not running an SSD so is trim important?

I'm not that strong in this area and your comments are more than welcome - thanks.

Well as long as you do the reseach which allows you to make an informed decision that's all that matters.

Good luck.

sygnus21,
I had actually read your first reference before. I didn't find the gains reported that compelling. I'm using Nvidia controllers and a Seagate Baracuda 1TB.
I'll follow up with the numbers I got on my informal test results in case anyone is interested.

Yeah from my unscientific research I didn't see much of a gain either, but I also saw no loss or problems so I use it by default. From this point I see no reason to go back to IDE unless I have an issue preventing me from using ACHI. That's me though.

Good luck on your decision.