BIOS settings for HDD

mjf · 18 Dec 2010

I have a Seagate 1TB Sata and a DVD write Sata. Windows device manager has always reported these as SCSI (not a unique problem I gather). Only the odd program refuses to see the sata drives.
All drivers up to date everything else runs ok.

Running AMI BIOS
under "Integrated Peripherals"
I have - On board Sata controller [Enabled]
On board sata mode [AHCI] ...the default setting

when I change [AHCI] to [Native IDE], windows device manager reports the drives as ATA. HDD speed slightly improved and all programs now see the Sata devices.

The [Native IDE] setting just doesn't seem right to me? Any comments?

DustSailor · 18 Dec 2010

Sometimes, if the operating system is already installed, switching can cause problems, as it is reported. If IDE works, use it. IDE is what I use for my SSD and I have a beast ':.:'

DustSailor · 18 Dec 2010

Just Found this: AHCI : Enable in Windows 7 / Vista You can give it a shot but I'd be careful. IF what you have works, no real need.

mjf · 19 Dec 2010

Thanks, I didn't know about the tutorial !
I tried the appropriate changes (inc. nForce change). I can have bios set to AHCI
and Windows now recognizes the sata devices.
BUT
(1) no performance improvement on speed tests
(2) mini XP on the Hirens boot disk will not recognize my sata devices but it will under native IDE.
Hirens 12.0 is packed full of useful utilities. From bootable hex/mbr editors to Macrium Pe boot disk capabilty.

So with a conventional HDD, I'll stick with native IDE for now.
Are you using AHCI now?

DustSailor · 20 Dec 2010

I thought about it, and when I tried (recently) I didn't follow the tutorial and ended up having to reinstall. I know SSDs do really well under it, but I'm not sure about HDDs. IDE works for now, I may try AHCI or RAID later

DustSailor · 21 Dec 2010

I decided to go ahead and do the AHCI and the tutorial worked successfully, but I think the only thing that happened for me was it took down my GPU's WEI score by .1. I didn't do any tests, but I'm fine with it, cause I think my graphics card boasts higher capabilities than it actually has. Perhaps it is only reading it better or something lol