Windows 7 + Intel X25-V SSD = fail

[queensoft]

Asus P5K-V - BIOS 1002 - latest
Q6600 Quad Core at 2.4 GHz - no overclock
SSD Intel X25-V 40 Gb - firmware 2CV102HD - latest
Leadtek 8600GT
4 Gb RAM at 800 Mhz - no overclock, also tried setting it to 666 Mhz but it doesn't help
LG DVD Writer
I have taken out tv tuner, bluetooth dongle, second sound card, 2 WD HDD 250 Gb each.

I have tried 2 versions of Windows 7 Ultimate x64 and one version of Windows 7 Ultimate x86 - none works.
First version of x64 - goes past first restart, it hangs at Completing installation... step.
Second version of x64 - goes past first 2 restarts, it hangs after a couple of minutes after second restart. Second restart is right after the Completing installation... step.
x86 - goes past first 2 restarts, it hangs after a couple of minutes after second restart. This version of Windows 7 x86 works perfectly on my classic WD 250 Gb HDD for about 6 months.

The BIOS settings for SATA are: SATA Mode Enhanced and AHCI Enabled.

I have also installed Vistal Ultimate SP1 and it works perfectly. Haven't installed any drivers though.

Some people said to install Windows 7 over Vista, on the same partition. Did that, formatting the Vista partition, it didn't helped.

When I try to install Windows 7, it creates 2 partitions: one small - 100 Mb, one larger - remaining space. Is that normal? Vista on SSD and 7 on HDD don't do that.
The SSD drive seems fine when I acces it from my old Windows 7, it's a brand new drive.

Is there a problem if I put the drive upside down? The adapter bracket is on top and the drive below it.

I have downloaded Intel SSD Toolbox and all report are fine: SMART and fast diagnostic scan are OK.

LATER EDIT: Well, this is embarrasing !!
I just switched the brand-new-never-used SATA cable with an old one and I managed to do a perfect Windows 7 install !!!
I'll let you know if I get any problems !!

 

[Thijmen]

The first thing what i would do is test the hard drive for bad sector with a hirens boot cd. but since it is a SSD hard drive i don't know it would work.

 

[fseal]

Ugh, bad cable. Luckily that doesn't happen too often. Congrats on the lucky find

 

[pparks1]

Glad that you were able to get that sorted out. It's hard to figure out issues like that sometimes...but they sure can cause major issues.

 

[queensoft]

Is there a problem if I put the drive upside down? The adapter bracket is on top and the drive below it.

 

[fseal]

An SSD? No

That was generally the one position you do NOT want to put a rotating drive but...

 

[Ash77]

An SSD? No

That was generally the one position you do NOT want to put a rotating drive but...

well.. say that to Apple

mine and every MAC PRO have the four drive bay upside down