M1330 ATA/AHCI issues...

Okay, I'm not even trying to install XP here. I'm just doing a clean install of Vista. For some reason, when I install either the Intel Matrix Storage Manager or the Intel Mobile Chipset software, my machine falls into a big hole of BSOD's. I can switch it into AHCI mode or ATA mode, it still BSOD's. In what order are you supposed to install those two pieces of driver software to not get an insane BSOD loop?

 

As I said in my post, enabling/disabling Flash Cache/ACHI mode doesn't make a difference

 

Try setting it back to ATA and disable flash cache in bios.

Install the Intel Matrix Storage Manager and Reboot.

Go back to the bios immediately and set it back to AHCI and enabling flash cache.

The system will detect new PCI hardware or something and finish the installation.

 

So, Intel Matrix Storage Manager before Chipset stuff? And is it a straight install for the Matrix Storage Manager or do you have to do Have Disk and point out the right driver and stuff?

 

I installed the chipset first but that was for XP. Not sure about Vista.

 

Hmm... Anyone else know? Fresh install of Vista? Even Safe Mode boot attempts are bluescreening.

 

The only way that this works is:
- Leave AHCI ENABLED in BIOS
- During Vista install:
1. remove partition
2. use Dell driver CD to load AHCI drivers during setup
3. Add NOTHING else driverwise once install is completed

Once Vista install is completed Vista Update will sort the drivers out further. There is no need to install the Intel storage manager as standalone install. (some components will be automaticly installed if you are using ROBSON Turbo memory)

 

So just to get it straight, the only way to have ACHI Vista on a clean install is load drivers off the Drivers & Utilities DVD at install? And then just leave things alone in terms of the Matrix Storage Manager? What about the Mobile Chipset Driver, should I run a standalone install on that?

 

nope, neither, all is found and updated by Vista, only use the drivers during instal to partition

 

Alright... Bah, I don't want to reformat yet again... What's the difference between ACHI and ATA, in terms of performance?

 

I second the question. I just received my m1330. I did a clean install of Vista and everything is perfect EXCEPT for the ATA/AHCI problem.
I really would rather not have to re-install vista as I spent quite a while installing all the apps I need and configuring everything.

What exactly is the difference between the 2 options? Is there a performance difference?

 

Can anyone help us out here?

 

if you have installed it with ACHI and are running ATA or vice versa, you are a high likely candidate for BSOD's.

AHCI has NCQ and is about 25% faster in sustained datarates. I.O.W. you DON'T want to run ATA on an AHCI capable system

 

I have done specific tests on HD/SSD and it comes to an average of about 10-15MB/S read/write and burst faster with AHCI enabled.

You may get lucky with your BSODS. They occur with a hot reboot and, with mine anyway, didnt occur with a cold reboot. All I had to do was cold reboot then do a normal installation of the drivers.