GA-Z97X-UD3H doesn't pass POST with 4Kn HDD initialized in GPT.

[Tacis]

I've been trying to register on this forum for about 4 months, so this will be an updated post.

In March 2020 I've bought a WD HC310 (0B35948 HUS726T4TALN6L4) HDD, connected it to GA-Z97X-UD3H, booted the system once OK, initialized the HDD in GPT, rebooted and it froze during POST.

I've started a few posts on different forums and also opened a ticket on ESupport. Told them everything, every detail, suggested my help in any way possible, even sending them a similar HDD, but they kept telling me they are testing something. They've sent 3 different BIOS images, which didn't fix the issue. In the end they told me the model of the HDD they tested with - not a 4Kn drive! And now they told me that they ordered a 4Kn drive "from abroad" and I have to wait another month!

With the help of other users of other forums, I found out steps to resolve the issue:

1. Enable the "Intel Rapid Start Technology" and set "Rapid Start store search type" to "PCIE AHCI/NVME Controller".
2. Save and reboot.
3. Disable the "Intel Rapid Start Technology".
4. System boots OK.

I have more questions, for which the support doesn't give a reply yet:

1. Why is the "Rapid Start store search type" option is read from settings, when "Intel Rapid Start Technology" is Disabled?
2. How do I mod the BIOS to have the "Rapid Start store search type" set to "PCIE AHCI/NVME Controller" by default, so if there will be BIOS reset, I won't have to disconnect the HDD to set the right setting?

P.S. I have a lot more questions, a lot of "hows" and "whys" about Gigabyte support, but I'm so fed up with waiting, so I don't really care about support now.

[dmdilks]

On the HDD if you have a adapter sata cable that connects from molex to sata. Try that and see what happens if does work I'll tell why it work.

[Tacis]

On the HDD if you have a adapter sata cable that connects from molex to sata. Try that and see what happens if does work I'll tell why it work.

At first I connected HDD directly to the PSU SATA power cable, but after it froze the first time, I did all the tests with a longer MOLEX to SATA power cable adapter (PSU side MOLEX, HDD side SATA obviously). So nope, power cable is not related. It is 100% a BIOS issue, related to Intel Rapid Start.

[shadowsports]

While 4Kn drives appear to be gaining ground, many older boards might not be able to interpret or support the sector alignment correctly. 

Yes, a new BIOS should help, but I don't know how much effort or resources a manufacturer will put into Z97 based board.

Hope you get it solved, but I wouldn't base a system used for production on it.   

[dmdilks]

Don't know if this is one of them. That is why I said what I said about the adapter cable. But here is a link:

https://forums.unraid.net/topic/84038-so-your-new-sas-or-sata-drive-wont-start-spin-up/

[Tacis]

While 4Kn drives appear to be gaining ground, many older boards might not be able to interpret or support the sector alignment correctly.

The motherboards should not care about sector alignment, unless they're trying to boot. Just a reminder: boot process starts after POST.

Yes, a new BIOS should help, but I don't know how much effort or resources a manufacturer will put into Z97 based board.

Well, they've spent 4 months already...

Hope you get it solved

Thanks.

but I wouldn't base a system used for production on it.

[/quote]

Why is that so?

Don't know if this is one of them. That is why I said what I said about the adapter cable. But here is a link:

https://forums.unraid.net/topic/84038-so-your-new-sas-or-sata-drive-wont-start-spin-up/

How could any BIOS setting be related to power, which is coming directly from PSU? Even if there are such smart PSU's, which could be controlled by a motherboard, I don't have those.

[dmdilks]

One of the problems is that any of these companies. They get to a point that they stop support on older boards. Your board is like 6 yrs old. The last Bios update is it in 2016.

The only thing I could say is start a ticket in support on this. Plus how long have you been fighting this. I seen another thread out that is like over 3 months old on this same problem.

Sorry you having a problem. But buying new technology stuff and using it older boards some times don't mix.

[Tacis]

The only thing I could say is start a ticket in support on this.

Another ticket?

[shadowsports]

The only thing I could say is start a ticket in support on this.

Another ticket?

Greetings,
We understand you're frustrated, but there is nothing that we as fellow users (like yourself) can do.  If you've opened a ticket, then ping support every couple of days until you get a reply, assistance or help.  The forums are not monitored by Gigabyte, so you won't get a reply from them here.  Your best bet is continuing to follow up on your existing ticket. 

As dmdilks pointed out, your board is likely EOL.  This is how the support life cycle works.  I know, perfectly good board...  I'm typing this reply from the Z97 system is my sig...  Its been one of the most stable and reliable systems I've ever owned.  If you can't get something from support, maybe its time to consider something newer that will support the 4Kn.

[Tacis]

Fixed today by Gigabyte techsupport, they sent a modified BIOS image, T2:

MODERATOR COMMENT: links removed as not linked to any files.

[Tacis]

MODERATOR COMMENT: links removed as not linked to any files.
« Last Edit: July 11, 2020, 07:32:02 pm by absic »

@absic - are you mad? Have you opened the links? All three of them linked to a zip file sent me by Gigabyte support! Have you heard about file hosting services? Go check the internet, I think you missed that invention. Also, why three links? Mirrors! Google that too, that is also a thing, in case any of them gets obsolete. Jesus, what a way to appreciate the help of a fellow Gigabyte user - delete and ban everything.

Well, here's the link to a more friendly forum: https://www.win-raid.com/t6186f16-SOLVED-Gigabyte-GA-Z-X-UD-H-cannot-boot-in-AHCI-mode-if-HDD-initialized-in-GPT-5.html - there are not only the links you deleted, but also an example of how to be friendly. Bye-bye.

[shadowsports]

Actually, that was my doing.

He is friendly.  But when someone posts links that appear random without any description or reference there is no choice but to take action.

The forum is under constant attack from SPAM bots and others.  Your links did not appear valid.

Had you explained what you were posting, instead of random links, they may have been allowed to stay. 

Please be mindful of this and understand.

[Tacis]

He is friendly.  But when someone posts links that appear random without any description or reference there is no choice but to take action.

The forum is under constant attack from SPAM bots and others.  Your links did not appear valid.

Had you explained what you were posting, instead of random links, they may have been allowed to stay. 

Please be mindful of this and understand.

I don't and I won't understand. You saw my message, "Fixed today by Gigabyte techsupport, they sent a modified BIOS image, T2", ending with a colon (":", I've just checked, the colon is used as I thought, to introduce a list of items) and three links to three file hosting services. What else can it be other then a modified BIOS image, T2 What in your mind is a valid link? A direct link to motherboard support page? Do you think they immediately publish a testing BIOS image there? Or maybe I had to give my Esupport credentials so you could download the BIOS from there? How is this friendly if a moderator first shoots and then asks? Couldn't you just click the links and see that there's the same similar zip file with a BIOS image? Argh, friendly my ass. Sorry for taking your time, you obviously are busy hunting spamers.

[shadowsports]

What in my mind is valid...

Well, for sure one that doesn't say "zippyshare".  Which one of yours did.



"Couldn't you just click the file (link)"?

Uh, you first.  I didn't have a VM running and since exercising safe browsing habits is something I expect of and educate users on everyday, no, I won't click on a unknown (or randomly generated) link to see what happens or where it takes me.  This can invite trouble.  All you would have needed to do, is caption the links.  This is from Gigabyte...  BIOS T2 available here, etc.

"Busy hunting spammers"?  No quite the opposite.     

It was a misunderstanding.  No one did anything "to you".  You haven't been injured or suffered any type of loss.

You're fine, breathe.  Let it go.  We have.  Stay well and be happy 

[Tacis]

What in my mind is valid...

Well, for sure one that doesn't say "zippyshare".  Which one of yours did.

It is quite popular and it works since 2006, that is really weird you haven't heard about it. Also, I don't think you can find more logical service to SHARE a ZIP file.

"Couldn't you just click the file (link)"?

Uh, you first.  I didn't have a VM running and since exercising safe browsing habits is something I expect of and educate users on everyday, no, I won't click on a unknown (or randomly generated) link to see what happens or where it takes me.  This can invite trouble.  All you would have needed to do, is caption the links.

If you follow these easy guidelines, you will be much safer:
1. Always make sure you have the up-to-date version of the browser (Chrome, Firefox, Opera and Internet Explorer update themselves out-of-the-box, also all these browsers have in-built anti-fraud-phishing-etc measures).
2. Have an anti-advertisement addon installed, I suggest ublock.
3. Have a HTTPS-enforcing addon installed, I suggest HTTPS Everywhere.
4. Have a working updated file antivirus, at least Windows Defender, but better something real, like DrWeb or Malwarebytes.

And voila, you can open all links, download all files and turn off your spam-hunter-mode.

Anyway, as you can see for yourself, within 7 different forums only here my links are deleted, because something. So I'm completely ignoring your advices about labeling, because in the outer world there are more sane places, which don't shoot at sight. Have good day and goodbye. Time to close this topic.