Problem With AHCI Mode on GA-Z68AP-D3

[deejay187]

Going a little insane after spending a load on this brand new build!

I am building a setup with the following hardware, and have run into a problem.

Gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3
Intel i5 2500K 3.3ghz (3.7ghz Turbo)
MSI AMD Radeon HD 6670 1GB GDDR3 (R6670-MD1GD3)
Corsair Vengeance Black - 8GB 1600mhz (2x4GB)
Samsung SpinPoint F3 1TB HDD 7200rpm
Samsung S222AB 22x DVD +/-RW Drive
Alpine 700w ATX PSU

When I enable AHCI mode for the Sata drives in the BIOS, the boot just hangs where you would normally see the AHCI drives listed (HDD and DVD). All I am am left with is a flashing cursor at the top of the black screen. This is before any attempt at installing the OS on brand new unused equipment. Once it gets into this state, I am unable to enter the BIOS even after turning off the machine, so I have to remove the battery on motherboard.

I removed the HD 6670 GPU, and booted using the on-board graphics and to my surprise I could get both the HDD and DVD to appear in AHCI Mode with no problems.

Also, I re-installed the HD 6670, enabled IDE mode for Sata drives in bios and I was able to install Windows 7 and that worked fine, so I know the GPU actually works when in IDE mode.

The point is, why can't I get it to work in AHCI mode with my graphics card installed? is it an issue with the chipset? I am open to any ideas.... I have tried flashing the BIOS, latest firmware F6. And I am using rev. 1.0 of the board to no positive effect.

So yeah If someone has any clues or suggestions of things to try: Please let me know!

Many thanks,
Luke

[Lsdmeasap]

It sounds to me like that could be a BIOS issue, I'd go ahead and start a support ticket with all of the above info and see if Gigabyte can help you directly with a test BIOS.

Here is where to start a support ticket
http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/technical-support.aspx

While you wait, as they are on break right now for Chinese New Year, do you have any other graphics cards you could test with?

Also, be sure you have your drives in the correct slots.   Put your OS drive into the first SATA slot (SATA3_0 first white, against the board PCB), and put your CD/DVD into the last slot SATA2_5 last blue against the board PCB.   I would also test the AHCI Native mode enabled and disabled to see if either one of those ways helps

[Dark Mantis]

I would agree with what Lsdmeasap suggests there also if you can try swapping out the PSU for another model. If possible try one that is a good make like Seasonic, CWT, Corsair, Thermaltake, Enermax, Gigabyte, Coolermaster, Antec, etc and at least the output that you have there.

[deejay187]

Thanks for the replies and advice guys. Have already contacted Gigabyte, but like you say, not much chance of a reply anytime soon...

Dark Mantis - I am interested in what you say about the PSU. I do regret skimping on this to be honest. Is your comment a general observation of my set up or do you think this could be the root of my problem? If so why would it only be a problem in AHCI mode?

Thanks again!

Luke

[Dark Mantis]

Hi Luke,

It was both really. You would be surprised at how many times the problem, can be laid at the feet of a PSU. An awful lot of these cheap and cheerful power supplies can cause problems and it really isn't something that should be skimped on as it can blow and take a lot of your other expensive equiptment with it.

You wouldn't guess how many of them actually fall far below their advertised power output rating. Only guessing but I wouldn't be shocked to find that your max output was in the region of 500 - 550w.

[deejay187]

OK Update:

1) Tried an old ATI card from my brothers machine in my new build and it worked in AHCI mode.

2) Tried my Radeon HD 6670 in my brothers machine. Worked in AHCI mode.

3) Tried my brothers PSU in my machine with the HD 6670. Did NOT work in AHCI mode.

This has just confused us further. And leads me back to the motherboard.

Thoughts?

[Dark Mantis]

What BIOS setting have you got for the graphics when the card is inserted ?

[deejay187]

Can you clarify what you mean please?

Only one I can think of is init display first? which is on PCI. Also tried on x16 (the port its connected to) and makes no difference.

[Dark Mantis]

I mean in the BIOS there are settings depending on whether you have a graphics card installed or not and if so in which slot is it inserted in.

[deejay187]

Sorry yeah, edited post above about that. It's on PCI by default, but also tried it on x16.

[Dark Mantis]

Sorry yeah, edited post above about that. It's on PCI by default, but also tried it on x16.

Normally when you have a board with the onboard graphics ability there is an option that says something like "enabled if no graphics card installed". That basically makes the onboard work if there is no GPU inserted. Also it is normally PEG (PCIE Enhanced Graphics) not PCI. I take it that when installed it is in the top PCIE x16 slot ?

You can find it all on page 44 of the manual.

http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_ga-z68ap-d3_e.pdf

[deejay187]

Just been and bought another GPU from Eclipse Computers which is in my City. Same specs HD 6670 but different manufacturer.

And guess what... it works perfectly in AHCI.

Hooray!

Other one will be going back to the store, can only assume it is faulty. Thankfully Novatech agree.

Thanks for all your help!

[Rolo42]

A mite odd indeed.

Now buy a real PSU that won't choke, reboot, or fry, like Dark Mantis suggested.  I like Enermax; I don't like CoolerMaster.  The ONLY real PSU review site: http://www.jonnyguru.com/

[Lsdmeasap]

Nice to see you narrowed it down!   Sounds like a BIOS incompatibility with that card and the current motherboard BIOS to me, since the card works fine in other systems just not yours.

When Gigabyte does reply back be sure to let them know you narrowed it down to exactly that card being incompatible with their latest BIOS, so they can try to obtain one of those cards and correct the issue.

[Aussie Allan]

 

Nice to see you narrowed it down!   Sounds like a BIOS incompatibility with that card and the current motherboard BIOS to me, since the card works fine in other systems just not yours.

When Gigabyte does reply back be sure to let them know you narrowed it down to exactly that card being incompatible with their latest BIOS, so they can try to obtain one of those cards and correct the issue.

   

  AA