GA-X58A-UD3R shutdown and startup problem.

[F5BJR]

*
For : --> windows could not format a partition on disk 0 or similar message as cannot find an install disk ...

I have also this error some days if i install disks connected to an old card 8 * IDE ports LSILogic /DELL ATA 100/4R

Finnaly i have found a stupid WIN7 install problem ( can format , can make partition but cannot install )

1 - remove in BIOS boot to USB disks as first disk ( in BIOS order DVD , harddisk RAID first disk )
* with WINXP i have never see this problem !!*
 
2 - start DVD install

3 - when requiert RAID driver i plug the USB key, i load driver

4 - after find my RAID disk and all is good

This error is because WIN7 test to write a removeable disk USB and cannot continue

Pierre





 

[Störung]

In my case, I had to delete the partitions and create new ones to get rid of that format and install problem.

After with my second windows install, I got a small new problem but suddenly with booting the system kept hanging at Verifying DMI pool, for some reason the BIOS had setted my USB stick as first boot disk.

I think I find out what causes the black screen between welcome and desktop load. It's Gigabyte's Update manager B09.1008.1

[Störung]

Ok, my windows is complete updated.
I'm not really sure if all latest drivers are installed but there haven't occure real problems yet.

For windows install I had my HD connected to the Marvell Sata3_6 port. I downloaded Crystal Disk Mark to test speed of HD.
I tested that on Marvell port 3_6 and Intel port 2_0.
The Intel port does give a bit faster results. But I'm not sure if they are good for Intel Sata2port or also there maybe should be better?

Performance specs of HD (WD6402AAEX):
-Data transfer rate (max) 6GBs/126MBs
-Cache 64MB
-Av.latency 4.2
-RPM 7200
-Av Drive ready time 11

Result Intel port:

                           Crystal Dew World : http://crystalmark.info/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
* MB/s = 1,000,000 byte/s [SATA/300 = 300,000,000 byte/s]

           Sequential Read :   119.143 MB/s
          Sequential Write :   114.373 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    47.037 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :    82.850 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     0.637 MB/s [   155.6 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     1.405 MB/s [   343.0 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     1.447 MB/s [   353.2 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     1.341 MB/s [   327.4 IOPS]

  Test : 1000 MB [C: 5.9% (35.2/596.0 GB)] (x5)
  Date : 2011/07/03 13:24:35
    OS : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition SP1 [6.1 Build 7601] (x64)
  Sata port 2_0 (Intel)

Result Marvell port:
CrystalDiskMark 3.0.1 x64 (C) 2007-2010 hiyohiyo
                           Crystal Dew World : http://crystalmark.info/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
* MB/s = 1,000,000 byte/s [SATA/300 = 300,000,000 byte/s]

           Sequential Read :   113.164 MB/s
          Sequential Write :   110.960 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    44.752 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :    66.845 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     0.584 MB/s [   142.6 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     1.232 MB/s [   300.7 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     1.285 MB/s [   313.8 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     1.221 MB/s [   298.2 IOPS]

  Test : 1000 MB [C: 5.9% (35.1/596.0 GB)] (x5)
  Date : 2011/07/03 13:59:18
    OS : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition SP1 [6.1 Build 7601] (x64)
  Sata port 3_6 (Marvell)


But what I get when I connect my harddrive to Sata2_0, it doesn't get find in the BIOS Standard CMOS features. It does stand back in the Advanced BIOS features in the HD Boot Priority as a SCSI Disk Device. When place it as first boot disk, it does start up though.

I suppose it would be best to connect my OS drive to the Intel port, but since my BIOS don't detect the HD in CMOS feat., is this caused by one or other driver that I maybe should have not installed? 
In Device manager, IDE ATA/ATAPI-controllers has Intel ICH10R Sata AHCI Controller installed. Normally there was here also IDE channels, but they are not here anymore. In Storage Controllers I have Gigabyte GBB36X Controller and Marvell 91xx SATA 6G Controller.
When Marvell not seem to work with me either afterall the clean install and AHCI setting, do I put it back to IDE or leave it at AHCI in the BIOS settings?

Where do I go now or what do I do so in my BIOS CMOS feat.setting it detects the HD in the Sata2_0?

[Störung]

Well, building a computer is nothing to it. Installing the thing can be damned mindtroubling.

When I thought I made progress, now it seem to have fallen back some.
Some things got clear to me, others stay  
Concerning the SSD I'm going to install OS on (after done firmware update of the SSD) I know I have to set BIOS to AHCI and install the drivers prior OS install. I'll set ICH & Marvell controller to AHCI. Do I need to set the eSata & GSata2 controllers also to AHCI, when I am not planning to connect any device to those ports. Can they remain IDE and set later time to AHCI, or is it the same as for the ICH10 & Marvell controller need to set BIOS and install drivers prior OS install? Or can they prior OS install be disabled in BIOS if there is no immediatly plan of using those ports? (Testing my storage HD on GSata2 port gave quite poor result compared to ICH10 port with CrystalDiskMark).

One other question for now I still am having OS on WD Sata600 HD, it's set in BIOS AHCI, can I just change that to IDE now to see if IDE gives me faster system, and if not just put it back to AHCI? Or for IDE same as AHCI: want use IDE set IDE BIOS prior OS install?

Thanks for any information!!
 

[F5BJR]

*
If you use WINXP use IDE mode for install or others mode ( RAID / AHCI ) with key F6 and a floppy disk with the drivers

For Windows 7 exist embedded drivers in OS

Pierre

*

I have not SDD ( because price and not big capacity / not possibility to run in RAID mode

A long time i use 4 * 1TO harddisks in RAID 10 ( speed is 160 Mbits ) ,  fine for me

[Aussie Allan]

 If you install OS on SSD with ACHI active.........odds on IDE will not boot, but it wont hurt your system to try what you want too

 Some people like to install everything in the beginning with all applicable drivers during/after the initial install...... and if not being used immediately, turn them off in the interim.........this way there their if you need them

  Gsata and Esata will both work better under ACHI .......not a huge performance boost , but better!

   Can they remain IDE and set later time to AHCI, ?   ...Yes now that you have the ACHI drivers install with your OS you can turn them on or off at your whim

  (Testing my storage HD on GSata2 port gave quite poor result compared to ICH10 port with CrystalDiskMark).........If this is the case, if you have room, put them back on the ICH10R port!

 Aussie Allan

[Dark Mantis]

Yes I would have to concur with Allan here. There is only one set of ports worth using for fast drives on this board and that is the Intel ICH10R controlled ones. They are the fastest and most stable. The other controllers are fine for single and slower drives like optical or data backup storage.

[Störung]

Ok, that is intresting information, it made me find some more information I hope I pick it up good all.
The storage drive gave +- 40MBs less seq.read/write on GSata2 port. But for one or other reason my OS HD gives 15-25MBs less on port Sata2_0 then before tests. I had saved settings before I tried out some things though, it made windows boot up terrible slow and gave worse test result for OS drive. The windows boot normal again after restoring settings I saved but the OS disk test stays lower. Anyways, it's just some testing for try learn something about it 
 
I have made a little step plan for installing the SSD as OS drive. But maybe there is some more to it.

Is it best to start from a cleared CMOS for install the OS on SSD? Via backpanel button or removing battery?
I noticed 2 new beta BIOS updates at Station-drivers.com. Current I have FG, new beta's are FH1 & FH1b. Should I update the latest or leave FG?

Then my plan:

Connect SSD to ICH10 Sata2_0 port.
Connect DVD-rom to ICH10 Sata2_5 port.
No other disk device will be connected.

Boot system, go immediatly to BIOS settings.

There I put ICH10 contr., Marvell contr., GSata2 contr. & eSata controller to AHCI. (Enable port 0-3 native mode*). Check for other settings. Save the BIOS and let Win7 load for install. Then prior OS install, I install all the AHCI controller drivers (ICH10, Marvell*, GSata2 & eSata)

*I readed not to install the Marvell driver, then it would use the MS AHCI driver wich would be more stable. Is this correct information and do I follow this method or not? This hangs also together with the native mode enabling if I understand good?

Once that is done, I can install OS Win7.

After that, I start updating drivers (GPU, etc.) and windows.

Then if everything went good, I can connect my other 2 HD to the Sata2_1 & 2_2 ports (when system has no power ofcourse) Disable controllers in BIOS that are not going to be used. Install programs etc...

And I am ready.

I think I have it correct with this or am I on the way to mess it up ?

Regarding the drivers to install prior OS install. I do all these?
intel_msm_8.9.8.1005(www.station-drivers.com)
intel_rom_10.5.1.1070(www.station-drivers.com)
intel_rst_10.6.0.1002(www.station-drivers.com)
marvell_91xx_1.2.0.1003_whql(www.station-drivers.com)* unless better MS AHCI?
JMB36X_WinDrv_R1.17.63_WHQL
JMB36X_WinDrv_R1.17.63_WHQL_eSATA

[Dark Mantis]

Generally you seem to have the idea ok. The only thing I would advise is to put your optical drive on  the Marvell controller and set that to IDE mode. Sometimes these optical drives can have problems with being on an AHCI controlled port.

[Störung]

Well, that was a bummer   I didn't get any further then Xpressrecovery2  
No boot from cdrom.
Too late to continue on it so I unplugged the SSD and see further tomorrow.

Damned, I already know what's wrong.. too late & too tired results in f*cking with the wrong cd.. could you imagine. Instead of win7 cd I was trying with MB cd 
Better luck tomorrow. lol

[Dark Mantis]

Don't worry!v We all do stupid things when we are tired and as you say they seem so obvious any other time.

[Störung]

Yeah, thinking that I actually saw the disk in the drive several time coming open with reboot, it didn't seem to pass the right signal trough anymore 
Stupidly each time I went search in my BIOS what the hell did I set wrong?! hahah

Anyways, today it worked out immediatly.
Windows Prestation index scores it 7.7 wich I think is nice, not sure wether I must be thrilled with the Crystal disk mark test result:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CrystalDiskMark 3.0.1 x64 (C) 2007-2010 hiyohiyo
                           Crystal Dew World : http://crystalmark.info/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
* MB/s = 1,000,000 byte/s [SATA/300 = 300,000,000 byte/s]

           Sequential Read :   207.147 MB/s
          Sequential Write :   145.172 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :   195.785 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :   145.443 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :    25.931 MB/s [  6330.8 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :    64.980 MB/s [ 15864.2 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :    95.685 MB/s [ 23360.7 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :   142.747 MB/s [ 34850.5 IOPS]

  Test : 1000 MB [C: 22.6% (25.3/111.8 GB)] (x5)
  Date : 2011/07/06 18:07:56
    OS : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition [6.1 Build 7600] (x64)
    OCZ Agility3 120GB-OS Sata2_0ICH10R

Maybe it still gets better with updating and os.
Going have my dinner now.

[Dark Mantis]

Great news that it is all working now anyway! Actually the reported speeds of your drive are not at all bad now to be honest. You would be hard pressed to get much more from it.

[Störung]

Untill now, I've occured not a single problem. Last night after I had done everything, I let Driver Agent run and I had all the current drivers installed but one,  Realtek High Definition Audio, though I think I have the latest of that installed also.
I connected my other 2 HDD's also and ran a test on them. The WD Caviar black Sata600 disk gave a nice result I think. The Spinpoint F3 gives also normal result I think, it's result is after the WD result.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CrystalDiskMark 3.0.1 x64 (C) 2007-2010 hiyohiyo
                           Crystal Dew World : http://crystalmark.info/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
* MB/s = 1,000,000 byte/s [SATA/300 = 300,000,000 byte/s]

           Sequential Read :   132.146 MB/s   F3= 118.927 MB/s
          Sequential Write :   127.363 MB/s   F3= 108.436 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    51.334 MB/s   F3= 28.108 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :    83.110 MB/s   F3= 31.514 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     0.718 MB/s [   175.2 IOPS]   F3= 0.286 MB/s [    69.9 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     1.415 MB/s [   345.4 IOPS]   F3= 0.392 MB/s [    95.7 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     1.596 MB/s [   389.6 IOPS]   F3= 0.397 MB/s [    97.0 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     1.284 MB/s [   313.5 IOPS]   F3= 0.409 MB/s [    99.8 IOPS]

  Test : 1000 MB [D: 19.3% (115.2/596.2 GB)] (x5)
  Date : 2011/07/07 2:20:35
    OS : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition SP1 [6.1 Build 7601] (x64)
    WD Caviar Black 640GB Sata600-Game/Prog Sata2_1ICH10R / F3 Storage Sata2_2ICH10R

I think it's better then any before tests for the WD. The F3 I had better results before, but it's just a storage drive anyways.
I've also done ATTO test on OCZ and that topped on 268.4MBs write and 241.3MBs read. That must be good for Sata2 port. On WD drive ATTO gives +1MBs on write and +3MBs on read compare to CrystalDisk. F3 in ATTO tops 120.6MBs both read & write.

I wonder if the SSD stay stable because there read alot of user problems with it. It does have a minor problem that it causes the OS drive temp show 128°C. When I first connected it to update firmware before can place OS on it, I noticed my WD drive wich was still the OS drive then, readed 128°C. Now my OCZ SSD is OS drive, this one reads 128°C. It gives this in more then 1 harwdare monitor utility. But it seems to be a common problem.

I think this time I did a good setup/install, it seems for now.. better wait some more days see if it stays stable.    No overclock but the Turbo set in Easytune6.



 

[Aussie Allan]

 Congratulations Störung ... job well done!

 Aussie Allan