GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 not working with AHCI enabled

[darklimits]

I'm trying to run a M4 128GB on the Intel z68 Sata III controllers. I enable AHCI in bios under PCH SATA Control Mode. But i restart all i get is a black screen with the dos cursor on the top left corner. I can't even get back into bios. I can install windows using the Marvell controller but no matter what setting i use the z68 will not work.

Also when the z68 is set to IDE, the M4 is listed in the POST screen, but when it set to AHCI, its not listed anymore. I am running teh F11 bios on the board. Any ideas? Thanks

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

It is not possible to swap between the two modes at will. You need to make your choice before installation of the operating system and then stick to it. However it is possible to make the change between IDE and AHCI if you are prepared to hack the registry a bit. If you want to do this follow these instructions:

1.Exit all Windows-based programs.

2.Click Start, type regedit in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.

3.If you receive the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue.

4.Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServicesMsahci

5.In the right pane, right-click Start in the Name column, and then click Modify.

6.In the Value data box, type 0, and then click OK.

7.On the File menu, click Exit to close Registry Editor.

After this you’ll have to restart your computer, go to BIOS and enable AHCI. When you log in to Windows again, you’ll notice the installation of drivers for AHCI. Another restart will be required to finish the driver installation.

[darklimits]

So i install using Marvell and then use to registry hack then turn on AHCI on z68 and switch the port? Currently i am unable to install windows on any z68 controller ports.

[Dark Mantis]

It would be a good idea if you posted a list of your hardware by make and model so we had a better idea of your system first, then we can help you make the best configuration.

[darklimits]

GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3
Intel 2600K
Crucial M4 128GB
Corsair Vengeance 8GB
Corsait TX550M
HAF 912
MSI Radeon 6450 2GB

[Dark Mantis]

Thanks. Is your M4 128GB the only hard drive on your system ? Also do you have an optical drive too ?

[darklimits]

yes, and It was the video gard, i took out the PCIe card and used the built in VGA port and it worked. Kind of odd to see the video card would cause a problem like this.

[Dark Mantis]

Well it is not so unusual. If you think that your problem was linked to the display, so it was always a possibility. You might still find there is more to it than just that anyway.

[Lsdmeasap]

Haha, I knew I was chasing you around the web!

Glad to see you figured it out!