Can't Boot to CD/DVD while AHCI is active (EP45-DS3)

[PalZer0]

I'm trying to install Windows 7 with AHCI mode active on my EP45-DS3. Every time I try this I've been unable to boot from the installation DVD. I've tried setting first boot device to CDROM and also to P3 - PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-216. Neither of those have worked.

Is there anything else I can try?

[jace5869]

I know a few days ago I was trying to install Vista x64 back onto my build I had to put the DVD drive on the Gigabyte (J-Micron) port to be able to boot to MemTest successfully or else it would just freeze!

I say this, because I have RAID 0 enabled on the Intel ICH10R controller. Maybe this helps...

[Phisherman]

Originally Posted by PalZer0

I'm trying to install Windows 7 with AHCI mode active on my EP45-DS3. Every time I try this I've been unable to boot from the installation DVD. I've tried setting first boot device to CDROM and also to P3 - PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-216. Neither of those have worked.

Is there anything else I can try?

It works fine for me, maybe you need to update your BIOS?

[PalZer0]

I'm running the latest BIOS for my mobo (F9).

[NimrodAUS]

I have the Zact same DVD Burner & Board and have the Zact same problem. I basically just dont use AHCI on that board. It does it also on my X48-DS5 so I would say that the Drive just doesnt like AHCI. Unless you are going to be Hot Swapping HDD's then there really is no point. On that board you have no Jmicron SATA ports so basically you either dont worry about AHCI (my choice) or by another DVD and hope that it works (waste of money for no gain)

[PalZer0]

Just updated my BIOS to F10a and it still won't work. However, I've had a brainwave. My HDD is on SATA port 1 and my DVD burner is on SATA port 3. Would that cause issues to arise regarding the BIOS not booting from the DVD drive?

[NimrodAUS]

All I can suggest is trying it on the port 4 or 5 but I dont think that worked for me either. But try it. As mentioned unless your real keen on Hot Swapping HDD then your just wasting your time with AHCI.

[PalZer0]

These benchmarks got me interested (I have a Samsung SATA HDD).

Apparently the DVD drive should always be on port 0. Is this correct?

[NimrodAUS]

No That isnt correct. Ive never seen info for the dvd being on port 0 only that always your main boot HDD being on 0. As in my bios it says things like RAID AND AHCI for ports 0-3 which means the first 4 ports are going to go into that config. So try port 4 or 5 which may work for you. I dont think they did for me but give it a go.

[Phisherman]

I take it you tried the RAID option in BIOS?

It will enable AHCI as well, and should work if the OS is installed using RAID. Mutliple HDD's are not necessary for RAID mode.

However, the OS will not work if installed using AHCI and booted using RAID.

Also, IDE is the old way of connecting things, so you should still have high performance with all newer SATA drives. AHCI can make things take longer anyhow.

Also, not sure if you know, but you must press a key on the keyboard when prompted, to boot from anything other than HDD.