Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

[thedesp]

**** 03/17/2011: The problem mentioned in this thread is now resolved by BIOS version 2.50 ****

Hi
I'm using 890GX extreme 3 with 2 SATA drives, one for OS and one for periodic backup.
With my old AMD 785G based motherboard, I can safely remove my backup drive from hotswap bay with Windows 7 taskbar button.
There is no SATA drive show up in that safely remove list with 890GX. SATA mode in BIOS is set to AHCI.
I tried installing AHCI and sourthbridge driver from AMD website but still no luck.

Anyone has the same problem?
This is annoying because Asrock clearly stated this "hot plug" feature in the motherboard specification page.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Spec.
AMD Phenom II 555BE
Asrock 890GX Extreme 3 BIOS 2.40
4GB DDR3 1600MHz
WD6402AAEX
WD1002FAEX
Hotswap bay connected to SATA port 4 on the motherboard
Windows 7 x64

[marko69]

Re: Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

I have similar problem, actually more ahci related problems. I have installed ahci driver, but Device Manager shows AMD SATA Controller. If i update it manually from folder with ahci driver, it changes AMD Ahci compatible Raid Controller. No luck with it, no hd temps, strange pause during boot, worse performace and still no hotplug.

[thedesp]

Re: Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

No one else has this problem?

[marko69]

Re: Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

According to Asrock this is not a problem, it's feature. Quote from ocw forum:

ASRock replied

To prevent mis-removing the Sata devices,we support the safely remove icon for E-sata onlt, but not on-board Sata connectors.

Really annoying "feature". I have no clue what is e-sata onlt, i try rear I/O panel e-sata port with my external hd but still no safely remove option.

[thedesp]

Re: Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

According to Asrock this is not a problem, it's feature. Quote from ocw forum:

ASRock replied

To prevent mis-removing the Sata devices,we support the safely remove icon for E-sata onlt, but not on-board Sata connectors.

Really annoying "feature". I have no clue what is e-sata onlt, i try rear I/O panel e-sata port with my external hd but still no safely remove option.

Yeah, I tried the back panel esata too with no luck. No SATA hotplugging whatsoever.

[artdrivers]

Re: Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

It is unknown to us what research you have performed for this, but here are a few things you may want to check out.
You may want to pay close attention to the warning signs.
Safely Remove Hardware - Eject Device - Windows 7 Forums
Write-Caching - Enable or Disable - Windows 7 Forums
Safely Remove Hardware Shortcut - Create - Windows 7 Forums

[thedesp]

Re: Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

It is unknown to us what research you have performed for this, but here are a few things you may want to check out.
You may want to pay close attention to the warning signs.
Safely Remove Hardware - Eject Device - Windows 7 Forums
Write-Caching - Enable or Disable - Windows 7 Forums
Safely Remove Hardware Shortcut - Create - Windows 7 Forums

Thanks. but My problem is that SATA drive doesn't appear on safely remove list (due to Asrock BIOS, I guess).
I also tried to disable write-caching and still can't eject the drive.

[marko69]

Re: Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

Thanks for links. I have no problems with usb devices, even external hd can be removed via safely remove... icon if connected to usb. E-sata is the issue. With this program HotSwap! i can safely remove hds. What i don't understand is why i need external utility to eject e-sata or sata devices.

Maybe reason is this, quote from one of those links: "When I updated the BIOS on my laptop, the windows Safely Remove Hardware started working.

[artdrivers]

Re: Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

I noticed ↓here↓ Note: SATA cables with an L-shaped connector are incompatible with WD eSATA devices.
WD Interface Guide
While googling I also found this. Western Digital QNAP TS 809U RP 6TB hot swap RAID 0/ 1/ 5/ 6/ 5+Spa drivers

[ASRock TSD - Sean C]

Re: Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

Dear All,

Sory for the late reply, we have modify a special BIOS for your question in this stage.
Here is the download link: BIOS L2.41G

After BIOS reflashed, please make sure the SATA operating mode has set at [AHCI].
Please try again with this special BIOS.

Thanks!

Best Wishes
Sean

[thedesp]

Re: Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

The new BIOS worked for me.

@marko69 Try the "Load fail-safe default" in the BIOS, worked for me.

Now let's hope this modification finds its way into next official BIOS update.

Thank you Asrock.

[ASRock TSD - Sean C]

Re: Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

Dear All,

After re-flash the BIOS, please don't forget "load BIOS default setting" in the next boot up.
Thanks!

Best Wishes
Sean

[marko69]

Re: Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

Now everything works for me too. I have to install AMD AHCI Driver 10.7, relased 07/26.

[mikedepetris]

Re: Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

Installed this:
ftp://www.asrock.com.tw/bios/AM3/890GX%20Extreme3(2.43)DOS.zip
but still I can't have any safe removable drive.

Is there anything special to do in Windows 7? I tryed any compatible standard or AMD AHCI or IDE controller driver and BIOS setting but with same result -__-

[thedesp]

Re: Asrock 890GX extreme 3 and SATA hotplug problem

Installed this:
ftp://www.asrock.com.tw/bios/AM3/890GX%20Extreme3(2.43)DOS.zip
but still I can't have any safe removable drive.

Is there anything special to do in Windows 7? I tryed any compatible standard or AMD AHCI or IDE controller driver and BIOS setting but with same result -__-

Try the modded BIOS on the first page of this thread.