topic Re: SSD toolbox in Archive

SSD toolbox

idata — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:45:50 GMT

I have an intel SSD X25-M. After I installed the toolbox utility which was downloaded from intel website, it is showing the error connecting to the drive.

my motherboard chipset is nvidia 680i chipset (Asus P5N32-E Sli Plus). However, when i took it out of my PC into another PC, it works fine on that PC.

Could anyone tell me the reason? could it because of the sata or IDE controller in the bios?

Re: SSD toolbox

RGiff — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:45:50 GMT

Is your SYS set to AHCI mode , If not the Intel RST software will not install.

Re: SSD toolbox

idata — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:03:40 GMT

Have you downloaded the Intel SSD Toolbox User Guide? This might give some information on what the problem is. If you haven't here's the link:

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=18455 http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=18455

Re: SSD toolbox

idata — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:04:53 GMT

My motherboard did not have any ahci mode~

what else I can do?

Re: SSD toolbox

idata — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:34:15 GMT

I assume you have been into the BIOS? You should firstly set the BIOS to either AHCI or RAID. If you still have your mobo's manual you might get some guidance on how to do this. You should then do a fresh install of the OS. I assume you have Windows 7 or Vista? If you don't there's not a great deal of point to setting the BIOS to AHCI or RAID. If your mobo doesn't have an AHCI or RAID mode then it must be ancient. One option is to buy an Intel RAID controller PCI card which will enable you to choose RAID before you install the OS.

http://www.intel.com/products/server/raid/index.htm# raid http://www.intel.com/products/server/raid/index.htm# raid

Re: SSD toolbox

idata — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:36:24 GMT

I am pretty sure that my motherboard doesn't have AHCI mode or raid mode either. But my motherboard does have

raid controller, is this raid mode?

(Soon after I enabled the SATA controller and enabled the particular SATA port, my motherboard could not recognize the ssd )

I am running windows 7.

Which mode should the SSD run on? IDE mode ? AHCI mode? or RAID mode?

Re: SSD toolbox

RGiff — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:54:19 GMT

Your board can run AHCI , But you will have to first get the latest bios installed than do a fresh install of your OS , When you do the install of the OS , make sure in the BIOS it is set in the SATA section of BIOS , To AHCI than install your OS if you are going to use windows 7 ( Highly Recomended ) 7 Has the native drivers for AHCI , which have to be installed before you install the SSD software like Tool BoX

Re: SSD toolbox

idata — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:11:59 GMT

"My motherboard did not have any ahci mode~

what else I can do?"

I'm starting to doubt your post's accuracy. I think you need to thoroughly read your motherboard's manual, specifically where it mentions the options for IDE, AHCI and RAID. I had assumed your statement that your 'motherboard did not have any ahci mode' was accurate.

Read this: http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/imsm/sb/CS-015988.htm http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/imsm/sb/CS-015988.htm

If your drive isn't recognized it could be formatted in FAT32.

Re: SSD toolbox

RGiff — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:23:36 GMT

The SATA controller HAS to be set to AHCI before you install the OS. Changing after the OS is installed can be done BUT it involves some REGISTRY EDITING and if you are not comfortable doing the Reg. Edit , RE-Install the OS.

Re: SSD toolbox

idata — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:48:25 GMT

"My motherboard did not have any ahci mode~

what else I can do?"

How can it be set to AHCI? Apparently there's been a mix-up.

Re: SSD toolbox

RGiff — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:52:21 GMT

Mike whats the model of your board??

Re: SSD toolbox

idata — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:23:55 GMT

Asus P5N32-E SLI Plus.

I know I have to set it to AHCI mode before I go ahead to install OS.

However, there is no AHCI option to be chosen. How can I select AHCI mode before I go ahead?

Also, this is what I want to know.

Re: SSD toolbox

idata — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:27:17 GMT

my motherboard has got the latest Bios already.

I have got the sata controller, but the sata controller does not provide AHCI option.

It only allows me to enable the raid, that's all.

Re: SSD toolbox

idata — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:31:49 GMT

I am serious. I am pretty sure that my motherboard does not have any AHCI mode or raid mode. I can set raid and configure raid but it does not help

to get the toolbox installed. My drive is NTFS NOT FAT32.

My motherboard model is Asus P5N32-E SLI Plus and it is nvidia chipset. (AHCI is only avaliable in intel chipset, correct?)

I think the link would not help me because mine is nvidia chipset not intel chipset.

Re: SSD toolbox

idata — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:59:11 GMT

I had a quick look the manual for your mobo and it looks like you don't have the option to set to AHCI. (Unless a newer bios update fixed it and its not been updated in the manual).

You can however set it to RAID, which should let a single drive operate in AHCI mode. (Page4-28)

To get the most out of your drive I would consider switching to an Intel ICH9/10 mobo. All SSD's (not just Intel drives) perform better on Intel controllers.

Re: SSD toolbox

idata — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:58:32 GMT

I think you've misinterpreted my post. My mobo has AHCI and RAID options.

Re: SSD toolbox

idata — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 10:29:26 GMT

Finally, I found someone who can totally understand my situation. haha

That is what I am thinking but my motherboard is out of generation, I do not think that

Asus would release any new Bios for it. Anyway, thanks for your suggestion, I'll try it when I have time.

True, I know all SSDs perform better on Intel controllers. I wouldn't do the switching right now (might do it in the future).

Thanks anyway~

Re: SSD toolbox

idata — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 10:43:40 GMT

You've already said your mobo has a RAID option. Intel advice is: 'If you are using a SATA hard drive, the best option is to set your BIOS to RAID mode. RAID mode provides the greatest overall flexibility and upgradeability because it allows your system to be RAID-Ready and also enables AHCI.'

Your Intel SSD will give you good performance but if you can be bothered to install your OS again set the BIOS to RAID and you'll get a performance increase from your SSD and your computer will speed up as well. Make sure you back all important data on your C drive before you do a fresh install of the OS. Good luck.