Installation Disk for SSD

[Ted Harris]

I have decided to install Win7 on the SSD of my new build. The BIOS recognizes the drive and I have disconnected my mechanical drive.
Two questions: I got an installation CD with the SSD drive. When do I run it?
Second - how do I enable AHCI in the BIOS?

 

[Elixer]

The CD most likely has backup software and maybe some utilities. It is not needed.
As for BIOS settings, enter BIOS, and look for the AHCI option, and enable it.

 

[myocardia]

The purpose of the CD from your SSD manufacturer is to clone your HD, so you don't have to buy & reinstall Windows to the SSD. It makes an exact copy to your SSD, so you also don't have to reinstall any software, or music/photos, etc.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Elixir is right. Look for a menu or submenu in the BIOS for "SATA." Your choices should be either "AHCI" and "RAID," or on older boards "AHCI," "RAID" and "IDE" modes.

And make sure you install your OS AFTER you set up the storage mode in BIOS.

 

[Ted Harris]

OK here is my problem: I am running an ASUS Z97-A mother board. When I turn the system on, I get the ASUS EZ Update BIOS. It is very simplified and I can find no provision for changing the SATA mode. I have tried every way in my limited knowledge to get in a plain old BIOS, but cannot. I show my SSD drive to be the only drive and I am wondering if the BIOs did not configure for AHCI.

 

[bill33]

OK here is my problem: I am running an ASUS Z97-A mother board. When I turn the system on, I get the ASUS EZ Update BIOS. It is very simplified and I can find no provision for changing the SATA mode. I have tried every way in my limited knowledge to get in a plain old BIOS, but cannot. I show my SSD drive to be the only drive and I am wondering if the BIOs did not configure for AHCI.

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2175023/attempted-raid-set-asus-z97-mobo.html it has pictures and in some point it says about ahci .

 

[BonzaiDuck]

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2175023/attempted-raid-set-asus-z97-mobo.html it has pictures and in some point it says about ahci .

Amazing. I feel insecure with my Z68 and Z77 boards: Every new BIOS generation shows a leap of elegance and features, which might also leave the user a tad confused.

Especially, they've continued to offer the "EZ" and "Advanced" BIOS modes.

I had planned to begin building either a Z97 or X99 system this year. But I'm still fiddling with a Z77 motherboard -- as well as the Z68's. Tsk, tsk, tsk. . . .

 

[ArisVer]

Your motherboard's manual can be found found here in electronic form, in case you don't have it.
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Z97A/HelpDesk_Manual/

According to your manual, chapter "2.6.3 PCH Storage Configuration" page 2-38, there is an AHCI mode to enable there; then you can install.

 

[Cerb]

OK here is my problem: I am running an ASUS Z97-A mother board. When I turn the system on, I get the ASUS EZ Update BIOS. It is very simplified and I can find no provision for changing the SATA mode. I have tried every way in my limited knowledge to get in a plain old BIOS, but cannot. I show my SSD drive to be the only drive and I am wondering if the BIOs did not configure for AHCI.

Look at you top and bottom edges, for the F-key that changes you to advanced mode. IIRC, it's F11, but I don't have one to check, ATM.

 

[Ted Harris]

thanks guys, I found the right place and enabled AI.HC