Hello people!
I'm about to order this motherboard but I have a few things that are still unclear to me, could use your help! Here's my main concern;
Installing OS from a SATA DVD drive... I've heard Sata Optical Drives don't like running under AHCI mode. So I want them in IDE mode, which, AFAIK, won't require SATA drivers to install Windows. But while the Sata controller is under IDE mode, I am missing out on some sata exclusive features for my hard disk, like NCQ and even eSATA I heard.
That leads to my question. From what I've gathered, there are 2 different Sata Controllers on the board. The Intel ICH9R controller has 6 ports while Gigabyte's has 2, right? In the BIOS, I have the option to choose between AHCI or IDE mode. Does this apply to Intel ICH9R controller? What about the Gigabyte controller then? Is it stuck in AHCI mode?
The ideal configuration I believe consists of having my Sata Optical Drives (only 1 in my case) working under IDE mode, plugged in an Intel slot, while I have my Hard disks (only 1 in my case) plugged into gigabyte's slots to benifit from AHCI features. Personally I wouldn't mind having only 2 sata ports dedicated to my hard drives if I need to. Will never get more than 2 anyway I dont think, I will have only 1 at first.
So, am I getting all this right? Or am I completely off? I realize this may not be an easy question but I figured this would be the best place to ask it.