Which is better operating mode ahci or ide. What to do if, after enabling AHCI mode, the system stops booting

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Enabling and configuring AHCI mode is worth it for every user who wants to improve and expand the computer’s capabilities in working with hard drives. SATA drives and especially SSDs.

The mode allows you to increase the speed of your computer due to the increased speed of data access, and to activate it you only need to perform a few simple actions.

Before considering options for enabling the mode, you should first familiarize yourself with its features and operating principle.

What is AHCI

Interface of modern hard drives SATA drives, supporting data transfer rates from 1.5 Gbit/s to 6 Gbit/s, capable of operating in two modes:

AHCI.

The first ensures compatibility with older devices (drives manufactured in 2000).

The speed of even the most powerful disks in this mode is not much different from those of the most outdated models.

The more modern AHCI mode allows you to fully enjoy all the advantages of the SATA interface.

For example, by disconnecting and connecting disks to motherboard"on the fly", without turning off the computer or with the ability to minimally move the disk heads to increase operating speed.

By activating the mode, the user speeds up the launch of files, reading and writing information on disks and increases the overall performance of the computer.

And, although the increase may not be so significant (within 20%), for some tasks such an improvement may be important.

If you have SSD drives with the SATA form factor, this option is the only option for efficient work devices.

IMPORTANT: Should you enable AHCI on an SSD?

Using AHCI mode on an SSD disk, you will only get the result if you have SATA interface II/III, in other cases there will be no improvement in performance.

How to check if the mode is enabled

If you are going to enable AHCI mode, make sure that it is not already used on the computer.

If you don't run high-performance applications, you have powerful processor and a sufficient amount of memory, you may simply not notice what mode you are working in.

You can check whether AHCI is enabled or not enabled in this way:

First, go to the computer properties (Start menu, Computer item, Properties sub-item context menu);
Open device manager;
Open the IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers section;
If there is a device here that has AHCI in its name, the mode works. If such a disk is not in the list (and you do not have an outdated IDE hard drive, but a more modern one), you will have to enable the mode yourself.

The second way to check the operation of AHCI is to restart the computer and go to BIOS menu(using one of available options- for different motherboards and laptops it is slightly different, although most often it consists of pressing the function keys - from Esc to F12).

How to enable AHCI mode

Enabling this mode on your computer can be done directly from the BIOS.

At the same time, if you have Windows 7, after trying to boot the system, a message like 0x0000007B INACCESSABLE_BOOT_DEVICE will most likely appear on the screen, indicating the impossibility of working with the disk.

Sometimes the same situation occurs with Windows 8 and 10, but the likelihood of a message appearing is less - most often the computer starts up or begins to reboot constantly.

The situation will be completely different if you select AHCI mode before installing the system.

This will enable the software to installation disk recognize the HDD or SSD parameters when launching the installer, and there will be no problems starting the mode.

Difficulties begin only if the system is already installed on the drive, and the user is going to change the IDE parameter to SATA and enable NCQ (Native Command Queuing, an extension of the SATA protocol, which significantly increases the speed of working with information by optimizing the order in which commands are received).

In this case, you will have to use either the registry editor or safe mode, depending on operating system.

If none of these actions provide the required result, all that remains is to enable AHCI and reinstall the system.

For Windows 7

One of the most popular operating systems currently, Windows 7, requires using the registry or special utility.

The first option includes the following steps:

Launch the Registry Editor (Win + R to open the Run menu, enter the regedit command and confirm the changes);

Go to section HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\msahci;
Go to the Start item, whose default value is 3, and change it to zero;

Go to the same subsection from msahci to IastorV and search for the Start parameter;
Changing three to zero;
Closing the editor.

Now all that remains is to restart the computer and turn on desired mode AHCI in the BIOS menu.

After downloading Windows systems 7 will begin to automatically install drivers for all drives connected to the motherboard, and then require another reboot to make changes.

The last stage of setting up the mode is to check whether write caching mode is enabled in the disk properties. If it is not enabled, the function should be launched.

Another option - Microsoft utility Fix it, which allows you to get rid of errors after enabling the new mode (you can download it from the official Microsoft website).

Once you launch and select the appropriate troubleshooting action, the application will automatically make any necessary changes and the error message will no longer appear.

For Windows 8 and 8.1

If Windows 8 or 8.1 is already installed on your computer, you can use Safe Mode to configure AHCI mode.

To do this, if an error occurs:

Return IDE mode to BIOS;
to restart a computer;
Launch command line on behalf of the administrator (“Start” / “All Programs” / “Accessories”);
Enter the command bcdedit /set (current) safeboot minimal

Press the enter button;
Restart the PC and enter the BIOS;
Enable AHCI mode;
Run the command line again;
Enter the command bcdedit /deletevalue (current) safeboot;
Reboot the system again, after which Windows should stop displaying the error message.

If your system is running on an Intel processor, it is possible additional option enabling AHCI using a utility from this manufacturer (this method does not work for AMD).

To use it you should:

Download the f6flpy (mode driver) file from the official Intel website by selecting suitable version(x32 or x64);
Download the SetupRST.exe file from the same resource;
Open device manager and install manually in the properties of your hard drive new driver f6 AHCI instead of SATA;
Restart the PC and enable AHCI in the BIOS (UEFI);
Run the SetupRST.exe file, which should automatically resolve the problem.

For Windows 10

To fix the error when switching modes, Windows 10 also allows you to use the utility for Intel processors, reinstall the system and safe mode.

But the most effective option is to use the Registry Editor, which is slightly different from the similar method in Windows 7.

To use this method you need:

Log in as administrator;
Launch the Registry Editor using one of the available methods (the easiest way is through the “Run” window and the regedit command);
Go to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\iaStorV section and find its Start parameter, changing its value to 0;
Find in the adjacent subsection Services\iaStorAV\StartOverride a parameter named 0, setting a zero value for it as well;
Go to the Services\storahci subsection, reset the Start parameter;
In the Services\storahci\StartOverride subsection, set the value zero for parameter 0.
Close the editor and restart the computer;
Enter the BIOS during system boot and enable AHCI mode.

Tip: It is recommended to do the first Windows startup 10 in safe mode, for which this option is enabled using the “Run” menu (Win + R) and entering the msconfig command to display the system configuration window. Here you need to select the “Boot” tab and check the safe mode box, indicating the “Minimal” option.

If you have a UEFI interface, you need to troubleshoot through the system menu:

Enter the side menu (Win + I);
Select the update and security tab;
Go to "Recovery" and then to special options downloads;
Go to the troubleshooting menu, tab " Extra options" and finally, "UEFI Software Settings".

For the standard BIOS interface, you can go to its settings by clicking the corresponding button when booting function key.

For example, F2 or F12, depending on the motherboard or laptop model, if the settings are made for it.

Read.

After the first Windows downloads 10 will install everything necessary drivers to work with AHCI, and will not generate any errors in the future.

At the same time, the speed of working with data should increase - especially if the drive has a SATA III interface.

Configuring and enabling special AHCI mode is desirable for every user who would like to significantly expand and at the same time improve the capabilities of their PC for working with SATA hard drives, as well as SSDs.
This mode makes it possible to significantly speed up your PC due to its improved data access speed, and to activate this mode, you just need to perform a few basic steps.

1. AHCI is

A special interface of modern SATA hard drives, which support data transfer rates from one and a half to six gigabits, and its operation is possible in two modes:
IDE and AHCI.

IDE– will ensure compatibility with older drives that were produced in the 2000s. AHCI– provides the user with the opportunity to fully use the entire SATA interface. For example, this will help to disconnect or connect the drive to the “motherboard” directly during operation, without even turning off the PC, or with the possibility minimal movement disk heads, thereby increasing its speed.

After activating the mode, the user will significantly speed up working with files, writing them and reading information on the hard drive, which will significantly increase the performance of the PC as a whole. The increase will be approximately 20 percent, but nevertheless, for some demanding tasks, this twenty percent will be quite enough.

If you are working with SSD drives and the SATA form factor, then the option of enabling AHCI is the only correct and possible one.

2. Check AHCI mode. Enabled or not.

Before enabling AHCI Mode, you should make sure that it is not already in use. If you often work with heavy applications, your PC is equipped with powerful modern processor and a sufficient amount of memory, then you simply will not notice in which this moment mode your PC is working.

Checking AHCI mode:
1. Go to “Computer” properties;
2. Open the device manager;
3. Find IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers;
4. If some name contains AHCI, then the mode is active. If there is no such mode, then it needs to be enabled.

There is another way to check for the presence of AHCI - reboot the PC and view this parameter through the BIOS. You probably already know how to enter BIOS.
Going to BIOS, UEFI– look in what mode SATA operates, this can be done in the SATA Mode or SATA Configuration section.

3. How to enable AHCI mode

Enabling the mode AHCI, most often, is performed through .
But, if you are on Windows 7, then after loading the system, an error may appear on your screen indicating incompatibility with the hard drive. A similar situation can happen with other, newer operating systems, but with less probability. In case of an error, the computer will reboot or restart.

If you select AHCI-mode before installation new system- the situation will change. This will allow the software from the disk to adapt, which ultimately will not lead to any problems.

Typically, difficulties arise when the system is already on the hard drive, and the user changes the SATA settings to IDE, or vice versa, and tries to turn on NCQ– protocol SATA, which will significantly speed up work with information due to improved command optimization. In this case, interaction with various registry editors will be required. If nothing has provided the desired result, then AHCI mode can be installed only after reinstalling the system.

AHCI for Windows 7
Windows 7 – also most often requires switching the mode to AHCI. To do this, try the following:
1. Enter Registry Editor. This is done through the “Run” menu by entering next command:regedit.

2. Find and go to the section HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\msahci;
3. Click on “Start”, while changing the standard value 3 to 0.

4. In the same subsection, change msahci to lastorV, and look for Start parameter;
5. " 3 " change to " 0 »;
6. We finish working with the editor.

Reboot the computer and enable the required mode via BIOS. After loading Windows 7, drivers for drives connected to the motherboard will begin to be automatically installed on the PC. After installed drivers And changes made you will need to restart your PC again. The final stage in editing mode – check the recording “caching” mode. This is done in the disk properties. If caching is not activated - it needs to be launched.

Microsoft Fix it– an additional option for getting rid of errors after installing a new mode. After the new mode has been launched and enabled. After selecting the necessary actions and eliminating all problems, the software will automatically make all changes, and subsequent errors will not appear.

AHCI for Windows 8 and 8.1
If you have eight on your PC, to enable AHCI mode, you need to go to safe mode. And in case of errors, is it necessary?
1. Change the IDE mode in the BIOS;
2. Restart the PC;
3. Go to launch the command line;
4. Enter the following command: bcdedit /set (current) safeboot minimal;

5. Confirm the action;
6. Reboot the PC and enter the BIOS again;
7. Activate the required AHCI mode;
8. Launch the command line again;
9. Enter bcdedit /deletevalue (current) safeboot;
10. Reboot the system again, after which Windows will display an error.

If the system is on an Intel processor, then AHCI can be enabled using additional utilities from the manufacturer itself. AMD does not have this method.

To use it, you need to do the following:
1. Download the file from the official Intel website f6flpy;
2. Download here SetupRST.exe
3. Go to the device manager and install the special f6 AHCI driver manually in the hard drive properties, instead of the specified SATA one;
4. Restart the PC, go to BIOS and enable AHCI;

AHCI for Windows 10
To correct errors or switch modes, you can also use the program of the same name for Intel processors, this can be done using reinstalling windows, and through safe mode. But the best option will use the registry editor, which is slightly different from standard method, which was specified in Windows 7.

You will need:
1. Log in as “Administrator”;
2. Launch Registry Editor in an accessible way(for example, using the “Run” utility, entering regedit into it;
3. Go to a special section HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\iaStorV, where you will need to find “Start”, and change the parameter value to “ 0 »;

4. Find in another subsection Services\iaStorAV\StartOverride parameter called 0, and set its value to “0”;
5. Now choose Services\storahci, completely reset the “Start” parameter;
6. In the next subsection Services\storahci\StartOverride, setting the parameter value to “0”;
7. Close the editor and restart the computer;
8. Enter the BIOS and also enable the required mode AHCI.

Advice: It is best to start Windows 10 for the first time in safe mode, and to do this, turn it on using the “Run” menu by entering the msconfig command in it in order to display all system settings. Select the “Boot” tab and check the “safe mode” box, selecting the “Minimal” option.

If instead of BIOS you have UEFI– you need to troubleshoot through the system menu.
1. Enter the menu (Win+l);
2. Enter “update and security”;
3. We enter “recovery”, and then move on to special boot options;
4. Go to a special menu located in the “Additional parameters” tab, and as a result, go to the “ UEFI Settings».

To go to the BIOS settings, you can press a specific key to go to the BIOS - this could be the F2, F12 or other buttons.

4. Other AHCI Features

For Windows XP there is no option to install AHCI. At the time of its development, this option was not intended or planned. If you want to do this, then find a special driver and implement it into the system. But I strongly do not recommend doing this; such a possibility can have a bad effect on the operation of the system.

Winodws vista included an identical switching mode AHCI, as in Windows 7, that is, using a utility or registry.

5. Results

Most often, after completing the steps to set the mode AHCI, the system will work stably, plus accelerated. If nothing works, then you can reinstall the system again after the mode change has occurred - this may take quite a bit of time, but the result is most often guaranteed.

This new mode SATA to work with devices memory type. Only in it can a computer fully use all SATA capabilities, or rather:

Quick replacement hard drive. And in more detail, this means that it can be changed without turning off the computer. When working with servers it is very comfortable.
NCQ– thanks to this technology, the number of movements of the heads that perform reading is reduced significantly. Thereby speed hard drive usage increases when it is used by several programs at once.

If activate Achi, then you will quickly access files stored on ROM, and the computer will also work much better faster. Of course, the increase will not be noticeable on a regular home PC. However, if support this option is available, it will be better if you turn it on.

IDE mode - what is it

This is too much outdated technology that was popular in the nineties and early two thousand. It was introduced in the IBM PC - the first computers. In it, data transfer took place on speed 150 Mbit per second. Many popular technologies didn't support. For example, without rebooting the PC it was impossible to remove HDD or CD drive. Then these features were added, but not every computer could use them. However, it is still in use today.

How to enable ACHI/IDE mode

Switching between ACHI and IDE occurs through BIOS. Done before Windows installation, in the following way:

In Windows 10 you can instantly switch on Achi, for this:

Which mode is better

Of course, it's best to choose ACHI. And this can be understood by comparing the two modes. IDE should be chosen if on your system no drivers to SATA. All modern PCs support SATA, that is, if you select IDE, it will occur emulation, and this will not give any increase in performance, which is not what we need.

It is quite natural that owners of desktop computing systems and laptops strive in one way or another to increase their performance. To solve this problem, some use the so-called overclocking (overclocking) of components, while others make adjustments through the capabilities provided by the developers. When choosing any method, it is important to understand what exactly you want to get and to have a good understanding of the features of the chosen method.

"Bottleneck"

It is known that one of the slowest components of modern computing system is based on a classic spindle system. Today, SSD analogues have appeared, but they have not yet become widespread due to their too high cost.

Therefore, regular HDDs are installed on almost every computer. The result is that DDR3 memory easily transfers 20,000 MB/s; internal bus central processor allows you to process ten times more data; and a hard drive with the SATA-3 standard only “accelerates” to a real 100 megabytes per second under ideal conditions. It is no coincidence that it is recommended at least for system files use high-performance SSD models. From all of the above, a simple conclusion follows: it is the HDD that slows down the modern system, thereby being “ bottleneck" And since the user can easily make changes to the way the disk subsystem processes commands, affecting speed to a certain extent, you can often hear the question of which mode is better: AHCI or IDE.

Standards

The interaction of the disk with other components of the computer system occurs through a special control controller. This chip serves as a kind of command translator, converter. Until recently, the only “language” understood by the controller was the IDE protocol.

It arose at dawn computer industry and modernized several times. With the advent of high-speed SATA drives, a radical reworking of the protocol was required. This is how it arose to easily cope with the increased data flow (interface), supports the fashionable NCQ command queue and implements the ability to turn off the device “on the fly”. So what is AHCI? IDE with some new features added. Everything is so simple at first glance.

Opportunities and prospects

Since the standards are backward compatible (SATA devices work perfectly using the IDE protocol), the BIOS or its equivalent almost always contains an item that allows you to select the desired mode.

In many cases, this is the only way to ensure normal computer performance. The mode selection function is present only in software those motherboards that support SATA. This is all modern systems. However, hybrid solutions can also be attributed here, allowing you to connect both classic IDE devices (PATA, wide connector comb) and SATA (compact connector). So, AHCI or IDE? What's better? To make it easier to understand this, here is a list of “bonuses” that a user receives by activating a more modern mode:

1. via internal electronic circuits “disk controller - board controller” reaches from 1.5 Gb/s (gigabit) for modification SATA-1 to 6 in the third revision. Let us remember that UDMA-6, in which old hard drives can work, provides only 133 Mbit/s.

2. When talking about which is better - AHCI or IDE, one cannot fail to mention support for NCQ technology. Its essence lies in the fact that the hard drive can “interfere” with the command flow queue, rearranging them to improve operating efficiency.

3. Possibility of “hot” replacement of the device, which does not require shutting down the entire system.

4. Parallel access to all disks at once, without using alternate switching.

Here is a very tempting list of possibilities. No wonder the question is: “AHCI or IDE: which is better?” is perhaps one of the most painful. Many computer owners, surprisingly, still believe in the “magic button”.

Theory and practice

So, after all, AHCI or IDE - which is better? From the above list we can conclude that the outdated protocol is significantly inferior to the new one. However, this is not quite true. Let's consider this point in more detail. Yes, indeed, the data transfer speed has increased tenfold, however magnetic disks in hard drives they both rotated at a speed of 7200 rpm (the most popular solution), and still rotate. Accordingly, no revolutionary breakthroughs occurred in the reading process. In no way HDD test the user will not see 6 Gbit transfer. Even 200 Mbit is unattainable! Exception - solid state drives. If there is such a device in the system, then you don’t have to deal with the question: “AHCI or IDE: which is better?”, but immediately activate the updated protocol. However, as we pointed out, due to the cost similar drives have not yet become widespread.

Very often in debates about whether AHCI or IDE is better, the main argument in favor of the former is the protocol's ability to support NCQ. Indeed, when several programs are actively accessing the hard drive at once this function allows you to rebuild the flow of requests in the most in the best possible way. However, on the average computer, more than two or three programs rarely access the disk simultaneously, so talking about full of absences acceleration is not possible, but it is obtained within the limits of error.

IDE or AHCI - which is better? Windows 7 upon activation last mode Supports connecting/disconnecting SATA devices on the go. Quite convenient, especially in server systems where shutdown is undesirable. However, to use “hot swap” it is recommended to use not internal connectors, but SATA modifications routed to the case.

And finally, the protocol allows several hard drives on the bus to work simultaneously, rather than waiting for requests. Exactly at in this case NCQ's potential is fully realized. Not relevant for the average computer.

As a result, it turns out that although the AHCI protocol is more interesting from a technological point of view, nevertheless, the majority of users will receive nothing but moral satisfaction from its inclusion. There are only two exceptions to general rule: server system and use of SSD.

Nuances of use

Although you can switch modes in the BIOS in a few seconds, you should keep one thing in mind important point. It is as follows: if the operating system was installed, for example, with AHCI, then after transferring to IDE, loading may not be possible. This is not a rule, but most often this is how things happen. Therefore, even before installing the distribution, you need to decide which disk subsystem protocol you plan to work with.

AHCI driver packages began to be integrated into the system only with Vista. All previous solutions from Microsoft do not have built-in support, so you need to either use “assemblies” or prepare media with the appropriate driver before installation. Windows 7 works great with the new standard. Switching SATA from IDE mode to AHCI must be done from the BIOS (item Configure SATA). In very rare cases, changes to the registry may be required.

Switching method

In order to get into the BIOS, immediately after turning on the computer system, you need to press several times in a row. Delete button (personal computers) or F2 (laptops). Depending on the implementation, the required item may be located in any sections. For example, it may require a translation to activate it Boot Mode in CSM instead of UEFI, after which Compatible (IDE) and AHCI appear. The item you are looking for may be in the SATA Enhanced section. You need to carefully review the entire existing list. After switching, press ESC and agree to save the changes.

Results

The decision about which protocol to choose depends on several factors. First of all, it depends on the operating system used. From compatibility at the “hardware” level. And of course from the load on the subsystem. The higher it is, the more preferable AHCI is. If we analyze all the reviews, we can say that both protocols work great, with correct setting without causing any disruptions. However, it is more appropriate to use updated version. This is, so to speak, a foundation “for the future,” for example, for the purchase of an SSD.

Today we will find out simple thing- how to change the SATA mode from IDE to AHCI in the BIOS with Windows 7 already running. After all, those who have already tried to change this mode were able to see blue screen death at the first attempt to boot Windows. And the solution would be to make changes to Windows registry, which is what we will do now.

A very brief note: In the era of Windows XP and earlier, the IDE or PATA interface was widespread, which in modern motherboards is left only for compatibility with older devices and systems. Today the standard is SATA, different revisions of which differ in bandwidth.

Yesterday I visited one of my clients and on one of the computers I had the opportunity to put this method into practice. I just stood there and was sad at the ide Windows mode 7. I decided to transfer it to AHCI without reinstalling it, and at the same time improve performance.

So let's get started.

Press Win+R and write regedit, click OK, the Registry Editor opens.

If you have, for example, RAID mode, then you may need this address in the registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\IastorV

You should see something similar to the one in the screenshot. We need the Start parameter, for me it has a value of 3. Double click on the parameter name.

When you double-click on the name, an editing window will open. Here you need to change the number to 0 (zero).

To look like this. Click OK and save.

After our manipulations, the final value looks like this:

The finishing touches remain. Now you need to restart Windows and go into the BIOS, change the mode there to the desired one.

When the computer starts to restart, do not miss entering the BIOS. This is usually the Del key. Laptops may have F2, F10, or F12 keys.

On my client’s motherboard, the item looks like Storage configuration, with a SATA configuration (compatible or enhanced) subitem inside.

Select the sub-item Configure SATA as, which is in the value and press Enter. Select the AHCI value

Ultimately, the item now looks like Configure SATA as. Press F10 to save the BIOS settings, then Enter and the computer reboots again.

And now comes the moment of truth!)

Windows 7 should boot normally and upon boot it will detect new devices for which it will begin vigorously searching and installing drivers. It may then ask you to reboot. Reboot, make Windows pleasant.

This method worked in my case and even visually the computer began to run faster.