ahci mode is faster than ide. Enabling AHCI hard drive mode without reinstalling Windows. Enabling AHCI mode in Windows

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If you turn to the system administrator and ask a question, what is the weakest link in the computer? - you will receive the answer that it is the HDD, because it is practically the only mechanical element of the system that slows down the operation of the entire computer. In this regard, many manufacturers were looking for a way out, at least some opportunity to speed it up, also with SSDs. The output became visible when using AHCI.

• AHCI disk mode includes several main differences (there are 3 of them), which make it a priority in the use of all disk drives, except outdated IDEs. The main features of the mode:
• Hot Plug – allows you to “hot” change computer components (disks). Thus, there is no need to turn off and unplug the PC; you can change the HDD and SSD directly in operating mode. This is important for server stations where disconnection is unacceptable and is simply convenient for anyone who uses multiple disks;

• NCQ – support for “deep” command sequence, that is, it is able to configure a more efficient trajectory of the head in mechanical ones and significantly increases the output in SSDs;

TRIM is primarily applicable to SSDs, as it guarantees a significant increase in speed.

AHCI mode allows you to enjoy all these benefits and most likely you have the opportunity to enable it. If you are using an SSD, then you probably need to turn it on to see the proper speed of its operation, this applies to both SATA II and SATA III, except for older IDE drives. Therefore, if you are in doubt about which mode to choose: ide or AHCI, the latter is definitely an advantage.

How to check if AHCI mode is enabled?

• The first thing you need to do is find out whether it is worth pursuing further switching; perhaps it is already active for you. There are several places that show the information you need: Device Manager and BIOS.
• Click Start, right click on “Computer” and click on “Properties”;

• Now select "Device Manager";
• Next, expand the “IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers” section;

Check to see if there is a section called AHCI.

• If there is no such item, you may find out that it is inactive. We will also consider another option through the BIOS (UEFI):
• You should go to the section called SATA or Storage in different options until you find SATA Mode/Configuration, where the mode will be shown.

At this stage, do not change the connection mode, as this may result in system errors. It is best to enable AHCI mode in the BIOS and install on a new Windows, which guarantees normal processing of the mode, but this is quite radical.

How to enable AHCI mode in Windows 7?

The most relevant and widespread system in which we will perform actions. It's also worth noting that if you're installing a new drive, you can freely switch the AHCI mode without any consequences. There are also several options for activating AHCI: through the registry and through a utility. A more correct option would be to use the registry to prepare the system for further changes; the latter method will simply help solve pending errors in the computer.

• Press Win + R and type regedit;
• Follow HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\msahci;
• Replace the value of the Start option with 0;

• Here you will find the lastorV section;
• Also replace Start with 0.

Now you can enable AHCI mode in the BIOS and Windows will correctly detect it by installing the necessary drivers. An alternative method involves changing the mode initially and then simply clearing the error. To do this, use the official Microsoft Fix it utility. After installation, run a check and the failures will be eliminated; you may need to run from safe mode.

How to enable AHCI mode in Windows 10?

In general, the actions are not significantly different; let’s look at the differences in editing the registry.

• In the same section as in Windows 7, you need to change the Start parameters in the iaStorV and storahci folders to the value 0;
• Expand each of the specified sections and go to the StartOverride subsections, where parameter 0 is set to 0.

We were able to enable AHCI Windows mode, but it is worth noting that it is better to launch it for the first time in safe mode in order to avoid unnecessary problems. During the initial startup, the AHCI operating mode will install the necessary drivers automatically.

It is worth mentioning the distinctive features of how to enable AHCI mode in Windows XP and other outdated versions.

Despite the fact that XP does not support this mode at all, there are drivers that expand these capabilities, although this is unsafe.

You should also think about whether it is worth it, because if the computer is very weak for more modern systems, then the speed increase will be insignificant. Also, the AHCI controller mode in Vista is activated in the same way as the “seven”.

So, AHCI sata mode is easy to enable, and the system will reward you for your efforts with an increase in speed. Usually there are no problems with changing the controller, but if you encounter them, just run the Microsoft Fix it utility. AHCI is required when using an SSD drive, otherwise you will not use its full speed.

Maximum performance is achieved when using the AHCI mechanism. Therefore, all new PCs that run the Windows 7 operating system or older versions of the OS from Microsoft use this option. If we are talking about older systems, then you still need to think about whether to use AHCI or IDE. What's better? The answer to this question depends on many factors.

AHCI or IDE - which is better? How to choose the desired mode?

Despite the popularity of the Windows 7, 8, 10 operating systems, many owners of personal computers and laptops continue to use Win XP. The OS is stable. People feel comfortable working with her. However, Windows XP also has a number of significant disadvantages:

• official Microsoft support for this OS has been completely discontinued;
• technologically outdated operating system;
• does not support new versions of DirectX (versions 10-12);
• safety problems;
• there is no support for the most current technologies;
• It is impossible to install many modern programs on XP;
• There are no drivers for new equipment.

The list could go on for a long time. If we consider the question of which operating mode is better - AHCI or IDE - then it is worth taking into account the fact that Windows XP simply does not support the first option. This, of course, also applies to older versions of the Microsoft OS. Therefore, the choice here is obvious - only IDE. But if a person belongs to the category of advanced users, he can load special drivers into the system that allow the use of the AHCI mechanism. By default, this mode is not supported.

How IDE mode works

Components that require an ATA interface for connection use the IDE mechanism to operate. This technology is outdated, but it was widely used in the nineties of the last century and at the beginning of the 2000s. The standard was introduced in the IBM PC - the first mass popular computers.

The IDE (parallel drive interface) mechanism provided data transfer at a speed of 150 Mbit/s. It did not allow the use of some technological solutions that were relevant at that time. Thus, it was impossible to hot remove a hard drive or CD drive from the system without shutting down or rebooting the system. Similar features were added by engineers some time later, but only a portion of computers received their support. Knowing the background of the development of interfaces, you can easily answer a number of questions: AHCI or IDE - which is better for a specific operating system, which scheme provides faster operation?

Active use of Parallel ATA interfaces ended around 2006, when the new SATA standard began to play a major role. However, even after 10 years, the IDE is still in use, although it is used much less frequently. The mechanism is used in almost all old computers and laptops, and is active even in systems that support AHCI.

Features of AHCI mode

The emergence of the new SATA interface, which had more powerful capabilities compared to the previous PATA technology, created the need for a new mechanism for working with the system. This is how AHCI mode appeared. It allowed the resources of the newly appeared interface to be used to their full potential. Today, this mechanism is supported by all modern motherboards.

Using the AHCI mode allows you to transfer information at the highest possible speed and use any current technological solutions. All current operating systems have device drivers that operate this protocol. So what should you choose now, IDE or AHCI? What is better for a modern computer? In most cases, the choice should be made in favor of the second option.

Advantages of the AHCI mechanism

Modern drives with SATA interface are fully compatible with the new mode. What advantages does this mechanism have? Still, choose IDE or AHCI - which is better? Windows 7 and newer versions of Microsoft OS are capable of working with the two above protocols. But the second one is better used for new systems.

Benefits that the user receives when using AHCI:

• high data transfer speed;
• excellent performance;
• full compatibility with modern operating systems;
• the ability to hot-swap hard drives;
• support for NCQ technology (improves HDD performance).

Knowing about all the pros and cons of the solution, it’s easy to make a choice between installing AHCI or IDE in the settings. What would be better for a modern computer? If it is not equipped with PATA drives, it is better to install a new mode.

Which mode to set in BIOS settings

Although IDE mode has long been obsolete, it is still supported by motherboard manufacturers. Even the newest models have the ability to use this interface. In the BIOS settings in the corresponding section, you can change one mode to another. The default is usually AHCI. You can run into an exception, but this happens extremely rarely.

If we take a typical situation where a user is trying to install the Windows 7 operating system on a computer, then he does not even have to make any changes to the BIOS to use the new scheme. Perhaps some will find it familiar to work with the old interface. So, IDE or AHCI - which is better? Windows 7 allows you to use both modes.

If your hard drive or other storage device is connected to the motherboard via a SATA interface, you should leave the default AHCI mode. Full support for this mechanism is provided in the operating systems Windows 7, 8, 10, Ubuntu 16.04 and others. Only with the new mode is stable operation of OS data possible.

What to do if, after enabling AHCI mode, the system stops booting

This situation may arise if the user has Windows XP or an older version of Linux installed. There is no question here whether to prefer AHCI or IDE. What will be better for the old OS? Perhaps it is preferable to set the mode to IDE. You can try to install additional drivers on the system that provide support for the new standard. However, there is no guarantee that after this procedure the OS will work correctly.

In some cases, a computer that has successfully worked for a long time running Windows XP one day stops booting. At the same time, the user did not change the operating mode of the drives in the BIOS. This situation may occur due to errors in the underlying I/O system. In this case, the settings are reset and the AHCI mode is activated. The user must independently install support for the IDE mechanism in the BIOS settings.

What is AHCI mode and why should it be enabled? AHCI is a mechanism for working with information storage devices. For example, with hard drives or SSD drives. This mode replaces the more outdated IDE mode. The dawn of this “protocol” came, perhaps, in 2011. At that time, prices for SSD drives became more or less affordable for home use.

We will not disclose all the technical details about how the AHCI mode works. It will be enough for an ordinary user to know that with AHCI enabled, the speed of working with the disk and its service life increase. But to experience all the beauty of its work, an SSD drive with a SATA 6Gbit interface must be installed in your computer.

This is where we will finish the story about the details of the operation of the AHCI mode and move on to considering the issue of enabling it in the system.

It’s worth mentioning right away that the connection mode for AHCI drives must be supported by your motherboard. Fortunately today, we can confidently say that almost any motherboard released from 2008 onwards has this capability.

Increase PC speed using AHCI mode

What is the difficulty when switching to AHCI mode? If you are just going to install the operating system, then no problems will arise. You just need to enable this mode in the BIOS of your computer and only then install Windows. Usually enable AHCI it is possible through the BIOS in the section on working with storage devices Storage Configuration.

On different models of motherboards, this section may have a different but similar name. For example, SATA Configuration, SATA Mode, etc. The guideline for your search will be the ability to select from a list of the following modes: IDE, AHCI, RAID.

Switching to AHCI without reinstalling the operating system

So, we figured out installing a clean OS, everything is simple! Now let's look at the situation of turning on AHCI for already working Windows. The fact is that when you change modes in the BIOS, the operating system will stop loading with various kinds of errors.

These errors are caused by the absence of the required hard disk controller driver when loading the OS. That is why, before changing the BIOS settings, we will need to prepare the operating system.

To do this, open the Registry Editor through the menu Start > Run > Regedit and we will find the following subsections in it:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Msahci
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\IastorV

In each section you will need to open the parameter Start and replace its value with - 0 .

After making changes, you need to restart the computer, go into the BIOS, enable AHCI mode and save the changes. When the operating system first starts, it will install the new driver and be ready for further work.

As a rule, this method works and is suitable for all versions of Windows from version 7 and higher. If you were unable to figure it out with the first method, then you can try to enable AHCI mode a little differently or contact our team for help

Modern hard drives are connected to the motherboard of computer devices via the SATA interface, which allows operation, in particular, in IDE and AHCI modes. IDE is an old mode, it is necessary to ensure compatibility with outdated components and programs. The AHCI mode is also not a new development in the IT field, it appeared back in 2004, but it is a current mechanism for connecting hard drives via the SATA II and SATA III interface. AHCI has a number of advantages over IDE:

• the ability to connect more devices to the motherboard;
• operating hard drives at their highest possible speed;
• so-called “hot swapping” of hard drives, that is, disconnecting and connecting without having to turn off the computer;
• support for NCQ technology, which improves hard drive performance under multitasking conditions.

SATA mode is set in the BIOS. On modern laptops, AHCI mode is usually set by default. But new motherboards for PC builds may come with IDE mode active for hardware compatibility purposes. You can change IDE to AHCI (or vice versa) at any time in the BIOS of computers that support both modes. Not all computers support AHCI, but most do, since this mode has been around for 12 years. The minority includes rare vintage devices that were released onto the market, respectively, before the advent of AHCI. But even if the computer is less than 12 years old, if it supports AHCI, switching to this mode may still cause problems due to the lack of the appropriate setting in the outdated BIOS version. In such cases, you must first resolve the issue of updating the BIOS.

1. How to find out which mode – IDE or AHCI – is currently installed

You can find out which mode - IDE or AHCI - is currently active on your computer in Windows Device Manager. Expanding the thread:

• “IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers” in Windows versions 8.1 and 10;
• "IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers" in Windows 7.

If your computer's hard drives are connected via AHCI mode, the list of devices will include a SATA AHCI controller.

If IDE mode is active on the computer, the list of branches will contain an entry, respectively, about the IDE controller.

An alternative way is to use the AS SSD Benchmark utility to test the speed of hard drives. If hard drives can operate in AHCI mode, but the BIOS is set to IDE, the utility will notify you of this with the red value “pciide BAD”.

If the computer is running in AHCI mode, in the utility window we will see the green value “storahci - Ok”.

These two methods will make it possible to understand which mode is currently installed. But to determine whether support for AHCI mode is implemented in the BIOS, you need to enter it and find the option to enable AHCI. The selection of SATA operating modes in different BIOS versions may be located in the “Advanced” or “Main” sections. For example, in the BIOS UEFI of the Asus motherboard, this is the “Advanced” section, in it you need to enter the “SATA Configuration” subsection and expand the options for the “SATA Mode” parameter.

Another example is the BIOS AMI (V17.9) of the MSI motherboard, here everything is more complicated, and not everyone will be able to immediately figure out where the AHCI setting is. In the “Integrated Peripherals” section, you must select the “On-Chip ATA Devices” subsection, and in it – “Raid Mode”, which provides a choice of hard drive connection modes.

2. Consequences of switching to AHCI mode for Windows operation

So, you can change the IDE mode to AHCI at any time in the BIOS settings. But for Windows, such a move will not result in a slight delay at startup due to the automatic installation of the necessary drivers, as when replacing some computer components. In this case, even getting rid of the connection to computer components using the standard Windows Sysprep utility, as is the case with replacing the motherboard or processor, will not help. Changing the IDE mode to AHCI leads to serious consequences - Windows simply will not start again. As a result, we will get either a blue screen of death or a cyclic reboot of Windows with a notification that the system has not started correctly.

The fact is that IDE and AHCI modes when installing Windows are registered at the registry level. To operate hard drives in AHCI mode, a special driver is required, which is automatically installed with versions of Windows starting with Vista. Since the AHCI mode appeared later than Windows XP, the AHCI driver must first be integrated into the distribution of this version of the system, taken from the motherboard driver disk or downloaded from the Internet.

Ideally, switching to AHCI mode should be done before installing or reinstalling Windows. But there are ways to activate AHCI without having to reinstall Windows - by starting safe mode or editing the system registry. Below we will consider these methods for versions of Windows 7, 8.1 and 10.

3. Mandatory measures and procedures

In principle, any experiments with Windows can lead to undesirable results, but methods for adapting the operating system to AHCI mode must be taken with particular seriousness. Because in this case, settings that affect the system's ability to boot will be affected. It is strictly forbidden to proceed with the instructions below without having previously prepared emergency means. You must either write down or create and prepare Windows installation media. Using the latter, you can log in or, as a last resort, start the process of reinstalling Windows.

The procedure is as follows:

• Step 1 – check the AHCI enable setting in the BIOS;
• Step 2 – preparation of emergency means;
• Step 3 - depending on the chosen method, either configure the next system startup in safe mode, or edit the system registry;
• Step 4 – reboot, enter BIOS and enable AHCI mode;
• Step 5 – start the computer.

4. Windows Safe Mode

The first method is designed so that when you enter Windows Safe Mode, the AHCI driver will be installed automatically. But, unfortunately, this will not work in every case. On a running system, you need to configure the next startup in safe mode, reboot, enter the BIOS and set the AHCI mode. After starting the computer in safe mode, the AHCI driver should in theory be installed. If everything goes well, all that remains is to reboot the system in normal operation.

A universal way to enter safe mode the next time you boot Windows for all current versions of the system is to use the msconfig utility, called using the “Run” command.

5. Editing the Windows Registry

If the safe mode method does not work, you can avoid reinstalling the system by editing its registry. To launch the Registry Editor, in the “Run” command field, enter:

4.1 Editing the registry Windows 8.1 and 10

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services

In this branch, look for the “iaStorV” folder, click on it, open the “Start” parameter and set its value to “0”. Click "Ok".

Expand the “iaStorV” folder, select the “StartOverride” subfolder, open the “0” parameter and set its value to “0”. Click "Ok".

We go down alphabetically and find the “storahci” folder. Click on it and open the “ErrorControl” parameter. We remove the preset value “3” and enter “0” instead. Click "Ok".

4.2. Editing the Windows 7 registry

In the Registry Editor window, expand the branch:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services

In the branch we find the “iaStorV” folder, click on it, open the “Start” parameter and set the value to “0”. Click "Ok".

After editing the registry, reboot the computer, go into the BIOS, activate the AHCI mode and start the system.

6. If Windows won't boot

If none of the methods helped adapt Windows to work in AHCI mode, the system will have to be reinstalled. But the current Windows can be started if, for example, you need to remove the settings of installed software or save some important files stored on drive C in a safe place. To do this, you need to enter the BIOS again and set the active IDE mode setting back.

However, it may also happen that the system will not be able to boot in either AHCI or IDE mode. If there is no blue screen of death, but versions of Windows 8.1 and 10 reboot cyclically, giving a screen that says “Automatic recovery,” click “Advanced options.”

Going to the “Select Action” menu, follow the path indicated in the screenshot below and roll back to the restore point.

If a blue screen of death appears when you start your computer, boot from the Windows installation media and at the system installation stage, select the “System Restore” option at the bottom.

Once in the “Select Action” menu, we follow the steps described above.

Those who choose the backup method using third-party software use the bootable media of the backup program.

Have a great day!

Hello everyone, I would like to tell you which mode to choose for your hard drive so that it works as it should.

Most likely, this article is suitable for medium-sized computers that may have the wrong option selected. But just in case, check. Before that, I also somehow didn’t think about it until my director told me.

In general, closer to the point) First you need to go into the BIOS of your computer. Different BIOS versions have different login buttons, usually del on computers and F2 on laptops. When the computer boots, it usually says press F2 (Del) for bios. Just in case, here's a hint:

How to enter the BIOS in different versions:

On the computer:

On a laptop:

After you have logged in, you need to look for the Sata Configuration parameter. In it you need to select AHCI mode.

At the same time, I’ll tell you what these modes are:

There are IDE and SATA connection methods:

IDE mode

The IDE (Integrated Development Environment) connector is an outdated connector (developed in the 80s), as can be seen in the picture, it was previously used to connect hard drives, floppy drives, CD-ROMs, etc. which supported such connectors. In those days, of course, this connector was incredibly popular, but now, of course, all that remains is to remember it and change it on old computers.

In addition to all this, even the cords themselves are more convenient and take up less space. The sat connectors support HotSwap and HotPlug i.e. hot replacement, which is convenient in servers. No need to reboot or shutdown.

AHCI is a mode for connecting SATA devices, so I came to the solution to all the articles. Thanks to this mode sata devices work properly.

In order for all your devices to work well, you need to select it (of course, if you have not already selected it).

But first you need to select the achi mode in windows, otherwise you won’t be able to start Windows! Of course you can try, but most likely... Therefore, I will show you how to install achi mode on Windows 7.

How to enable ACHI mode?

This is done using the registry.

Press start - run (or WIN + R).

Type regedit and press enter.

The Registry Editor will appear. In it we follow the path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\msahci