AHCI not shown in BIOS

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aucklander

477 posts

Ultimate Geek

#181207 6-Oct-2015 14:18

Hi all,
I am running mobo MS-7352 Vers 1.0, upgraded to latest BIOS version.
See BIOS screenshots here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yvf1d4wxomxmvke/AAA-hi-j-RXXUCxb1gjU-T42a?dl=0

[1] I cannot see where can I enable AHCI. I installed a new SSD and it is as slow as the old HDD, because there is no AHCI. Is there any chance to get this working? Or maybe it is not supported by the mobo? The link also shows screenshot of a benchmark on the SSD, really pathetic results, isn't it?
[2] see the screen where the +5V is reported by BIOS as +3.78V ro something like that... can this be correct? Why is there such difference?

[3] I am re-using RAM form a different system and I am sure it used to run at 800MHz but now it shows the RAM at 667MHz only? The mobo can get higher FSB according to the datasheet, can this be related to the +5V issue?

Many thanks.

mobo Intel DH55PJ, RAM: 4GB RAM, Nova-T 500 HD + Avermedia Trinity tuner card, Geforce 520 video, 120GB SSD Sandisk + 640 WD + 1000SG, Win7 Home Prem 64-bit, Media Portal 1.15.0; BTC 9019URF Cordless Keyboard, Panasonic 55" (HDMI cable), HTPC Case Silverstone Grandia GD05B.

macuser

2120 posts

Uber Geek

#1401044 6-Oct-2015 14:38

If the motherboard is not showing an option for AHCI, it means it's either IDE only...or AHCI only - my guess judging by RAM speed is that it is IDE only.

If you want to fully take advantage of your SSD, you will need a new motherboard (which means new cpu, new ram etc etc ...ie new PC)

PS...that bench mark shows that your SSD will still be a significant improvement over your mechanical hdd

aucklander

477 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1401048 6-Oct-2015 14:48

so maybe AHCI will never be an option on this mobo?...

Any idea why the +5V voltage shows as something different? Is this something to worry about?

When I say the SSD is slow, I mean it boots up in 1:40 - 1:50 as opposed to other machine which boots in 20 sec (Win 7 / i5 CPU / 8GB RAM). I have the timeshift for MediaPortal on C: (the SSD) and it works OK, so maybe I can live with the speed is running at?

Lias

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#1401049 6-Oct-2015 14:49

That's a pretty ancient system. That's got to be what 7-8 years old?
Not to mention it's an HP so who knows what customization has been done to the bios.

I'd consider replacing it!

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macuser

2120 posts

Uber Geek

#1401051 6-Oct-2015 14:54

aucklander: so maybe AHCI will never be an option on this mobo?...

Any idea why the +5V voltage shows as something different? Is this something to worry about?

When I say the SSD is slow, I mean it boots up in 1:40 - 1:50 as opposed to other machine which boots in 20 sec (Win 7 / i5 CPU / 8GB RAM). I have the timeshift for MediaPortal on C: (the SSD) and it works OK, so maybe I can live with the speed is running at?

The SSD isn't the only thing to consider when looking at boot speed, if you have too little ram (less than 4GB) your system will be starved, also depending on your CPU it might not be up to the task.

By searching for the motherboard, I understand you have a DX7400, which you could pick up more ram and a core 2 quad q6600 from ebay for $100 or so total (hong kong sellers usually have free shipping.

Also I understand you bought a SSD, but did you fresh install the OS?

aucklander

477 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1401063 6-Oct-2015 15:23

you are right, it is from a DX7400 HP system and you are right again, it appears to be a fairly old system.

I had a better mobo but I tampered with it and scratched it on the back so this was given to me for free by another Geekzone user, to get the system running in a hurry. I have played with the other mobo trying to improve the CPU cooling, and things ended up in disaster. Replacing CPU will require me to touch the heatsink again, with the possibility of not getting it right...

All the PC does is to run MediaPortal on the TV, the CPU stays at 8-15% on TV3, I am happy with that. When the time comes for (another) upgrade of the HTPC, I will (of course) look at more recent specs (definitely quietness will be high on the list of priorities) but in this instance I am trying to get the best out of what I have...

Jase2985

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#1401096 6-Oct-2015 15:55

I have pretty much the same setup in the laptop im currently using, as my other one is away for a warranty claim

T5750 @ 2GHz,
4GB DDR2 @ 667MHz
240GB SSD

compared to when it only had a spinning disk and 2GB or ram its about 3-4 times faster booting into windows, opening anything its a heap faster.

Im slightly crippled because the SATA standard on the laptop is only the original SATA standard (SATA I) so its only running at a max of 1.5GBPS, so it would probably be a bit quicker still.

Its disk speed checks are about half of what i get on the desktop as its SATA2 vs SATA1

My desktop which is again very similar

Q6950 @ 3GHZ
4GB DDR2 @ 800MHz
120GB SSD

it shows almost idential stats to yours.

The laptop it at the login screen in about 45 seconds, the desktop, about 35. The bios splash screen etc takes up about 15 seconds of that on both.

rlevis

347 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1401420 7-Oct-2015 00:56

The SSD will likely be capable of SATA3 at 6GB/s. and with only SATA1 on the MB, it will be no faster than a hard drive. You will need a new motherboard to access those speeds.

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Jase2985

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#1401450 7-Oct-2015 07:05

rlevis: and with only SATA1 on the MB, it will be no faster than a hard drive.

disagree, if you read my post my laptop is about 3-4 times faster with a ssd than with spinning disk. Its only running at SATA1 speeds.

it does make a difference. an if a motherboard upgrade is not in the cards then its still a worthwhile upgrade.