Epox 9NPA+ Ultra Problem

[kiks]

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The system works fine while installing the OS. The problem will occur right after installing the Chipset driver. I'm using a SATA HDD. Right after installing the chipset driver and the system will restart, it will lock-up and cannot boot to windows again. Safe mode or any other mode doesn't work at all. But if I will use an IDE HDD, everything is ok. I tried a known good SATA cable, tried all SATA channels, no go. Updated the BIOS version and used the latest chipset driver, no go.

I'm just wondering if there's something wrong with the SATA controller because the problem will only occur if I will be using a SATA HDD but if I will use and IDE HDD, the problem is non existent.

Please give your feedback on this problem.


Computer Specs:
- AMD Athlon64 3200+ (Venice) OC to 2.6 GHz
- Epox 9NPA+ Ultra
- 2 x 256 PC 3200 Kingston Hyper XUL (2-2-2-5)
- MSI 6600GT PCI-E
- 120 Gig 7200 Maxtor SATA (8MB Cache)
- LG DVD +/- RW
- HEC Ace Power 480 Watts
- Thermaltake Soprano (Silver)

[nitto1320i]

did u mean u set it up on raid mode or just default? have u tried disabling the ide on your bios? try using only the sata then disable your ide on your bios.

[kiks]

RAID configuration is disabled under BIOS and also the IDE devices where set to none. SATA 1 is the only SATA channel enabled under BIOS. Everything under BIOS seems to be configured correctly. I already tried all four SATA channels and all of them generated same results.

Tanx for the prompt reply by the way.

[gtjr_ph]

try installing the raid driver first before the chipset driver even your not using raid. try to find also sata driver for windows xp in the epox cd if my suggestion doesnt help.

[akari]

Whats ur current FSB?

SATAs are known to be non-stable when ocing the MOBOS FSB.

[fish]

naa ra na sa imo bios settings ang problema bai... untingkaya lang ug taman... masulbad ra lagi na nimo.

[Visual C#]

kiks, is SATA spread spectrum enabled or disabled on your BIOS?
Have you tried other SATA HDD's? Maybe it's an incompatibility issue with your HDD and your mobo's SATA controller. I've heard some SATA HDD's to have some sort of jumper that you can short to compensate for some incompatibilities. Try checking with the SATA HDD's manufacturer and see if there's anything.

If all else checks out, then I think your mobo's sata controller's busted and you can possibly return it to your dealer.

[kiks]

I already found the cause of the problem. I used a PCI SATA controller and installed windows and all the drivers successfully. The SATA controller of my mobo is defective. Send mobo back for replacement. As what I mentioned in my first post, if I'm going to use an IDE HDD, everything seems to be fine.

Tanx for all your suggestions. Really appreciate it.