What is SATA AHCI mode?
Table of Contents
Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) mode enables the use of advanced features on SATA drives, such as hot swapping and Native Command Queuing (NCQ). AHCI also allows a hard drive to operate at higher speeds than in IDE mode.
Should I use standard SATA AHCI?

You can optimize the handling of both SSD and HDD solutions with the Native Command Queuing, even if your computer uses both. Besides allowing you to get a better understanding of your storage, the SATA AHCI Controller also provides faster transfer speeds for large files.
Is AMD SATA controller AHCI?
AMD SATA AHCI drivers for AMD 6-Series, 7-Series, 8-Series, or 9-Series chipsets are included in the chipset driver package and is compatible only with desktop systems running Windows® 8.1, Windows 7 or older (depending on chipset).
How do I find my SATA AHCI controller?
Press the Windows key and R key together to open the Run dialog. Type devmgmt. msc in the box and click OK to continue. In the Device Manager window, expand the IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers and select the Stand SATA AHCI Controller.

Why is AHCI better for SSD?
Both add more advanced storage features. AHCI is newer than IDE, and enables more advanced storage features. However, both are older technologies that are not in widespread usage in storage arrays, especially with the growth of SSDs.
What SATA mode should I use for SSD?
So, if you are using a SATA SSD or HDD, you can set up the mode to utilize the advantages of the SATA interface. With the emergency of NVMe, more and more SSDs are designed with the NVMe protocol. Many hardware and SSD manufacturers recommend that AHCI mode can be used for SSD drives.
How do I know if AHCI is enabled in Windows 10?
Click the arrow next to “IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers” to display the list of controller drivers currently used by your system. d. Check for an entry that contains the acronym “AHCI.” If an entry exists, and there is no yellow exclamation mark or red “X” over it, then AHCI mode is properly enabled.
How do I change AHCI to SATA mode?
1. Enable AHCI mode in BIOS
- Shut down your system.
- Power the system On, and tap the F2 key to boot to BIOS.
- Go to System or Hardware configuration (this will differ based on BIOS).
- Look for AHCIor SATA mode.
- Enable AHCI or under SATA mode, set it to AHCI.
- Save and Exit BIOS.
- AHCI will be enabled.
How do I change a SATA driver to AHCI controller?
How To Make Changes To Standard SATA AHCI Controller Driver?
- Press the Windows Key and search for Device Manager.
- See if you can find the ‘IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers’ option in the device manager.
- Once you expand the list, you will see the drivers installed.
- Right-click on the driver you want to update.
Which is better SATA or AHCI?
Should SATA mode be AHCI or IDE? Generally speaking, IDE mode provides better compatibility for the older hardware. But the hard drive may perform more slowly in IDE mode. If you want to install more than one hard drive and use the advanced SATA features, AHCI mode is a better choice.
Is AHCI required for SSD?
AHCI mode as previously explained enables NCQ (native command queuing) which is really not required for SSDs as they do not need optimizing in this way as there is no physical movement of heads or platters. In many cases, it can actually hinder SSD performance, and even reduce the lifetime of your SSD.
What is the latest version of Intel ich8m-e/m SATA AHCI controller driver?
The package provides the installation files for Intel ICH8M-E/M SATA AHCI Controller Driver version 9.6.0.1014. If the driver is already installed on your system, updating (overwrite-installing) may fix various issues, add new functions, or just upgrade to the available version.
What is the Intel® ICH8 datasheet?
This datasheet is intended for Original Equipment Manufacturers and BIOS vendors creating Intel® ICH8 family-based products. This manual assumes a working knowledge of the vocabulary and principles of PCI Express*, USB, IDE (Mobile Only), AHCI, SATA, Intel® High Definition Audio (Intel® HD Audio), SMBus, PCI, ACPI, and LPC.
How do I enable AHCI mode in BIOS?
Browse to the folder where you extracted the driver and click Ok When you install an operating system, SATA settings (be it AHCI, RAID, or IDE mode) are detected from the BIOS. If you want to change from one mode to another after the OS has been applied, appropriate drivers are required.
What does “mobile only” mean for the 82801hbm ICH8M?
The term “Mobile Only” refers to information that is for both the 82801HBM ICH8M and 82801HEM ICH8M-E, unless noted otherwise. This datasheet is intended for Original Equipment Manufacturers and BIOS vendors creating Intel® ICH8 family-based products.