freebsd 6.1 and sata2

[Fluffles]

Chris wrote:
> Seemingly freebsd doesnt recognise the drive and controller properly
> but is able to use the drive, is it actually running in sata mode or
> in some kind of compatible mode?

According to the dmesg you provided, your controller is detected as a
"generic ATA controller", thus possibly it might run into some
"compatibility" mode indeed. You might want to try if using 6.2 or
7-CURRENT solves your problem. You could check this without actually
installing it. Just download a bootable ISO and checkout the dmesg using
the scroll lock button.

Good luck!

- Veronica