BIOS configuration for a Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R and i7 Intel processor

[Patrick Mahan]

On 1/2/12 12:31 PM, Patrick Mahan wrote:
> All,
> 
> I am putting together a DIY system using a Gigabyte motherboard
> and the Intel i7.  I plan on running FreeBSD 9.0 as the based OS.
> I have a Seagate 1 TB Barracuda for the hard drive connected to
> one of the sata controllers.
> 
> I've got a couple of questions regarding the SATA setup.
> 
> The motherboard has an Intel ICH10R South Bridge controlling
> 6 SATA2 (3.0 Gbs/s) devices, Gigabyte controlling 2 GSATA2 devices
> (3.0 Gb/s) and a Marvell 9128 SATA3 (6.0 Gb/s) devices.
> 
> I currently have the HDD connected to the ICH10R.  My first question
> is simply confirmation of what my googling seems to have turned up -
> that this controller is supported by FreeBSD.
> 
> 2nd question, the BIOS setup lists this controller mode as "IDE"
> and the other possible values are -
> 
>   "IDE" = Disables RAID for this SATA controller, configures the
>           controller in IDE mode
> 
>   "RAID" = Enables RAID for this SATA controller
> 
>   "AHCI" = Configures the SATA controller to Advanced Host Controller
>            Interface mode to support enabled advanced Serial ATA
>            commands such as Native Command Queuing and Hot plug.
> 
> Which mode is the best for FreeBSD?  The BIOS default is IDE.  I am
> currently only using 1 HDD so I am not currently interested in RAID.
> Is AHCI supported?
> 
> NOTE: these modes are listed for all three SATA controllers.
> 

All,

Slight addendum, I have found a link to Warren Block's instructions on
enabling AHCI support and others have pointed out that they are using
AHCI on GB motherboards.

Again, thanks,

Patrick