FAQ

What is AHCI and what does it do to my system?

Last Update: 2010/08/01

What is AHCI?

AHCI stand for Advance Host Controller Interface. It is an addition to complement the Serial ATA standard. It allows for access of the native functions of the SATA standard for example Native command queuing (which allows greater performance by optimizing how controller requests data from the hard drive) and hot swappable (which means you can utilize eSATA without shutting the system down) capabilities at an operating system level.

However it is not without its drawbacks. It does require drivers to be loaded for XP OS as there are no native drivers on the CD. Also it will limit compatibility with older, legacy hardware that does not take advantage of the options. Also you cannot enable it after a installation as you will receive a Blue screen error due to lack of additional drivers.

How do I enable AHCI?

Most in most situations the option can be enabled in the integrated peripherals on EVGA motherboard. Be sure to review the motherboard manual where it specific location can be.

Note: If you are using a intel based motherboard, selecting raid will also enable AHCI as well.

Keywords

AHCI RAID Advance Host Controller Interface 58326