ECS P4M800-M7 Motherboard SATA Problem.

If anybody encounter problem with SATA interface on ECS P4M800-M7 motherboard, you should upgrade the bios and limit the transfer rate of the drive.

My situation:

My mobo cannot detect my 500gb WD HDD. So, I suspected the bios problem because, bios didnot display any SATA interface. After I upgrade the bios, SATA Interface appeared but still not detect the hdd. BIOS take about 3 minutes to finish POST. Still, no hdd detected.

Then, I suspected the hdd is using new SATA technology but mobo still using first SATA technology. So, I set hdd jumper to limit the transfer rate. Then mobo could detect the hdd.

Mobo manufacturer: EliteGroup (ECS)
Model: P4M800-M7 Ver 3.1

Steps:

1. (1)
   Upgrade BIOS
   Download Latest BIOS file from here
   
2. (2)
   Setting HDD jumper to limit to 150mb transfer rate
   Read this document on how to set the jumper
   

* beware - you may trash you mobo

Installing Windows XP on Acer Aspire 4920

Lihat Versi Bahasa Melayu

The easiest way to install Acer Aspire 4920 with Winodws XP is to setting the SATA Mode to IDE Mode rather then AHCI Mode. Here is how to set the bios.

1. To enter the BIOS, press F2 as stated in the Acer welcome screen.




2. Use your Arrow Key to move the screen to Main section. At the bottom, the is a option to set the SATA Mode. Press key, the select IDE Mode




3. Save you setting by pressing F10. Exit the BIOS, system will reboot.

Now, you're ready to install Windows XP without any SATA driver.




Hope this info will help.