Dell XPS 15 (9530) - Unable to boot using AHCI

Question

Yesterday i got my new XPS 15 9530, that's where i ran into some problems.

Laptop is unable to work under AHCI in any possible configuration.

It ships with 32GB SSD + 1TB HDD, i unscrew and swapped the 1TB HDD with a new Samsung 850 Pro 512GB. I started installing windows while on Intel's SRT (raid), then i noticed it and after installation was over i changed to AHCI.

Then i had to re-install, i boot using windows disk (talking about 8.1 pro) and windows installer was slow during this period... then after i reached the drive listing, i couldn`t touch either drivers. I couldn`t create partition in the samsung pro, i was receiving the 0x80070057 and a couple errors more of the same type. I started playing around with the GPT & MBR formatting, used external computer to create partitions, layouts but nothing.

Whenever AHCI is on, i can`t manage to work using the Samsung 850 Pro disk.

So now i`m using Intel's SRT (raid instead) while having a single disk (samsung 850 pro) where windows is installed, while not achieving full read/write speeds because of the samsung magician that has to work with AHCI, and the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (irst). The other drive (32GB SSD) is formatted for linux, i have to disable secure boot to boot into there but that's fine.

How can i get AHCI to work? I tried so many ways but clearly nothing....

Advice is welcomed :)
Thanks!

Voovode · Answer

Anyone?

ejn63 · Answer

Remove the mSATA drive from the system and do the installation on the SSD in AHCI mode.

Voovode · Answer

It won't work. It will just start working really slow, then start throwing errors as soon as I touch the partition......

ejn63 · Answer

Run an extended diagnostic (F12 at powerup or hold the D key thorough POST) on the SSD.

Voovode · Answer

100% pass, tried a couple times already...

Voovode · Answer

bump.

Voovode · Answer

As i said, i re-tested without any luck:

Unscrew laptop, removed mSata and ssd, took an image backup of the samsung ssd and put back the ssd only in the machine.

Booted into BIOS, changed mode IRST to AHCI, saved, and booted from the USB stick.

The dots starting spinning around with the windows 8 logo, and after that a black screen, anytime soon it will show the welcome to windows installation wizard, but it takes ages....

As soon as i reach that point, i`ll try to load rapid storage drivers (f6) method, let's see...

Voovode · Answer

Even dell says it's faulty.

I spoke with a number of employees, they all agree something is wrong, but they cancelled my DoA.

It continues to refuse to boot from the attached SSD, freezes like hell.

I need an answer on this.

carlitos.com · Answer

1. install the original HDD back

2 - starts normally

3 - active and updated dell backup and recovery software

4 - creates a backup copy on a usb (factory recovery) includes drivers and operating system

5 - download software for samsung evo to clone your hard drive to your ssd will need a usb adapter for your ssd

now you can change your hard drive and start normally if you have a problem booting try one more time or change the configuration on bios to Intel Smart response or AHCI if doesnt work boot with your USB (factory recovery) erase everything and install a new system with your usb

note: maybe not work intel smart response that is only functional if you have your system in hdd don't worry not is necessary because your system is much more faster than the technology

Note: maybe not work inter rapid star may have to reconfigure

I have the same computer and Works excellent...

good luck

Voovode · Answer

The controller doesn`t accep any SSD in AHCI, maybe u havent read anything in what i`m saying... You are talking for IRST again... goodmoring

carlitos.com · Answer

Maybe your computer has a Factory defect I have done this 2 times on 2 different computers and 2 work very well with samsung ssd on AHCI configuration

NoBozos · Answer

I see the same issue. I've uninstalled IRST from my Win 8.1 XPS 15 9530. I'm looking at the instructions here as evidence that it is possible to run the SSD without using IRST mode for it.

[View:forum.notebookreview.com/.../746965-back-abyss-xps-15-9530-msata-upgrade.html:550:0]

Have you changed the boot order he discusses?

Ultimately, I'm looking to have my 1 TD HDD and a 256 GB mSata work as a Drive D.

z0ner · Answer

I'm running into the exact same, trying to get my SSD installed without IRST but it's failing miserably during the Windows partitioning (Both Windows 7 and 8). I'm convinced I have a defective motherboard / SATA port, or Dell has a bug in the newest two BIOS firmwares (I tried A07 and A06).

Samsung Magician and HWiNFO both show the SATA0 port (where the Samsung 850 Pro is installed) is running at SATA2 speed.

I was able to image the Dell 1TB onto the Samsung, and get it running in AHCI mode, but the utilities were still telling me the port was running at SATA2 speed:

Has anyone been able to a) Get Sata3 speed out of their SSD, and or installed from scratch from AHCI mode? Please update this thread. Thanks.

Voovode · Answer

Return the SSD back and buy an mSata SSD higher capacity. That's all you can do.

mcheisenberg · Answer

I've just changed my HDD with an SSD and I have your same problems. Did you find a solution?

If I use the standard AHCI drivers by Microsoft the port is recognized as SATA3 and also the speed is doubled, but windows freezes randomly. Checking the event viewer I noticed two messages:

- event ID 129 storahci in correspondence of the freezes (of 20 seconds)

-event ID 153 disk ones every 20 seconds continually

Does anyone has an idea about how to solve this issue? :(

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Dell XPS 15 (9530) - Unable to boot using AHCI

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