7060 MFF, how to set SATA mode?

Question

I just purchased an Optiplex 7060 Micro with 256 NVME SSD preinstalled. I added a Samsung 850 EVO SSD to the computer. I noticed the SATA mode was set to Raid by default in BIOS. In the Samsung Magician software, it shows AHCI is deactivated. I tried to reset the SATA Mode to AHCI, but the computer does not boot. I have to change it back to raid mode. I have a few questions:

1. Does the raid mode have the same performance as AHCI mode for 2.5 inch SSD?

2. If I change the SATA Mode to AHCI Mode and reinstall windows 10, will this change affect the preinstalled M.2 slot NVME SSD performance? Or the SATA mode change does not affect the M.2 slot?

3. What is the best setting for this situation? I have no need for RAID. I just need another SSD to get bigger storage.

Thank you for any suggestions.

speedstep · Answer

Changing Sata mode means you have to reinstall from scratch or you will get code 7B un mountable boot volume.

Da_Vinman · Answer

On newer Intel processors, you need to leave it alone and not change it from RAID mode. Read this for additional info:

https://www.dell.com/community/Laptops-General-Read-Only/Dell-M-2-FAQ-regarding-AHCI-vs-RAID-ON-Storage-Drivers-M-2-Lanes/td-p/5072571

bradthetechnut · Answer

Hi @Henry Hu,

I'm hoping the max SSD capacity for your 7060 wasn't exceeded. Exceeding max storage capacity for anything can cause all kinds of problems and ultimately freeze a machine until the problem is remedied. I don't know if you know this already.

Mokotoff · Answer

I have had the same problem with a Dell Optiplex 7060 SFF.

I replaced the SK-Hynix SC311 SATA (B+M key) 256GB SSD (installed by Dell) with a Samsung 970 EVO Plus M.2 NVMe 1TB SSD.

The Samsung Magician software gives only limited information because the Dell BIOS was set on RAID-mode (standard by Dell).

Without the need of reinstalling Windows 10, I did the following:

1. Type cmd inside the search box

2. Right-click on cmd and select run as administrator

3. Type bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal and press ENTER

4. Restart your computer and enter BIOS Setup by pressing F12

5. Change the SATA Operation mode from RAID to AHCI

6. Save the BIOS changes, exit Setup and Windows will automatically boot in Safe Mode.

7. Type cmd inside the search box

8. Right-click on cmd and select run as administrator

9. Type bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot and press ENTER

10. Reboot once again and Windows will automatically start with AHCI drivers enabled.

Go to the Samsung website and download the Samsung NVMe-driver. The installation gives no problem anymore.

My Dell computer works very fine with the Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD and the Samsung Magician software.

savvy2 · Answer

now that is the correct way.to fix AHCI, well done ! (no more reloading windows for fun)

I guess newer PCs have raid by default. you some do and same have NO RAID at all.

my only guess is so the customer can activate RAID easy./?

755 example:

the BIOS is set by default to RAID autodetect+ ACHI , not the choices raid ATA or RAID (only)

I'm and not sure how dell detects RAID, my guess is by signatures on the drive, or worse signatures in BIOS NVRAM. for RAID, (based on this fact below)

we all know if your RTC coin cell battery dies, so you lost the RAID, due to lost NVRAM signatures. (RTM)

or the reverse of that scrambled NVRAM (any random data now is there) the PC will tell you this PC is RAID mode and is not, and never used RAID at all.

wise if using RAID< for real, test the RTC coin cells ever 5 years, not forgetting to do so. or OOPS A Daisy.

if your PC was never set up to RAID , and it seems in RAID mode, check RTC battery.

"Please remember that RAID as discussed in this article will not survive the removal or replacement of the CMOS battery."

read the word Survive 3 times. and even RTC resets, jumper and such, clr_cmos. clr_NVram.

I do no like RST RAID by intel, at all. I'd never use it ever. (far better choices exists)

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7060 MFF, how to set SATA mode?

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