SATA Operation Mode

Common Options : Enhanced, Compatible

Quick Review

This BIOS feature is similar to the SATA Mode BIOS feature, but with different options available. It controls the SATA controller's operating mode. There are two available modes - Enhanced and Compatible.

When set to Enhanced, the SATA controller enables its AHCI functionality. If the SATA controller has RAID functionality, it will be enabled as well and you will be allowed to access the RAID setup utility at boot time. You can find more information on AHCI in the SATA AHCI Mode BIOS feature.

When set to Compatible, the SATA controller disables its AHCI and RAID functions and runs in the IDE emulation mode. You won't have access to the RAID setup utility.

If your system hardware supports AHCI, you should set this BIOS feature to Enhanced, even if you do not intend to use features like hot-plugging. This is because switching from the IDE emulation mode to AHCI mode is often problematic.

On the other hand, the Compatible mode allows for maximum compatibility with older hardware. Even with the proper SATA driver installed, it is possible for a system to crash while installing or booting up an operating system. Enabling the Compatible mode in such cases will normally resolve the issue.

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