install fail on z87-gd65; AHCI unavailable

enazster · 07-22-2020, 01:24 PM

I'm looking for someone that has had success installing any Linux distro on a z87-gd65 motherboard.

Has anyone succeeded in installing any of the newer Linux distros on an MSI z87-gd65 gaming motherboard? All the versions (ubuntu, Xubuntu, Mint, KDE and Deepin) I've tried fail with the same error "AHCI unavailable" during boot of the usb device. The same device has worked and is still working to install many different versions to many other machines so the USB device hardware and software install is 'good'. BIOS is updated to the newest; 1.8, Fast boot disabled. What could I be missing?

jefro · 07-22-2020, 02:42 PM

"was disabling my motherboard's external SATA controller" https://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2411446

However that may not work. Might be an issue with either a chipset in that or a few issues to include video.

Try no atapi maybe on boot. (shouldn't work but can try)

Just because a boot media works somewhere doesn't mean it will work anywhere but thanks for the info.

ondoho · 07-23-2020, 03:04 AM

Maybe Ubuntu will not install with AHCI mode enabled in Bios?

enazster · 07-23-2020, 06:56 AM

I've used all the other settings but all end with the same result; AHCI unavailable

beachboy2 · 07-23-2020, 09:31 AM

enazster,

AHCI support is the default setting on the Z87.

jefro's link includes reference to the ASMedia ASM 1061 SATA controller which appears to cause the "AHCI unavailable" problem.
In contrast the AMD SATA controller is fine.

There should be an option in the BIOS to disable the offboard SATA controller (ASMedia).

Quote:

The drive connections are plentiful as the Z87 chipset offers up to six drives at SATA 6G Speed capability. The full six are employed here although one will be non-usable if you utilize the mSATA port. The other two are a 3rd party controller from ASMedia model ASM1061 and support up to SATA6G speeds but do not support the Intel RST RAID or any of that stuff, so these would probably be good for just standard storage drives or optical.

https://bjorn3d.com/2013/07/msi-z87-...oard-review/2/

enazster · 07-24-2020, 06:52 AM

There is "an option in the BIOS to disable the offboard SATA controller (ASMedia)". But any changes to the setting do not enable the install to get past the AHCI unavailable message.

beachboy2 · 07-24-2020, 09:50 AM

enazster,

There should be an option in the BIOS to disable MSI Fast Boot (not Secure Boot).

Manual:
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/supp...ng#down-manual

enazster · 07-24-2020, 11:04 AM

Yes, there is "an option in the BIOS to disable MSI Fast Boot (not Secure Boot)". changing this setting does not alter the error message.

Do you know of anyone that has succeeded in "installing any Linux distro on an MSI z87-gd65 gaming motherboard"?

beachboy2 · 07-24-2020, 11:38 AM

enazster,

This is baffling.

enazster · 07-24-2020, 11:50 AM

Do you know of anyone that has succeeded in "installing any Linux distro on an MSI z87-gd65 gaming motherboard"?

beachboy2 · 07-24-2020, 12:12 PM

I am afraid not, only several people with the "AHCI unavailable" error message on this board.