Intel D975XBX (Bad Axe)

[Sandog]

Thanks stmckin,

I have not tried it yet since I was anticipating a new version coming out. I will try it later. All I really need now is Sonic Focus to come with the latest Vista audio drivers. I am hoping it will in the next audio driver release.

Sandog

[Sandog]

Has anybody with the BA2/Vista tried the new Intel Matrix drivers? I was wondering about configuring my drive for ICHA in Vista which it is capable of. It may already be configured, I have to check later.

Thanks,
Sandog

[utech626]

I'm using the D975XBX2 MB with a Q6600 running vista. All the drivers were support "Out of the box" including the RAID (using Seagate 350x2 Raid 0) no problems including Audio, Viiv etc.

The only problem is the Viiv setup you have to find the full Viiv setup drivers on the Gateway site. Intel's site only allows you to download an update, that must be applied to existing install. You can't install the version on the CD on vista, must be MC 2005.

Bob

[Sandog]

utech626 and welcome to ABXZone forums.

Any chance you can post a link to the Gateway site for our members to get that?

Sandog

[utech626]

Here is the Gateway URL for the full Viiv installation under Vista. Note only supported on Vista Ultimate and Home Prem.

support.gateway.com/support/drivers/getFile.asp?id=21036&dscr=Windows%20Vista%20Intel%20VIIV%20Software%20version:%201.6.429.0&uid=14967 3535

Bob

[stmckin]

Sandog,

Vista32 will install on the XBX2 in AHCI mode right out of the box, Intel Matrix Manager under Vista requires 6.2.0.0000 or later,

6.2.0.2002 fixed a major issue where hard drives were spun down on S5 causing some apps hang/not responding

6.2.1.1002 fixed the console correctly running as administrator

6.2.1.1002 works okeydokey for me... but I'm not using RAID.....

Download Search Results

[utech626]

I have the Bios set as RAID and Vista installation worked right out of the box, no additional drivers needs. I'm using the new 2634 bios.

Config:
BX2, Q6600, 4GB Wintec 800 DDR2, Nvidia 7900GT

[RJ]

After months of debating and reading reviews, I finally pulled the trigger and settled for a Bad Axe 2 and an E6600. The only thing that I did not order was a Creative sound card like I always do for older game compatibility. I have never used on board sound, but since it seems that the Audigy 2 & 4 middle of the line cards are no longer available, I am debating about the BA2's onboard sound. I will be running XP, and the games are compatible with XP, but I know one of my favorites does not work with AC97 (?) on board sound motherboards.

[Lowglide]

Hello,

I have been following this board for some time and I wanted to get some opinions. I have a 975XBX rev 305 with a X6700 4gig RAM running rock stable with VISTA 32. Tiger has the XBX2 on sale for $179 for next two days. Is it worth the hassle? I am not a gamer per se and the present setup gives me a Vista rating of a 5.3 (RAID 1 gives me a slower transfer rate) with the rest all 5.5 and one 5.9.

Thanks,
Lowglide

[Lowglide]

Just a FYI, I pulled the complete rev 1.6 Viiv files from Dell for the XPS series versus the Gateway site.

Choose - XPS/Dimension 210/9200C - as the models and then under applications is the the download for the full version of 1.6 Viiv

support.dell.com

Lowglide

[Sandog]

New WHQL certified audio drivers for BA2. Doesn't appear to include Sonic Focus.

Sandog

[Sandog]

Originally Posted by stmckin

Sandog,

Vista32 will install on the XBX2 in AHCI mode right out of the box, Intel Matrix Manager under Vista requires 6.2.0.0000 or later,

6.2.0.2002 fixed a major issue where hard drives were spun down on S5 causing some apps hang/not responding

6.2.1.1002 fixed the console correctly running as administrator

6.2.1.1002 works okeydokey for me... but I'm not using RAID.....

Download Search Results

Hi stmckin,

I tried installing the new Matrix Manager software but it said it was not for my system. I think I have to have Native/AHCI enabled before I install Vista correct? I did find a checkbox in the controller in Device Manager that enabled improved performance of the drive though. Maybe there is some software I have to run from Seagate to enable AHCI on the drive, not sure.

Sandog

[Sandog]

Originally Posted by stmckin

IDCC 2.2.0002 definitely works in Vista32
Run both the install and application as an administrator and in XPSP2 compat mode and it works fine... in fact better than XP for me

Intel® Desktop Control Center

I tried loading IDCC twice. I get an error opening the app.

Sandog

[Sandog]

I answered my own AHCI question.

Intel® Matrix Storage Technology - Changing and/or Choosing Serial ATA Modes

Sandog

[utech626]

Sandog

Here are my Bios settings that enable Raid Support for Vista out of the box:

Bios Version 2634

>>> Advanced - Drive Configuration
Use Automatic Mode <Enabled>
ATA/IDE Mode <Native>
Configuration SATA As <Raid>
S.M.A.R.T <Enable>

>>> Advanced - Peripheral Configuration
Secondary SATA Controller <Disabled>

Drive should be connected to the BLACK SATA connectors. Boot Hit Control-I Create and Add drives to Raid volume, reboot and install Vista. It will auto detect the drive and install just fine. After OS installed, install newest Intel Storage Manager.

Hope this helps all.

Bob