Issue#

When launching the Intel Matrix Storage Console and reviewing the disposition of a mirrored pair of Seagate SATA 3.0Gb/s drives, I noted the Serial ATA transfer mode reported as Generation 1.

Cause#

SATA host adapters typically support autonegotiation, however, with the Intel ICH10R this does not seem to be the case with RAID enabled. Note: It does work with standard AHCI mode on this chipset.

Resolution#

Seagate drives ship with a jumper enabled for 1.5GB/s mode. One must remove this jumper to force the drive in 3.0GB/s mode.

Reference: Seagate ST3500320AS product manual