I just built a new system with components as below:

MSI P965 Platinum MoBo
OCX DDRII Ram 4ea @ 1GB
ATI X1650 Video w/ 512 Ram
WD5000YS HDD- 2ea
Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit

Problem:

In order to set up a raid system, I needed to install the drivers before installing an OS. This MoBo will not recognize a CD/DVD until drivers are installed. Therefore, the OS needed to be installed in order to get everything working, in order to install proper drivers. (no F8 install option during setup ever appeared anyway) Now, since the OS has been installed, the onboard raid cannot be set-up since the OS is already in place. Any suggestions on how to set up the raid system using the ICH8R chipset without having to wipe out the HDD or installing a separate raid controller?
Also, although MSI site says that this MoBo is Vista compatible, I cannot load most drivers as they support only 32-bit. Help?

Hi,

Yes, you need to made some configurations at the BIOS setup before installing the OS, please read our tutorial on this subject:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/393

Let us know if you are still facing any trouble after reading and following this tutorial.

Thanks,
Gabriel.

Thanks for the link Gabriel,
Having set up several raid systems before, ostly with add-on controllers, this info is a repeat of what I've done in the past. My biggest issue, it seems, is that Vista Ultimate 64 never gave me the option (press F6) to install the drivers. I re-tried the installation several times and never saw the typical, bottom-of-the-screen, option. Perhaps I missed it. Perhaps, in Vista, it's now in a different location. This evening I will start doing a full backup in order to wipe out the drives and attempt to do a re-install. I will post the results in a day or two. Thanks again.

Hi guys

I also own an P965 Platinum, but I can't even create the RAID Array. The manual doesn't say anything about setting up the BIOS, so I've changed the settings from IDE to RAID whereever it's possible. Still the ICH8R RAID-controller$ doesn't show any lifesigns, when I boot. I can't press CRTL-I or any other keys to enter RAID controller Bios.

On the other hand, the other controller, JMicron, regonizes my DVD-burner as a RAID-drive.... I'm confused... But that RAID BIOS I can't enter either :)

Can you guys help me with the right BIOS setup, so I can set up the array?

I have flashed the Award Bios till 1.4

Hi,

Integrated Peripherals, On-Chip ATA Devices.

There you can choose how you will configure each SATA port. Select "Enhanced" and then change "Configure SATAn as" from "IDE" to "RAID".

Then follow our tutorial:
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/393

Cheers,
Gabriel.