Activate AHCI mode on MacBook and iMac - how it works

To get the full performance of an SSD, activate AHCI mode on your Macbook and iMac. We show you how this works in this practical tip.

Activate AHCI mode on MacBook and iMac - how it works

To activate the AHCI mode, you only need to install the correct driver for the SSD in Windows 7:

1. Boot the MacBook or iMac. Then start the device manager.
2. Now navigate to "IDE ATA / ATAPI controller" first. Then go to "Standard Two-Channel PCI IDE Controller".
3. Then right-click on it. Select "Update Driver Software".
4. Another new window now appears. Click on "Search my computer for driver software".
5. In the next window, do not use the browse function, but select "Select from a list of device drivers on the computer".
6. In the next step, deactivate the checkmark at "Show compatible hardware".
7. You will now see two different lists. In the list on the left, select the manufacturer "Standard AHCI 1.0 Serial ATA Controller. In the list on the right, click on the corresponding model of the same name.
8. Click on Continue". A message now appears. Read them carefully.
9. With "Yes" you confirm the driver installation.
10. After the driver installation, restart the MacBook or iMac. Now you have the full performance of the SSD hard drive.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to install Windows 7 using a USB stick.