Mac Pro (#11): Getting proper SATA throughput under Boot Camp

Getting proper SATA throughput under Boot Camp We previously noted a Boot Camp 1.1 driver issue that forced Mac Pros to use their SATA-connected disks (including the internal hard drive) in PIO (programmed input/output) mode rather than the much faster DMA (direct memory access) mode. This results in much slower disk transfer operation, making boot times, file saving and other operations sluggish.

It now appears that this problem can be resolved by installing the appropriate drivers at the time of Windows XP installation, which can be accomplished by slipstreaming a Windows XP installation disc to include said drivers.

Full instructions can be found in this post from "Mac Pro Journal."

If you've had success with this method, please let us know.

Previous coverage:

• Mac Pro memory: Third-party modules do not seem to cause excessive noise
• Apple Knowledge Base: Optimizing your Mac Pro for acoustical performance
• Mac Pro (#10): More on forgotten audio output settings; Freezes during network transfers; more
• Mac Pro (#9): Problems caused by third-party, old Apple keyboards; Sound output issues; more
• Mac Pro (#8): Hanging with external devices: Try switching ports, other workarounds
• Mac Pro (#7): Problems running Apple Hardware test; Power supply failures
• Mac Pro (#6): More on startup issues, random freezes caused by external devices
• Mac Pro (#5): Hangs with external FireWire drives; Blu-ray drive support; Poor Aperture performance; more
• Mac Pro (#4): Boot Camp support; AirPort and Bluetooth must be installed by service provider; more
• Mac Pro (#3): RAM specifications and clarifications; Noise levels; RAM shipment delays; Take-apart pictures
• Mac Pro technical notes: Processors are upgradeable, model string identifier, more
• Mac Pro introduced (notes from Keynote): Ships today, Up to Dual dual-core 3 GHz, more

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