Since there's really nothing I could do to expedite the development of the extremely new hardware components involved in the build, I switched to the software front. As you may have read in my previous posts, the ATI kernel DLL was causing problems with the XP install, so I had to retreat from the 3870 X2s. With the two GPU boards removed, only software problems remained. Or at least so I thought.

Having installed Vista Ultimate 64 on one 80GB partition, I had 40GB left on the SSDs (striped in RAID 0) for XP SP2. Normally a not a big deal. However, when you're planning to employ a boot manager that's going to hide one partition to use the other, you need to make sure you install XP on what it thinks is, and will be seen as the C: drive. As it stood, Vista was on C:. No problem, simply hide the partition, right? Well that should have been easy.

Unfortunately, my old standby Acronis Disk Manager, a Linux-based partition utility, apparently lacked the drivers for the Intel RAID matrix and/or Marvel eSata controller and wouldn't boot. I then tried Microsoft's DISKPART utility which comes with the PE2-based Active @ Boot disc, however, it only allowed me to hide/unhide partitions en masse with an MBR-based hard drive. I.e., hide em' all or show em' all.

I was just about to give up and delete the Vista 64 partition and reinstall that OS later when Paragon's Partition Manager 9.0 came to the rescue. Using PE2 (windows PrE-install version 2) it picked up on both RAID controllers without my so much as having to load a driver. It's my new favorite and a real gem. The Adaptec 3405 isn't attached since I can't use it and the Marvell at the same time until Intel fixes the D5400XS BIOS.

This would seem to have solved my problem, however, XP's install came up with a CRC error which probably means that some of the files copied from the CD weren't recognized. This most likely means a RAID driver problem. I finally buckled, removed Vista 64 and devoted the entire disk to the XP installation, but that didn't help one iota. After switching the D5400XS from RAID to IDE mode, the XP install crashed immediately after the first reboot. I hate to say it, but I'm running out of time and patience. According to a reader, this whole deal is a known issue with this chipset so I'll investigate over the weekend. Rest assured, I'm NOT going to send out a system that won't let you install Windows XP!

Plan B

This might mean implementing a plan B based on an nVidia SLi system or Intel X38 Crossfire system. I would lean towards an Asus P5N-T Deluxe and two liquid-cooled EVGA Black Pearl 8800 Ultras (as suggested in the forum by number3124. thanks!) which would also make room for the return of the Emu 1616m sound card. Actually, simply using the Black Pearls on the D5400XS might make room for the EMU. I have an email in to EVGA. Yeah! Feel free to chime in on this folks--one of you will be winning it.

Mar 15th Addendum: No matter what card I use, I'll be looking for low-profile cooling blocks like you'll find at Koolance

We finally opted for the faster Sony BWU200S to replace the Plextor PX-900's. Partition Manager 9 is sitting on top of one of the BWU200's in the picture below.

I appreciate all the thoughts and suggestions folks. Keep em' coming.

Till Monday...

Jon