Does Asus p9x79 Pro offer usb boot option

[pans]

I have a p9x79 pro. Does it offer the option to install an OS from an USB stick. Does it have USB in it's boot device list? I haven't purchased a CD drive and though a USB stick would be a cheaper option.

 

[jaquith]

Yes! Frankly the only way IMO to install any Windows 7 + X79 is off a USB.

Guide - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/303873-30-wont-resume-sleep-booted-raid#t2068879

Simplified new install for Windows 7 64-bit + MBR:

Assuming a NEW build and NEW components and Windows 7 64-bit - based on what you have posted above:

Important note: I strongly recommend before installing any OS that you run Memtest86+: Minimum of 2 passes and 4 passes is preferred. The X79 has a lot of DIMM slots and the risk of errors are effectively double, and I've seen several installations that were corrupted from RAM related issues. Create a bootable CD/DVD/USB of Memtest, use the latest version found here -> http://www.memtest.org/#downiso

Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology enterprise Driver Software V3.0.0.2003 - http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_2011/P9X79_PRO/#download

Preparation MBR:
* Backup data and any registered Apps deauthorize if possible
* Use the latest BIOS and you must use a minimum BIOS version which supports your components.
* Create Bootable Flash Drive MBR USB installer
** Flash Drive -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4CdEZPTPzk
* Create a folder on Flash Drive e.g. 'RAID' containing extracted Intel RSTE Driver Software V3.0.0.XXXX or Intel F6 RSTE drivers

1. BOOT/BIOS:
A. BIOS, change Intel SATA -> RAID ; options may include Hot-swap (fine for data, never boot drives)
B. Save and Exit = Yes

2. Before Re-Installing:
A. Shutdown and physically unplug ALL SATA cables to any non-boot drives

3. Installing: Press F8 and Boot from USB, select 'Install now ->'
A. Select Custom (Advanced)
B. Click on Load Driver, Browse RAID drivers from 'RAID' folder:
'Flash Drive':\...RSTe_V300xxxx_XPWin7\RSTe_V300xxxx_XPWin 7\Driver\Disk\64bit\iaStorA.inf

C. Delete any partitions, and reformat
D. Install Windows
E. Finish Windows installation
F. Once in Windows: Install Chipset, Intel RST software/Drivers, and the remainder drivers.
TIP: drivers - use the latest per MOBO's website not the included drivers on the CD/DVD. Copy to primary drive and install.
TIP: drivers - place latest unzipped drivers on Flash Drive in a folder e.g. 'DRIVER PKG', at minimum the Chipset and NIC drivers.

4. Shutdown and reattach all SATA drives

5. Windows:
A. Registry {note Start values must = 0}:
Either manually verify and change the following registry values or run 'Fix It' - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922976
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Msahci
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\IastorV
B. Management, Disk Management -- add drives and format; if data drives

6. Now if you want - BIOS, change Intel SATA -> AHCI <or> leave it in RAID.

 

[pans]

I will be installing linux actually.

 

[jaquith]

I'm running RHEL.