Can't install windows 7 on Aorus X3 Plus V3

I just picked up 2x of the new Aorus X3 with 970m today (for the gf and myself), but I'm unable to install windows 7 on them. The windows 7 installation is 'stuck' at wanting a driver installed. However, even if I had the drivers, I couldn't install them, because no USB devices are recognized. I've tried multiple BIOS options (including trying to disable RAID and turning UEFI on and off) but absolutely no luck. Win8.1 is not an option - I'd return the machines before I'll be subjected to that atrocity.

I'm using official MS ISO's from https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...i-have-a/7d964b05-2be9-4800-bc7f-3ca30356fc3d , and followed this guide: http://www.overclock.net/t/1156654/seans-windows-7-install-optimization-guide-for-ssds-hdds

What I've tried:

BIOS SATA settings: tried with IDE, RAID, and AHCI in the bios and created bootable USB sticks with Rufus, YUMI, and the MS tool. I've tried with optimized bios defaults, as well as with win7 and win 8.1 defaults.

(btw, this machine does not have USB2.0 ports, so that particular fix won't work. And no, during setup no USB devices (not even the USB device being booted from) are seen during "browse" (only the RAM drive created during boot is shown) so that is also not an option.)

Apparent issue:

The machine is not booting from the flash drive with UEFI. When I select the UEFI option for the thumbdrive, the machine does not even try to boot, it instead goes directly into the BIOS setup. It will only boot with a non-UEFI option, which of course screws it up completely once it has begun windows setup. When I hit F12 for the boot menu to manually select UEFI, nothing happens the first time I select it and press 'enter', and the second time, it goes straight to BIOS setup, so no luck there either.

AORUS, I'm sensing some serious BIOS issues here...what's the deal??? I've also emailed AORUS support, we'll see if I hear anything back from them. I'll give em 48 hours before returning. FYI, I'm using a 16gb stick. Should I try an 8gb?

 

It's extremely difficult to get Win7 to install in uEFI mode. There's tons of threads and no one has been able to do it in PURE uEFI mode. uEFI + Legacy is no problem.

You might need to do a custom WIM image and integrate the USB 3.0 drivers on there so you can do an install properly. Not sure why you are wanting to downgrade to Windows 7 to be honest. 8.1 is great, just takes a little UI adjustment and you are good to go.

Since you have yours already have you made a review video or benchmarks? Looking to return my Razer Blade but need a good reason to justify the +$500 to get that since I only paid $1710 w/ tax for the 512GB model Blade.


EDIT: Just to be clear this is a known issue on Windows 7, it has nothing to do w/ BIOS/uEFI at all. You can't install Windows 7 from a USB 3.0 port without having the driver and since you don't have USB 2.0 you can't actually install the drive from another port (the work around on every other laptop since they usually have at least one 2.0)

 

Aren't these enough? Dont get me wrong I LOVE the look and slim chassis of the Razer but aren't you running 870m and non upgrage friendly components? I browse the Razer forums regularly and I see headache post more then usual than any other manufacture.

The 970m performs better (by how much thats debatable) and stays cooler?

I would just return the Razer unless theres a restocking fee. However I do love the profile of the Razer I just wish there was room for additional storage, and more importantly they need to release a maxwell refresh!

 

I'm leery because there are zero reviews except for one guy posting some benchmarks. Yes it's a new model but look at any other manufacturer and there's threads of posts before the product even releases. Here, there's nothing.

 

So you paid anywhere between 1599-1799 for the Razer? You should just return it and get the P34G V3 when it comes out. I think XoticPC is going to be one of the first to carry it. It's better hardware wise, in every way for the same price and with a slim, sleek, non flashy chassis. Now if the Razer style and sleekyness (is that a word?) is what your going for then stay with the Razer, but really there's no reason to buy an outdated product even at such a high discount. They offer a high discount but they also don't provide very good dollar per performance hardware. With Razer you pay a premium for the name and style I guess. At least with the A3+ or P34 you know you're getting upgrade ability at a price between 1600-2100

I just don't understand why pay so much for hardware everyone's trying to ditch. I think the Gigabyte P34 V3 is the best bet. In 2 months if Razer comes out with a Maxwell refresh with maybe more ram or storage space for say $400 more won't you be upset because you already invested X $ into last gen's hardware.

Goodluck in your ever growing & debating decision

 

You just made the decision a bit worse posting about that P34v3 :'(

Also, sorry to thread hijack OP. Hope you figure out your issue. Hope my solution helped

 

Just FYI the USB port on the left side is 2.0. The two right side which are blue are 3.0, left side is 2.0. Probably designed like that on purpose so you could install Windows 7

EDIT: Looks like HIDEvo might have the wrong specs listed.

If the unit has an SD card slot you should be able to install from the SD slot.

 

Left side is also USB3.0 on the V3, so it would seem (it's blue...) did not know you could boot/install from SD - I don't see an option in the BIOS?

Anyway, I have modded out win8.1 enough to where it looks and functions like 7, so I might stick with it.

RE the razer blade, if you were able to get the new one (3k screen) for ~1700, that's a good deal. Hopefully you bought it from a place that offers something more than razer's measly 1 year warranty, however!

 

If you have an SD card installed it should show up under the list.

Install Windows 7 from an USB 3.0 key (plugged into an USB 3.0 port) - InformatiWeb here's some info on adding the drivers into the WIM. It's pretty easy just takes a bit of time.

it was direct from Razer actually during the 30% off. Planned on buying a squaretrade warranty and extending for 3 years which includes accidental. comes in at a hefty $459~ though. Worth it in my opinion seeing as none of the parts are obtainable. If the board dies kind of SOL.

 

I'll list my reasons for choosing the X3 V3:

1) Availability. Dellalienware jacked the price of their broadwell machine up by $300, and still isn't shipping them until the end of this month. I needed something ASAP due to my constant traveling, and these systems happened to be available in a country I stopped in. Blade refresh is still months away, and I'm very hesitant to buy anything from razer (given the *awful* quality of their peripherals and measly 1 year warranty - what, they think their own product won't last more than 12 months...?)
2) Macro keys: freaking *massive* timesavers for those of us that work on a laptop as a day job. If I tended to stay in one place and have a desk, etc, I'd have a kb with macros, but I don't, so this is a HUGE help in productivity
3) Hardware. I'm still intrigued by the AW13 and will probably get one at some point, but currently I have no place for a 'graphics amplifier', and I'm really hesitant about the 860m that's in the AW. Also, the 3 m.2 ports are super nice to have, for someone that is as space-intensive as I am

First impressions: The screen is omg amazing! no kb flex like some complained about, and everything seems reasonably well built except for perhaps the lid, which could have used a bit more quali-tay. I would have thought this machine would be metal, but it seems to be plastic. It's hard to tell for sure though, and could be a combo of both. The hinge also creaks when opening/closing - IMO, the machine is priced too high for these sorts of issues. The thing is light enough for me to pick up with just a thumb and pointer finger and move around no problem. Would be nice if the lid opened wider, but it's limited to what seems about 110 degrees. No bloatware, and aorus's software works very well. I've only had it a few days and have not gamed on it yet, but I'll try to get firestrike downloaded and post some #'s. I really like the keyboard - I'm not a fan of chiclet keys in general, but I can type very well/fast on this kb. The touchpad rocks - I've never liked a touchpad until this one. So smooth! I use a trackball normally, tho. The logo is a mirror on the V3 instead of painted white, which is kind of spiffy.

Ultimately, it always seems like you compromise somewhere. If you want mac build quality, you're stuck with underperforming hardware that's overpriced (same for the Razer Blade, which is probably the closest you get to mac build quality in a PC, although you don't take quite the same hardware hit as you do with a mac, the Razer could be a brick in 13 months). The AW13 is just a bit too little, too late, for a bit too many $, and the P34V3 is freaking ugly and will also be mostly plastic. The Aorus tops the hardware charts in the thin-and-light, but for the price, is a bit lacking in the build quality - perhaps that's the tradeoff for the lightweight, or the engineering. There's always a compromise >< The AW13 was my 1st choice but then they jacked up the price and you still can't freaking get one, so aorus it is I think all of the 13-14" thin-and-light gaming laptops out there do the job, it just depends on what compromise fits your particular useage of the machine.

Any Q's, just ask

 

^ we need more of this

 

THanks, I'll look into it! The razer sounds like a solid deal then, I'd keep it unless you just really, really need the 970m and/or can get a 100% refund.

 

It would be 100% refund - the $50 overnight I paid. Actually bought two blades. The 256GB model for $150 more then bought the 512GB refurb model cheaper than the 256gb new. Planned on returning both.

 

Hi FoHMike,

What you are describing is a known issue of Windows 7. (Microsoft’s, not ours)
Any laptop/tablet without USB 2.0 port trying to do a clean install of Win7 will face this issue.
Because the Win7 install CD (or ISO file) from Microsoft does not come with USB 3.0 driver.
There are a few workaround for this problem, but are a little bit complicated.

We will post contact details for you to either contact and be talked through solution, or will post on forum if not too complicated.

Thanks,

Gigabyte UK NB Team

 

FoHMike - We have communicated with team in USA and they should be posting either instructions, or contact details for you.

Thanks,

Gigabyte UK NB Team

 

Well it required a BIOS update, a linux boot OS to repartition, windows partition manager to delete the GPT records, but I *FINALLY* got the glorious light that is windows 7 on my Aorus X3 V3. Much love to Aorus for the driver download tool, which makes installing the drivers for everything super easy.

I loathe Windows 8/8.1, it's riddle with stability issues and gaming on it is complete crap. I had 3 machines (including this new X3) that all exhibited the exact same problems (couldn't access drive properties, couldn't use drive tools, and explorer, system tray, and audio crashing issues constantly) all on win8, and these issues occurred right after fresh installs as well, so no spyware or anything.

Now I have the glorious savior that is Windows 7 installed, and no crashes and everything works perfectly. I'm also seeing significantly higher FPS in games...and omg, the games actually...dare I say it...work!

 

Honestly not sure what you are on about. Games work fine in 8.1. It's not riddled with stability issues. In fact, it's been more stable than XP/7 ever was for me. The only time the OS unstable is when there is a hardware failure. If a dated OS makes you happy though Just remember DX12+ will be 8.1+ only.

 

I guess that makes one person that likes Windows 8....can't say I know anyone else that does Win8 has been met with resistance (for a good reason) since inception.

Hardware failure on 3 machines is unlikely...especially since they all work great on win7.

I don't care about DX12, I don't play anything that supports it, and am unlikely to in the future. I'm not much of a multi-title gamer, especially not of so-called AAA titles. I'd also rather avoid something requiring win8 than install win8 just to play it.

Anyway, debating the merits (or lack thereof) of win8 is pointless, so I'm calling this convo a day here

 

I hated Windows 8. My main reason being a Microsoft Partner and reporting an issue months before gold that never got fixed. Took somewhere between 3-6 months AFTER release for them to fix drive mapping GPO failures. =/