I just looked at the BIOS again, and I don't see Intel AHCI ROM in there, that is probably why the RAID ROM fails although I dunno since 10.1.0.1008 is in there to begin with?

Not sure though, and I could be missing the AHCI ROM, I was in a hurry. I'll check when I get home, can anyone verify that Intel AHCI ROM is used, I'd expect 1.20E, and if it's used you should see the AHCI BIOS load during POST if you don't haev quick boot or fast boot enabled.

If Intel AHCI ROM is used, and it's older, maybe that needs to be updated as well first before the newer RAID ROM will work? If so, once I find it I'll replace it as well and you guys can test if you like.