Today I had to install a Windows XP on a new ASUS K50AB. All my attempts failed with a 0x7B bugcheck (BSOD). The resolution was pretty simple:
Change BIOS setting to IDE mode, Install Windows XP, then manually install AHCI drivers, reboot PC, change BIOS setting back to AHCI, then boot back into Windows OS for hardware detection process to finish installing new devices (AHCI controller).
I found it here.
Link to this post!