Asus A8V SATA HDD Problems

[Cirrus38]

Ok, so I just bought my parts for my first computer, and I'm beginning to wonder if I have a bum hard drive. Here's the specs...

512x2 Corsair DDRAM
3200+ (939) AMD
Audigy 2
Antec 400W PS
Asus A8V mobo.

I installed the VIA drivers using a floppy, disabled the Promise controller, enabled the SATA BOOTROM, but I just can't get my BIOS, or anything else for that matter, to see the drive. How do I tell if it is even powered?

 

[montag451]

Try the drive in different channels

 

[jackschmittusa]

What Promise controller? I take it there is another hd in the system?

 

[WPFossil]

Double-check your connections. Make sure you're connected to the first SATA channel, probably either SATA0 or SATA1.

Disable RAID, either with a jumper or in the BIOS.

Forget pressing F6 if you're using a single drive, it's probably not necessary.

Let us know how you do.

 

[helpmeout]

You are correct in installing the Via drivers for the Southbridge since XP doesn't have them. Also, disabling the Promise controller is correct. What HD are you using? What power cable do you have connected to the drive- the SATA or a Molex?

 

[Cirrus38]

My hard drive is a WD740, the 10,000 RPM 80 GB Western Digital. The HDD is connected to the first serial ATA port, though I have also tried it on the second SATA port AND on the SATA RAID ports with Promise enabled, and VIA diabled. No luck.

 

[helpmeout]

You didn't say which power connection you're using, but with that PS I'll guess SATA connector. Do you have a multimeter so you can check for power on that PS wire? Have you tried more than the one connector coming from the PS? Your hard drive isn't true SATA meaning it has a chip that provides the interferface, and I'm not familiar with the problems that may be able to cause, but if the power connection is good, you prob have a bad drive. But here's the link for the Asus forum. Search your mobo model number, you may find some BIOS info that will square you away:

http://www.techsupportforum.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=87

 

[Cirrus38]

I am using the standard legacy power connectors. As far as I know my Antec SmartPower400 does not have any SATA power connectors. I have switched between several connectors as well, with the HDD never working while everything else does. I am fairly confident at this point HDD is faulty, but I running out of ideas. Will a HDD diagnostic disk even run if the hard drive cannot be detected in the first place?

 

[helpmeout]

If I were you I'd contact your retailer or WD about RMA on the drive. I've had two bad WD drives in the past (not SATA). I had bought them locally, fortunately, and was able to exchange them at the stores without bothering with an RMA.

 

[Cirrus38]

Haha yeah, I wish...stupid OEM low prices online mean I need to go through Western Digital to RMA. $#^$%&#$&. Thanks anyway though, I appreciate the help.