external hard drive problems

[djdrew201]

I have the following system that seems to be giving me trouble with external hard drives:

ASUS M2N32 SLi Deluxe Mobo
AMD 9760b Quad Core 2.4GHz
6GB PC2-6400 memory 800MHz
Windows 7 Ultimate
2 x's hdd 500G-250G
500W PSU
6 x's 120mm case cooling fans

Just for those that might inquire.

I have had problems with an Hitachi 250G simple drive-external, working some of the time then totally failing to be recognized. I thought the drive itself might be failing a few weeks ago so I had it RMA'd. received a new drive back and right from the start it wouldn't recognize the drive at all, in Windows or in Computer Management.

I tried a WD external drive, and it would recognize it, but falsely reported drive errors through multiple instances and software.

So I tried both drives in a Toshiba laptop, and lo n behold there were no problems absolutely at all!?

So the problem is somewhere within my own desktop. The Hitachi has a power adapter port but no power adapter came with it or is not suppose to be necessary as it has a dual USB cord and is suppose to work fine with only one plug, but can be used with both.

Being that it worked on the laptop with only one USB connected, the problem has to lay within the operating system of my desktop as far as settings or drivers, or within the motherboard itself, but an ASUS M2N32 was not a puppy motherboard, although not new as far as current tech goes.

AM I suffering possible motherboard failure problems, or are there other fixes in registry or something I can perform? Is it possibly the power supply, does it have relevance to the issue affecting USB ports, and possibly optical drives? (see further below)

I have also had a problem pop up that prevents me from finishing CD or DVD burns on new known good optical drives. I have researched online and found a few fixes for clearing the filters for these out of the registry but to no avail. I am not sure the two are actually related, but?

Also, might be an important matter, the system WILL recognize and does fine with thumb drives...just a note.

Any help will be much appreciated.

 

[djdrew201]

Please somebody, any tips?

 

[eastyy123]

i have a similar sort of problem hardrives acting sporadically i noticed though it varied depending on how many usb devices i had connected if i only had a couple of drives connected it would be fine

also the rear io usb connectors were usually fine but the issue would happen with the front to the motherboard usb ports

how many usb devices are connected ?

 

[C1]

The issue with the external HDD sounds like the classic problem of insufficient current over the USB buss/line. This is supported by the fact that much lower current devices such as jump drives work fine. Use a short (not longer than 12") high quality USB extender cable such as a ZIO (eg, https://www.andovercg.com/store/Lot-of-100-ZIO-12-inch-USB-Cable-Extender-p309.html ) to re-test the ext. HDD.

BTW, my P4 (which also uses an ASUS MB) can run as many ext. HDDs as available USB ports including additionals run via a PCI USB addon card and I use only a 480 watt ANTEC PS.

 

[djdrew201]

You made me think of something I need to check out. I installed ASUS' Probe utility for motherboard monitoring and sure enough, my 3V and 5V of one rail is showing low,
2.45V and 4.65V respectively. I will shut down the computer this evening and replace the Power Supply, and see if that cures both problems of optical drives AND USB externals.

Without your tips, I probably would have discovered it after many other options and expenditures.

Your knowledge is worth its weight in industrial copper (tip on the stocks - bloated gold and silver making industrial copper a sign for good investments, China losing industry production volume etc. Not one of those gopher for idiots - give me your money ads either).

 

[C1]

Yes, it is possible that low voltage and or current restriction could be causing your optical write failures. Optical drives consume (or require) quite a bit more juice when writing, witnessed by the temperature of a freshly written DvD removed from the tray (ie, disks are noticeably warm).

My "vibe" is that you've identified the problem source.

Let us know what happens.

 

[Old Hippie]

I installed ASUS' Probe utility for motherboard monitoring and sure enough, my 3V and 5V of one rail is showing low,
2.45V and 4.65V respectively

Progress report?

I'd be suprised if the PS was the problem but I'm hoping it is.

 

[Binky]

Just use a powered USB hub. That should fix any issues related to not enough power. This goes for any USB device, including hard disks and things like TV tuners.

 

[djdrew201]

Yes, the power supply was going bad and I replaced it a lower end 680W power supply. This cured my USB external drive problem in a "flash". I have yet to burn a disk and see if the power restrictions were the problem. Sorry I haven't had a chance too. Yet, ASUS Probe shows a a comfortable 3.31V to 3.30V on my +3.3 rail, and 4.95V to 4.92V on my +5.0V rail.

Everything else looks good with 43* on my 9760b 2.4GHz AMD Quad Core, 35* on my M2N32 SLi ASUS board, 1.26V on my V core, and 12.03V and 12.0V on my main rails respectively.
I wil let you know if it also fixes my DVD burn problems if I can remember to post a reply today.

Thanks a ton for banging around some thoughts and ideas. It led me right to most of the problem so far, and yet to see if I am lucky enough for a total fix.

To: Old Hippie,

I was surprised too, that the power supply would be the source of the problem. I wouldn't have thought of it if it weren't for the help here, and "C1's" comment in his reply about current to the USB ports.

TAYS

 

[Old Hippie]

I was surprised too, that the power supply would be the source of the problem

.

Cool! I'm glad it worked out.

I've had failing PSs do many weird things but I didn't think your voltage (4.65) was enough to create a problem.

See....That's what I get for thinkin'! LOL!

I try to learn one new thing a day and you've filled my quota.

 

[djdrew201]

Shore nuff again! It solved my DVD and CD burning woes and problems also. I learned some tips here on speeds and programs and love the FilmMachine utility.

But the voltage was just something that was 'enuff of a problem to interrupt the burn process as it was ready to finish out disks.

I am going to post the tips and answers when I get a chance or rather, re-direct users to this thread just for one of those "idea'r a day" protocols.

Thanks everyone, you're invaluable.