Need Help! First Build

[imported_maxim]

In the past I have changed ram, expansion cards, added drives; so i decided to venture and build from the ground up. Below are the parts for my first build.

Case: MGE Sidewinder (400w PSU, 20-pin adapter)
MoBo: Chaintech VNF4 (socket 939)
CPU: AMD 3000+
RAM: Kingmax DDR400 PC3200(2x512)
HDD: WD Raptor 36.7 (SATA)
GPU: ATI X800XL
DVDROM: 16XIDE
1.44 FDD

I installed the cpu, applied the thermal paste, and installed the HSF(retail). Then I installed the RAM in dimm slots 1&2. Next I installed video card. Connected the 20-pin from the PSU to the mobo, the mobo has a 24-pin terminal, but i have read that is is ok to use. I then connected the 4-pin power adapter for the PSU to the mobo 4-pin terminal. I connected the monitor, mouse and keyboard. I powered the PC and was able to get to the BIOS. I then turned the power off and connected the DVD-ROM and HDD. I connected the IDE cable from the DVD ROM to the IDE slot 1 and the SATA data cable to SATA slot 1 on the mobo. I then connected the power to both of these components and installed my floppy drive.

Thinking everything was ready to go. I powered up the PC. I entered the BIOS and set my date and time, made sure all my components were recognized. And they were. IDE Channel 0 Master list my DVD ROM, and IDE Channel 2 Master list my WD Raptor. Drive A is my floppy. I selected the option to save and exit.

I am now at the Nvidia Raid Control Setup. The current post code is 94. And the screen seems to be stuck at Detecting Array... with a blinking cursor underneath. It was stuck there for over an hour before I decided to power down.

Any ideas what I am missing here? Advice? Thanks in Advance.

 

[imported_Kensai]

You might want to disable the feature which sets your controller as an SATA or a RAID controller. if you set it to SATA, it should work fine.

 

[ShadowBlade]

welcome to the forums....
dont know what problems it might cause, but get a 20 pin to 24 pin adapter just to be safe

 

[imported_maxim]

I made sure the RAID controller was disabled, and still nothing. Any other ideas on what could be causing the issue

 

[mechBgon]

If it's trying to detect an array then I think you need to revisit Kensai's advice. It wouldn't be trying to detect an array unless the controller is in RAID mode. Go through all your BIOS menus and look for everything pertaining to SATA and/or RAID.

 

[imported_maxim]

I found the issue guys. Turns out it was not anything to do with the RAID or SATA after all. It was my DVD-ROM, must have been causing some short.

I disconnected the DVD-ROM and HDD; as that was the last time it posted correctly. I then restarted the machine and once again it posted correctly. This time i only conntected the DVD and behold it hung up on the Detectin Array... and post code 94. So I removed this "brand new DVD" and installed the one of my old PC. Low and Behold it posted correctly. Installed the HDD and now everything is running smooth. Thanks for the help and advice.

I feel a since of accomplishment now that i have built my first rig from the ground up.