A5K won't recognise SATA hard drives

[Dannnn]

Hi,

I've just built a new system based around an ASUS P5K Deluxe motherboard, with 2*1GB DDR2-6400, a Core 2 Duo E6600 and a 8600GT.

For storage, I'ev a new SATA Raptor 150GB, a 300GB SATA Seagate 7200.10 from my old system, a 100GB PATA Seagate 7200.9 also from the old system and a new Lite-On SATA DVD/RW

The BIOS recognises the PATA hard drive and the SATA DVD drive but refuses to recognise the two SATA hard drives. On boot-up it pauses, as if it's trying to find the drives, but eventually times out (there is no pause if the two SATA hard drives aren't connected). Both drives work fine in my old system. I've tried with a different power supply and that didn't help.

So I reckon there are two possibilities: my motherboard is hosed, or there is some obscure BIOS setting I'm missing. It can't be an an operating system issue, as I haven't been able to get to that stage yet...

Would really appreciate some help!

thanks,

Dan

 

[Dannnn]

I've solved this.

The problem was a fault with all three of the SATA data cables supplied with the motherboard. I found this hard to believe, so swapped the cables in and out several times to double-check.

Incredible!

Am very disappointed with Asus' quality control.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I don't like those cheapo red thin SATA cables, the type that they bundle with mobos and controllers. They are so ultra-cheapo, and they don't make a good connection. The plastic part of the connector flexes and loosens, and they fall off.

I use SATA cables that have the twin shielded round cables inside, with UV plastic coating. They generally hold better.