D975XBX2 - 2nd SATA trouble

djvabc · Post by **djvabc** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 11:33 am

I built the system with one SATA for starters and added another. I'd like to just use them both as standard HDs (the 2nd for data storage). I'm using SATA0 and SATA1. When I plug the second drive in and reboot I get an error and the machine will not boot correctly. I can plug the interface cable in for the 2nd drive after the machine boots with just one drive and it then they both will work. Is this fixed with jumpers on the back on the drives or ? I have to say this is an area that I am very unfamiliar with. Any sound advice would be appreciated. A link to some simple education on SATA drives and new HD configurations might do the trick.
Thanks,
Dan

seanriddle · Post by **seanriddle** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 4:50 pm

Have you swapped which drive goes to SATA0 and SATA1? Maybe it's giving precedence to your data drive, which can't boot.

Sean

djvabc · Post by **djvabc** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 11:33 pm

Sean, nice suggestion! It worked! I didn't realize something that subtle could do the trick. Do you know why it matters which SATA position needs to be used for the OS if you add a second one?

Thanks Sean!
-Dan

seanriddle · Post by **seanriddle** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 12:02 am

Dan-

I don't know. I guess the controller doesn't scan the SATA ports looking for a bootable drive, but instead just assumes the first one is the bootable one? That might be a way to reduce boot time. It's not a hardship once you know, but I'm sure it was frustrating when it was happening to you.

Sean

djvabc · Post by **djvabc** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 12:06 am

Sean, that sounds ligit. Yeah, only a few F-bombs! Thanks again!
-Dan