adding new SATA drive to old pc

MattandJet

MattandJet

MattandJet

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Hi all,

Ive just bought a new HDD (wd raptor). I am going to be biying more components in the next few weeks but I wondered can I use the raptor with my old PC atm (Mobo does have a SATA connection)

What I mean is, is it possible for the new HD to work along side an old IDE Harddrive. i just want to install a few games on it to see how it works

or wuld it be best to wait until I have all the new things and install it then.

Thanks
 
Make sure that the BIOS boot order hasn't changed - sounds like the system is trying to boot off a blank disk.
 
before i plugged in the new sata HD, it has the maxtor (my boot drive) as the 1st boot thing.

when ever i plug in the new sata hd, it restarts the computer and never actualy boots, i cant even get into BIOS, it just keeps restarting itself again and again every 5 seconds.

my motherboard is an old one but does support S-ATA/150 (which i believe what the raptor uses??) - its a 865GM3-LS

helpp me plzz :D lol cheers
 
if the above cant be done, then would i be able to install windows XP on my new S-ATA drive and start a fresh?


but again, like above, whenever i connect it it just keeps restarting before i have time to go into bios? :(

awww
 
What PSU have you got. Long shot here but perhaps you're already on the limit for what it can supply and adding the raptor is the final nail.
 
not sure what make, but i think its a 440W

spec: 865gm3-ls mobo
2gb ddr400
7300GT -agp
p4 3.2ghz

hmmm, surely 440w is enuf??? lol
 
Hmm after checking it, the PSU seems to be 350W - i take it this is rather low?

So is this why the PC keeps restarting itself, - a message to unplug the powerhungry raptor :p lol?

Thanks

--- i well may order a 650W PSU in the morning, I was thinking the Antec TruePower Trio 650W? - Any good?
 
There's no need to go chucking 650W at that rig. A Raptor will draw, at most 15W and then only at startup.

Is the drive making any odd clicking noises?
 
My system works as normal with the old maxtor IDE drive plugged in and works fine.

as soon as i plug in the new raptor, and put the PC on, it keeps restarting and the light on my display (keeps flashing between red - no signal, and blue for a few seconds when it does receive a signal) - so i cant get into BIOS to change anything.

Im aware the raptors make louder noises and altho the noise sounds a bit different to the old one, i wouldnt describe it as odd.

I also ordered a new seagate 7200.11 SATA HD as well and that too wont start and makes the PC restart - and also makes the CPU make a high pitched sound.

The MOBO is a 865GM3-LS, and it does say it can support 2 SATA hard drives, so Im a bit stumped
 
Have you tried disconnecting your existing drive (to remove it from the power draw) while keeping the new Raptor connected? While it seems unlikely, it's not impossible that this may be a PSU issue. If disconnecting the original drive allows you to test the Raptor then that would strengthen suspicions over the PSU, if not, well then it might still be the PSU or something else entirely.
 
tried that - still wont start and the pc keeps restarting itself before it gets to the BIOS screen

what voltage/amps does a 150Gb Raptor require?

it may well be my PSU, so i might get one on the way home 2nite from a shop and see if thats the case.

ty
 
I'd want to make sure the Raptor is working properly before dropping more cash on a PSU. Do you have access to another machine that you could test the Raptor in?
 
Agreed about fully testing the Raptor. But if it did the same with the Barracuda then it's either a power issue or it might be BIOS related (two SATA drives). I'd suggest flashing your BIOS with the latest stable version, if that doesn't work then see if you can borrow a mates PSU or try your HDD's in their computer. As for 650W, that's complete overkill, all you'd need for that rig is a decent and stable 450W ish supply. Check reviews from jonnyguru.

Also, how are you powering the Raptor? Via a molex/sata converter or molex directly?
 
hi guys, thanks for al ** help so far

i tried plugging them into the SATA power connection that comes from the PSU.

i havent got acess to another desktop computer and i doubt it is the raptor that is faulty, as it also happens with the seagate 7200.11 baracuda.

im not sure if there is enough power being supplied to it?



my mobo is a MSI 865gm3-ls = how do i flash the BIOS and have u got a link to anything to download?
if that doesnt work then I will buy a new PSU anyway as i want to upgrade mobo and graphics card - to a 8800gt at xmas.

thanks
 
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