Computer wont boot when 2nd HD plugged in.

doodah · 19 Jun 2009 at 15:45

Weird problem with my computer. Turned it on the other day and it seemed to POST but nothing came up on my monitor (the monitor light goes green but nothing actually happens).

Unplugged various components and singled out my 2nd HD; every time it is plugged in the computer boots (fans "whir", hard drives spin up, lights flash but nothing on the monitor). Fortunately it is my data drive (brand new Samsung F1). Any ideas? I am struggling to see how a faulty hard drive could stop it booting up properly.

I tried other power and data cables for the hard drive.

Asus P5Q-E, 6300, 4870, 2x Samsung F1s

BloomerzUK · 19 Jun 2009 at 15:49

What power supply do you have powering this? I had this problem once, and it was down to a faulty power supply.

doodah · 19 Jun 2009 at 15:50

Corsair HX 520W ATX Modular. How would I test to see if is the PSU?

BloomerzUK · 19 Jun 2009 at 20:12

dbappa said:
Corsair HX 520W ATX Modular. How would I test to see if is the PSU?

That's the PSU that it happened to on me. I had slightly different problem though, but similiar. I could have either the HDD plugged in, or the DVD ROM drive plugged in, not both.. if I had both plugged in, it would boot, but the HDD would power down and do a click of death..

I RMA'd the Mobo, RAM, Hard Drive but to no avail... and it was the PSU.. changed it and it was instantly fine! If you have a multimeter, you could try testing the cables for output (not completely sure how to do this) or borrow a friends PSU.

Jonno12345 · 19 Jun 2009 at 21:17

Have you tried using this drive separately? Is it SATA or IDE? Have you tried it on a different channel?

If it doesn't work separately, then my guess my would be an electrical issue with the drive. If it works separately, then it could be PSU related. If it works on a different port/channel, then it's likely a mobo issue.