P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 with Smart Response sometimes can't see HDD

[Axilla]

Hi,

I've searched a bit but couldn't find anything matching my exact circumstances, so I apologize if this has been covered already and I just didn't find it.

My rig:

P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
i5 2500K
OCZ Vertex 2 Turbo SSD 20GB
WD HDD

My computer works fine, I installed Smart Response per the instructions and it works.

My problem is the sometimes after the computer has been off, and I power it on, it can't detect the HDD. It sees the SSD (Im getting this from the Intel Option ROM message) but not the HDD. This leads to the 'RAID' being in disabled state and the computer goes immediately to the BIOS where is confirms that there are no HDDs detected, just the SSD.

When I exit without saving, it reboots and everything then works fine. It is just that first boot that doesn't work.

I've replaced the SATA cables, made sure that they 2 drives are plugged into the 2 gray ports, RAID mode, etc. Everything checks out, and like I've indicated the computer works fine so I'm pretty sure its configured correctl. I'd just like to avoid having to reboot after a cold boot.

Is there a BIOS setting I am missing? Any suggestions?

Thanks ahead of time!

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

Assuming you did follow the steps to the letter, one of two probable issues:
1. BIOS = AHCI/RAID but Windows Start = 3 (IDE); see -> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922976
Start = 0 for both registry keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Msahci
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\IastorV

2. 'Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology Driver Software' might be corrupted or old (if used off the ASUS DVD, download version V10.6.0.1002 and re-install - http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8Z68V_PROGEN3/#download

 

[Axilla]

Jaquith, thanks for taking the time to read and reply.

However, I am pretty sure the problem I am having doesn't have anything to do with Windows registry settings or the software that runs after Windows has started.

My problem is at a lower level, and happens during POST before the OS is even loading. The HDD is not being detected by the BIOS. It powers up and acts as if there is no HDD, (although it can always see the acceleration SSD), and then complains that the Smart Response RAID set is broken/disabled.

Rebooting again at this time almost always makes the BIOS able to locate the HDD, sometimes it takes a few reboots or another power cycle.

Once it POSTs ok, the HDD is detected, the OS boots fine, the Smart Response RAIshows as Normal, acceleration 'on,' etc.

I am convinced that the problem is with the BIOS or hardware/power settings, but everything is up to do and I've replaced all cable. THe next thing I will try is another hard drive (in the small chance there is something wrong with the HDD, even though SMART is ok, no other signs that there is something wrong), but I am trying to avoid spending all that time.

Thanks!

 

[jaquith]

The registry if wrong corrupts the HDD/SSD!!! So, yeah it's pretty important. Corruption can and will cause a drive to be unrecognized or disk boot failure -> http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/Jaquith/BIOS002.jpg

The only other possibilities:
3. BIOS requiring update; use BIOS version 0402
4. SSD or HDD requiring firmware update(s)
- OCZ firmware use v1.35 -> http://www.ocztechnology.com/ssd_tools/
{I know one of OCZ's 60GB SSD was a disaster with caching
- WD firmware -> http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?level1=6&lang=en
{WD consumer lines lack TLER which is good to have with any form of RAID}

Intel RST Guide -> http://download.intel.com/support/chipsets/sb/intel_smart_response_technology_user_guide.pdf

 

[Axilla]

Hi

The hard drive is not corrupted, it just does not get detected by the onboard RAID controller sometimes, as the pre-BIOS post messages indicate.

The BIOS is fully updated, as are the firmwares on the SSD and the HDD. THe HDD was not fully up to date, but I did that over the weekend and the issue happened once afterwards.

The RST steps were followed to the 't' when I initially installed it, and as I mentioned, as long as the HDD is detected at boot, everything works great.

I guess there is a problem with the HDD. I'll try swapping that out if no one else has any suggestions.

Thanks for replying.

 

[jaquith]

I also assume both the HDD + SSD are on the SAME Intel SATA controller:
Examples:
Intel SATA3 ports (2 of 2) = HDD + SSD Cache ; noted 2 gray ports, RAID mode
Intel SATA2 ports (2 of 4, 1st 2 ports) = HDD + SSD Cache

I know the cheaper OCZ 60GB SSD has done this same exact thing, but I haven't 'yet' seen the OCZ 20GB SSD with this problem.

If it were 'me' stop RST and disconnect the SSD to see if the 'missing' drive continues, and if it quits being problematic then IMO it's the SSD.

 

[Axilla]

Yes, they are both on the gray ports.

That would be a very strange problem, as the SDD is always detected. It is the HDD that is sometimes not detected.

Its definitely a very cheap SSD, but I would be surprised if it was somehow able to stop other SATA devices from being recognized by the drive controller.

I'll try what you suggest, but I'm guessing the HDD is the problem, and it will continue to be unrecognized either with or without RST/SSD in the mix.

 

[jaquith]

When I mean same exact, I mean same exact. Also unplug the SATA to the SSD. Again, if it corrects the problem then you'll know.

SSD's and HDD's can both have problems.There's no guarantees until the problem is resolved.