Samsung SSD 840 Pro Not Detected

[YudaMXO]

I have an ASUSM488TD-V EVO/USB3 MB and I'm attempting to install a Samsung SSD 840 Pro to drive my OS (It'll be a clean install). The drive is not recognized in the MB bios (AHCI selected & drive installed on Sata port #1), and Windows 7 64-bit won't recognize the drive during the install process. I've already updated the bios. Any ideas?

 

[volcanoscout]

Try powering down and disconnect your current OS drive. Boot to BIOS and make sure your boot priority is set to your optical drive or USB, whichever you're using for the install, then save & exit and power down again. Then connect just the SSD and reboot and it should take you to the Windows install menu.

 

[volcanoscout]

Edit: When you power down, before you boot to BIOS to set your boot priority, disconnect ALL of your drives, not just your current OS drive.

 

[YudaMXO]

Volcanoscout -- Thanks for the quick response. I've done all that...multiple times actually. Removed all other drives (except the optical on SATA port 6), plugged the SSD into SATA 1 (selected AHCI for SATA ports 1-4 and IDE for 5-6), entered BIOS, selected optical drive to boot first. The Windows install process started, but it said no drives were installed. Went back into the BIOS and it didn't list the SSD in the installed drives area...just the optical drive. I've checked the SSD and SATA connections several times as well.

 

[4745454b]

If the drive isn't seen in the bios you won't be able to install windows to it. Period. Have you tried setting all ports to IDE mode? You did plug in the data AND power cable to the SSD right? Does it work in another computer?

 

[YudaMXO]

Yes, I tried setting all ports to IDE...and yes, both the data and power cables are plugged in. I don't have the ability to try it in another computer. The only thing I could do is buy a SATA to USB adapter and try to get another computer to recognize it as an external drive. At least then I'd know whether/not it's a bad drive.

 

[YudaMXO]

Also, my normal config is SATA ports 1-4 set to RAID with a RAID 1 array and ports 5-6 set for IDE with an optical drive on port 6. I tried adding the SSD on port 5 in that config...no joy.

 

[4745454b]

If it's plugged in and it's not seen then it's probably dead. Is it new or used? Can you take it to a shop and have them test it?

 

[volcanoscout]

If possible, I would take it to a computer shop or store just to verify if it's a functional drive - should be able to get it done for free. You can buy an adapter to try but I think it will probably be just as easy to RMA it. Worst case, Samsung tests it for you and sends it back.

 

[YudaMXO]

The drive is new...bought from Amazon. Think my best bet is to take it to a shop to verify it's functional. If not, I can ship back to Amazon or go the warranty route. Many thanks fellas.

 

[volcanoscout]

If it's new from Amazon, getting a replacement might be your best route. I've never gotten any hassle getting a replacement for DOA or even questionable components. Turn-around is usually pretty quick also.

 

[YudaMXO]

At this point...I hope it's dead. If not, I'm looking at additional troubleshooting to try and figure out why my mobo isn't recognizing the drive. Thanks for the assist.