SATA configuration with IC7-Max3

[bergy10]

Hi all, pleased to be on Hexus.

Anyway, I have a small problem with the Abit IC7-Max3 motherboard.
For the most part, it works great.
I am currently using SCSI320 as my main drive plus PATA for storage.

However, I recently got a new SATA hard drive (WD Raptor 10k SATA), and I can't seem to get it to work on IDE 3 or 4. I have tried plugging it in SATA1 or SATA2, without success.
Funnily enough, the Silicon Image raid chip recognises the drive without problem (for SATA3 to 6). I assume this proves the hard drive is working ok.

I have tried changing the bios to enhanced, updated the bios to the latest revision, used the auto-configuration for hard drives, all without success.
Does that mean the SATA1 and SATA2 ports are broke?

Second problem:
I have emailed Komplett (where I got the mb from), about the problem. They say I can't do a refund/replace because they are worried that the mb might be working fine (especially a mb of this standard) and they might take a 100% loss on it. To further the complications, I am deaf, and I use the internet and email as my main means of communication.
Obviously, if I am without a PC for some period of time, I will be 'cut off' from the world. Out of interest, Komplett has already given me an RMA, without replacement at this time.

Which brings me to this: can anyone help me prove that I have a faulty mb or not, because I want to be sure that sending the mb back is the right decision to make, as well as reasons I have given above?

Thanks in advance.
B

[Steve]

ftp://ftp.abit.com.tw/pub/download/d...0.0.1/1001.exe try these. It may be that you don't have the SATA drivers installed.

If you do, follow this:

Now, presuming you're just using it as an additional storage drive, right click on my computer, then click manage. The management console will come up, at which point find the disk management tool. It'll come up with a wizard to initialise the new disk, or show an unknown disk, that you can right click on and initialise (or import, can't remember what they call it.)

[myth]

I have tried plugging it in SATA1 or SATA2, without success.

I have the same mobo and I was using the ports you are trying to use! I should be able to help! Does the Intel Raid screan show up at boot? If not then its not enabled in bios! It will show even when no drive is hooked up to it!!!! After this screan apears the silicon one will show up under it!

[Steve]

What, how many SATA connectors does that mobo have?!!

Just plug it into one of the channels on which it is detected and install the drivers for that device (ie the silicon image controller) and you shouldn't have a problem.

[myth]

It has six Sata conectors! And the intel one has to be enabled first, also the intels are faster then the sil which use the PCI bus!

[Steve]

Ah right, well yes in that case ensure the Intel SATA controller is enabled within the motherboard's BIOS.

If you need any new drivers check out this page:
http://www.abit-usa.com/downloads/dr...es=1&model=130

[myth]

Ah right, well yes in that case ensure the Intel SATA controller is enabled within the motherboard's BIOS.

If you need any new drivers check out this page:
http://www.abit-usa.com/downloads/dr...es=1&model=130

The bios are wacked! It took me ages to get it set right! (I couldn't find the setting!) lol! Just ceep trying! you'll find it!

[bergy10]

Myth is correct, I have a SCSI320 PCI card, therefore I have no interest in using the silicon Image raid chip. I want to keep my PCI bandwidth dedicated to my SCSI set-up.
That is why I want the Raptor on IDE3 or 4, which means SATA1 or 2. Not 3 to 6.

Is the Intel SATA controller enabled when I bootup with a message saying "IDE Channel Master 3: None detected" (something like that)
Having said that, when I had a go with the hard drive auto-detector, it took about 2 minutes to find out there was nothing there(!). That tells me that the mobo knows something is there, but can't work out what it is. The raid chip took less than a second or two, and correctly identified the drive.

Thanks for the replies so far.
B

[myth]

You need to select sata raid mode! you dont have to have a raid to do this! I never tried the ide 3 - 4 mode! However I could try it on my PC for you! But I'm not in the mood right now... I will however check my settings for you now!

[Steve]

Is the Intel SATA controller enabled when I bootup with a message saying "IDE Channel Master 3: None detected" (something like that)

No, they are more likely to be the extra two IDE channels on the board. I presume it has them, as it has plenty of everything else

[myth]

No, they are more likely to be the extra two IDE channels on the board. I presume it has them, as it has plenty of everything else

It is the sata... but its being set as the IDE! Its a bit confusing!
He needs to set to raid mode for the drive to work! *I think

[Steve]

That motherboard is just plain weird!

[myth]

That motherboard is just plain weird!

YES IT IS! It is soo messed up! but It has power for power users! The Satas can act as IDE devices... Once he solves this prob next comes the boot device priority!