Ok, I’ve seen this problem a few times on this site and others, but never run through to resolution, so here we are again.
Here are the facts:
I have been commissioned by a friend to assemble a superior computer out of bits of two (identical) older P4 dells.
When the computers arrived to me, all components were functional.
I have redundant everything.
This means I have ruled out:
*CPU failure
*Harddrive failure
*Motherboard failure
*Powersupply failure (in fact I purchased an upgraded PSU running 430W as I figured 150W simply wouldn’t cut it anyways.)
etc.
All components are in good, working order.
All connections are clean and seated properly.
The problem then lies here: when attempting to finish the system and boot, the hard drive remains idle. Like others have experienced, when the data cable is disconnected and the power cable remains, the hard drive will spin as per normal.
It also does not work when both hard drives are connected, in any sequence, M/S or CS config.
I have tried using a cable-select cable, a single drive cable, connected properly, with the drive set in both CS and Master positions, I have tried alternative hard drives. I have used an external usb hard drive enclosure to retest the hard drives, adn I have swapped to the other good motherboard. All work properly, except when in this particular setup.
What would be causing this phenomenon, and how do i resolve it so i can finally close the case and start the computer, and return it to my friend?
