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Recover SATA - Tricky Mystery

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by llandraecia

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Hi all!

Well, I've got a tough problem here. My motherboard has died. I know, "congratulations". However, it didn't happen quickly...

It started with my computer freezing. Ok. So I played around with the memory, reset the BIOS (more on this in a sec) and got it working a little. Great. Then it started freezing sooner and I noticed that my SATA drives (2 Maxtor 300GB configured RAID 0) weren't up. Uh oh. So, I went into computer management to see what the deal was. It was calling one drive a dynamic drive that it couldn't access and the other drive was being called a basic drive that was unallocated. I built this computer 4 years ago, so I couldn't remember what I did at first. As I try to trouble shoot via Micro 2000, etc. BIOS programs after taking it down to barebones config, that my MoBo is rapidly declining. The tests are inconsistent, freezing in BIOS (not just Windows XP anymore) and at different points during testing. I notice I can go longer without a freeze if the computer is cold, so this has all played out over about three days. Now, the dumb thing won't even post the BIOS. DEAD! It could have started with a power supply issue, who knows. Moot now.
Now, that it's dead, I really need to recover my two SATA RAID 0 configured storage drives (not bootable config - I have some smarts...). I was using the Promise PDC20378 controller built into the ASUS P4P800-E Deluxe MoBo.

The real question: Should I buy a new MoBo ($120) or PCI controller ($30) with the same Promise controller to try and recover these drives or should I send them off to an expert in Cambridge, MA ($900-$3500)? If I should go it on my own, any resources I can look up or suggestions on how said task is accomplished (plus any steps I may be missing)?

Here was the system config:
Vantex VAN 520A Power Supply
ASUS P4P800-E DELUXE
INTEL P4 Prescott 3.2GHz 800MHz FSB, Socket 478 1MB cache (Arctic Silver 5 grease, of course)
Kingston Memory 2GB DDR400 PC3200(KVR400X64C3AK2/2G)
Maxtor Diamond Max 6Y200PO 200GB ATA/133 7200RPM (still working beautifully, both of them)
Maxtor Diamond Max 6B300SO 300 GB SATA 7200RPM (both problem children at the moment - they were in the RAID 0 together)
VGA Matrox Parhelia PH-A8X256
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Platinum Sound Card
Running Windows XP and ASUS BIOS version 1.00.0.37
As another note, this computer was NEVER connected to the internet. EVER! It was my photo/video editing computer only.
All housed in a beautiful Lian LiPC-75B Lack case.

Thanks in advance and hopefully it is a relatively simple fix with the right components. (Fingers crossed)

Llan - damsel in distress par excellance

7 replies

by llandraecia

Thanks for the link. It looks like good software and I can spend my money rebuilding my computer to do the recovery of these drives instead of spending it just to recover. The program looks pretty good for the future, as I'm sure I'll have to keep using SATA drives because they handle real-time editing so well.

Anyone with other ideas, keep them coming. I won't make any moves until Monday.

by llandraecia

If you can think up any other possibilities, please post a line.

by rob miners

that I would go for the new ASUS P4P800-E mobo. Some new RAM and a new PSU. Virtually a new PC. Configure the Bios the same as the old one. Refit the Drives and keep your fingers crossed.

I have been chasing an ASUS P4P800-E here in AUS but I am unable to find one.

by llandraecia

True Blue,

There are problems with rebuilding my system the way it is. One, only used P4P800-E Deluxe motherboards seem to be available. From Hong Kong. No DOA guarantees via Ebay. So, the controller card or the expert is a better choice here as I need to build a new system anyway. I suggested the mobo option because, quite frankly, I'm confused as to why my system shut down so inconsistently. I have a UPS and surge protection, fyi, on my system at all times. So, while something still could have come down the line and disrupted or overloaded my power supply, it's not so likely. The power supply was reading a bit low - 11.79v on the 12 volt lines and 4.96v on the +5v lines. Maybe this started the issue. I wish I could read the main line going to the mobo, but these power supplies need the mobo to turn them on in the first place, so no can do on the testing.

Thanks for the response though!

Llan

by rob miners

I thought that you had access to another board when you quoted the price. :)

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