Seagate Constellation ES.3 4TB SAS HDD NOT DETECTED

robwin7fo · 20 Aug 2018

Hello everyone,

I am using Win7 ULT 32bit on HP dc7100CMT Desktop, and mistakenly (or without knowing it) bought on Auctions a NEW Seagate Constellation ES.3 4TB SAS HDD to be as a backup for my DATA. To this end, I have a normal 3TB HDD SATA, but it's already full. When I saw a larger one in Auctions, 4TB, I didn't hesitate to buy it, for $100. As soon as it reached me, I straightaway began to install to format it. But, to my surprise, the current and SATA cables won't go in, although the numbers of pins are the same, 15PIN for current and 7PIN for the DATA. But the connection is different. I went to the shop and I found an appropriate adapter.

Amazon.com: CGTime SAS 22 Pin to 7 Pin + 15 Pin SATA Hard Disk Drive Raid Adapter with 15 Pin Power Port: Electronics

Now, all the cables are well connected via the adapter. But, when I switched the machine, it somewhat boots dull, but eventually reached the desktop. I opened the EASEUS Partition Master 12.5 to start formatting it, as I did before with the 3TB HDD. But, the new HDD didn't show up in there. I changed it to MiniTool Partition Wizard 10, but the HDD could not be detected there either. I restarted again and again the machine, but to no avail. So I gave up. And also, I can't return the HDD as per the initial agreement before the purchase, except in case of damage only. When I bought it, I had no idea about such a thing as Constellation ES.3 SAS, even now. I only bought it because it was larger than the 3TB I had before.

I wonder if anyone can help out there, on what to do to make this work on my machine, please, if possible- I mean if it is compatible on my old machine.

Many thanks to you all.

Snick · 20 Aug 2018

Hi robwin7fo,

The boots dull is of concern. Are you aware that the Enterprise drives (designed to run 24/7) run at a much higher temp than consumer designed drive & consume more power! Your PSU might be maxing out. The cables are different than consumer drives purposely as you have observed.

Are you sure the drive is powering up and running?
Have you tried Windows Computer Management, open it and click on Disk Management?
If the drive appears there, check to see if it says online or offline.
You can right-click on the drive and bring it online.

Personally, I'd purchase another 4TB drive which are prevalent on the Internet for about $100 US.

Nic

robwin7fo · 20 Aug 2018

NIC:

Thank you for the reply. First, I am glad to read you did not say the word "incompatible." That means, there is still hope. Now, I went to Disk Management, but there is no HD there apart from the local Disk C:. Also, about the word "dull" which I mentioned at the beginning, I mean, it takes about 50sec before it could start the restart/or the booting, before "Starting Windows" logo appears, and it goes on and behaves normal from this point.

Two or three times I repeated the procedure to check for the certainty of this detection, but it keeps showing only one Drive for the HDD although two HDD's are connected. When I remove the second Hard Disc, the booting shows no delay in starting. And when I replace the Second HD to a different one, it's normal, and found displayed in the Disc Management both as online.

Once again, thank you for further help.

Snick · 20 Aug 2018

No problemo on the further help. That's why were here, to help and hopefully provide a somewhat learing experience along the way.

Most motors when starting require more power, volts, amps, etc. and as I stated previously, Seagate Enterprise drive require more power than those for consumer use. It's my humble opinion that Enterprise drive is not compatible with your computer as you had to purchase an adapter cable to make the connections. Manufactures place certain specific connections on products in an attempt to prevent connecting, here's the word "incompatible" hardware. It's either your adapter cable, which I don't recommend using, or the drive, which I doubt, if it was new in a sealed package.

Personally, I would pack up the Ent drive and resell it on eBay or Amazon as opened, not used, no warranty provided or implied and purchase another drive. I googled 4TB drives and there is a plethora of choices $100 or below. I wouldn't recommend going the cheapest drive, unless you peruse several reviews.

Tom's Hardware is THE one website you should visit whenever and wherever you encounter even the slightest doubt about the usage, cost, performance, reliability, or compatibility of any hardware part of any computer-like device. The website offers a straggering multitude of articles of all kinds of hardware-related topics, including performance benchmarks, usage guides, troubleshooting tips and tricks, best buy offers, and more. And it's not all about plain ole computers, either. SSD drives, smart phones, future Web and computing technologies, all have their special corner at Tom's Hardware. Once you start browsing the maze of goodies, you'll never want to leave.

On top of all these, you get a newsletter, a rich forum, plety of whitepapers, and there's even shopping to be done, on numerous languages of the Planet. Tom's Hardware is so much more than just a hobbyist, enthusiastic benchmarking workshop. It's the shrine of hardware. It's where silicon parts live or die. A total must for anyone owning as little as a mobile phone.

Nic

robwin7fo · 20 Aug 2018

NIC:

Once again, thank you for the instructive notes.

As I understand from what you have just said, it comes down to "incompatible." I wish I would have known it before. It's too late now, after the purchase. I will follow your advice to sell it as "opened", "not used, no warranty provided or implied." What a hassle! I will look for another drive. Thank you also for the information on Tom' Hardware. I will try to learn something from there.

Best regards!

Snick · 20 Aug 2018

Sorry that you made an errant purchase. Have to chalk it up to learning experience.

The word "Enterprise" should have tipped you off. As in Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 10 Enterprise, which are intended for business/commercial use, and cannot be downloaded and installed by the average consumer.

Google is your friend!

Thoroughly read the "terms of service" for eBay, Amazon, or any other website you may wish to utilize to pass the drive on. Of importance is the return policy. I believe that you can opt to not permit return option on pages, but check it out. Not providing information regarding the difference between Consumer and Enterprise drive is not lying to your potential purchaser. Let the buyer beware.

I'd price it about what you paid for it, $100 is half the price I've observed on the net, but research that as well. When you get a taker, you may be out shipping charges, or that a few bucks, not a total loss!

Wishing you the best in your endeavor.

Nic