Cannot use 6TB HDD on Computer?

[Micky2171]

I have just got a new custom built computer for Christmas but cannot use a 6TB HDD with it.
I have used this HDD in another PC before, so I know it works.
But, in this computer it makes a buzzing noise then cuts off (and then repeats)

My Motherboard: MSI H81M-E33
My HDD: WD 6TD Surveillance

 

[koga99]

Hi Micky2171,welcome to the forums.

As I understand you just built the PC, yes? The PC itself works, it's just the HDD that won't boot?
Shut down the PC, plug in the HDD and then start into bios. Check your HDD settings and see if it gets picked up there.

 

[Micky2171]

The BIOS cannot see the HDD at all, but can see another (smaller) HDD / SSD if I try that.

 

[koga99]

At this point I'd check the connections from HDD to Main and everything between them.
- Both connected via SATA? I, II, III?
- (This is extremely unlikely) Did you use it as your main HDD for your system before? If so check if you added jumpers that only let it be the "main master disk", refer to manual online.
- Check the SATA ports you connected them to on your motherboard. Make sure it supports the SATA-type you used. Remember, they are always backwards compatible but not always vice versa
- In rare cases the Bios needs an update to recognize HDD above a certain size, your MB is fairly fresh on the market so I doubt that. Also: make sure you only install a BIOS update AFTER windows is installed on your SSD.

//EDIT: read through your specs, that is a very nice rig, very balanced, you'll have some major fun with it once your HDD is installed.

 

[Micky2171]

I have checked all of the cables, and have tried the same ones in other HDD and they work.
Could the fact that the HDD making a buzzing noise on boot and making the BIOS stick for a moment have anything to do with it?

 

[koga99]

Does the biosoutput suggest that it is scanning for an HDD when it get's "stuck" for a moment? That would simply mean that it is, in fact, trying to scan that HDD and determine what it is. The bios only knows that something is connected to it via SATA, doesn't know what it is though. Do you have the means to test the HDD on another PC? I don't want to be a pessimist but if the connection is alright then it might be that the HDD was damaged when it was built out and back into a PC.

 

[Micky2171]

I have just tried the HDD in another PC (Dell) and it seems to do the exact same thing?
Is there anything I can do to save this HDD, 6TB costs a lot!

 

[koga99]

There are methods of repairing an HDD. If it does the same thing in two PCs then I'm afraid it seems to have been damaged up to some extend. If you're lucky, the disk read-and-write head is undamaged. Worst case scenario would be that it was "bent" and it damaged/scratched the plate(s).

I don't want to doomsay anything but be prepared for bad news if it's the latter. You'd have to submit it to a repair shop. Ask around town if there are any PC shops that can diagnose and repair a disk locally. Be sure to ask for a cost estimate before you agree to any repairs.

It might still just be something small like one of the contacts going cold or a loose connection internally.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

If the drive won't work in another machine, then it's probably dead.

1. Is the drive still under warranty? If so, just contact WD for a warranty replacement.

2. The surveillance drives are not well suited for general data storage since the have no error correction. The WD Greens, Blues, and Blacks are much better for data storage (even though they cost more, I prefer to use the WD Blacks in my machine).

 

[koga99]

Pretty much what Lady Fitzgerarld said. I never used anything but WD Blacks so far. Some times the 10 extra quid are worth it.

 

[CKWD]

Hello Micky2171!

I see you have an issue with a WD Purple 6TB. :/

First you need to make sure that the HDD works now in another system internally. If it does, then the problem is in the system you want to use it currently in.

Make sure you have tried all ports on the motherboard (from the first 0 to the last one), new cables and that the drive shows up in BIOS. The motherboard itself doesn't have that many ports and it supports older RAM types, so it is also possible that it doesn't support such a new and large drive. :/

This in the case you make sure that the HDD actually works.

It needs to also spin up when the PC is turned on. Does it? If it doesn't try also other power cables.

My advice would also be to contact MSI support and make sure if your motherboard can support a 6TB SATA III HDD.

Additionally, I would like just to mention that the WD Purple drives are specific for surveillance and it's not their design to be used in average PC-s as storage/loading drives.

If you conclude the WD Purple itself is not working, then I would advise you try and RMA it.

WD Warranty check:
Support Answers

WD Warranty policy:
Support Answers

Best of luck and post back!

CK_WD