Topic: Problems with the HDD (Read 11382 times)

cargo · « **on:** May 28, 2007, 09:03:43 »

Hi!

I know that this should be at the technical support, but I still want as many as possible to answer this. I have a problem with my Hard Disc. It's the latest component for my PC, its a 250GB one. It works fine, but as soon as I want to add/store something on it, it start to act "not smooth" if you know what I mean. Like a jagged, skipping motion. And to install a game takes forever, almost 60min. What should I do to fix this? You can also notice this while playing a game wich is installed on this HDD. As soon it has to load a certain object or scenery, it starts again to skip. It all ends after a while, but still...

Any ideas? $:-\$

Wout · « **Reply #1 on:** May 28, 2007, 09:52:13 »

If I were you I would contact the producer of that hardware component. He should be able to tell you why it isn't working correct.

[RWP]DJM · « **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2007, 10:06:08 »

Just out of curiosity, is it IDE, SATA-! or SATA-II ?

There are certain settings to enable faster speed and more reliable function, in Windows and the BIOS. I know most people panic when BIOS is mentioned, thankfully I don't

I have altered these settings on numerous occasions and noticed a significant difference, not just on my PC, but friends/family too

I would be happy to help out if need be

Regards.

DJM.

cargo · « **Reply #3 on:** May 28, 2007, 10:10:11 »

Here's some info: (just copyed from S.I.W)

Property     Value
Type     Fixed hard disk media
Vendor     Samsung
Model     SAMSUNG SP2514N
Interface     IDE ATA
Revision     VF100-41
Size     250 GBytes
Removable    No
Location   Primary Controller - Slave drive
Controller Buffer Size on Drive   8 MBytes
Capabilities   DMA, LBA, IORDY_Disable, IORDY
PIO Mode Support   0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
Current UDMA mode   None
Temperature   32 ÂºC (90 ÂºF)
SMART Support   Yes

[RWP]DJM · « **Reply #4 on:** May 28, 2007, 12:03:17 »

Ah, I think I see the problem, looks like UDMA is disabled

Can you try this for me please, I apologise if I seem like I'm insulting your intelligence, but I am unaware of your expertise in PC maintenance

1. Right-Click My Computer
2. Choose Properties
3. Goto Hardware tab, then choose Device Manager
4. Click the little + symbol next to the IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers
5. Right-Click on the Primary IDE Channel (if your drive is your main one (C:), then choose Properties
6. Click the Advanced Settings tab
7. The next page is a list of the devices connected to IDE slot 1 (there are 2 on each channel, allowing up to 4 drives to be connected - either HDD or CD/DVD)
8. The Transfer Mode should have a drop-down box available for you to select an option, if it says PIO Only, you need to change it to DMA If Available

Ok, all that done, it should now say next to Current Transfer Mode, Ultra DMA Mode 6 (this is the fastest transfer mode on IDE drives - 133mb/s, although you never actually get this speed).

If UDMA Mode 6 isn't there, either the drive doesn't support Mode 6 (UDMA Mode 5 would be ok also (100mb/s), it needs an update or a system setting isn't allowing the change to happen.

I checked the Samsung site and that particular drive is listed as 125gb and UDMA Mode 5, seems like the revision number has given the drive new specifications, not certain though.

Link (http://www.samsung.com/Products/HardDiskDrive/SpinPointPSeries/HardDiskDrive_SpinPointPSeries_SP2514N.htm)

Hope this helps, any further help that I can offer, please let me know

Regards.

DJM.

Edit: I noticed that your drive is listed as Slave, if this is your main C: drive, then the cables or jumpers on the drive (inside the case) are wrong and would need changing

cargo · « **Reply #5 on:** May 28, 2007, 13:15:02 »

Hi!

Thanks for your help! You see, both Channels are listed as DMA if Available. But only as Ultra DMA Mode 2.
The primary channel has:
Slot 1:
Transfermode = DMA if available
Current transfermode = Ultra DMA Mode 2
Slot 2:
Transfermode = DMA if available
Current transfermode = PIO Only

The secondary channel:
Slot 1:
Transfermode = DMA if available
Current transfermode = Ultra DMA Mode 2
Slot 2:
Transfermode = DMA if available
Current transfermode = Ultra DMA Mode 2

I aint that good in this sort of things, so your help is more than welcome. You see, my "original" HDD is C:\ wich came with my PC. My new "trouble" one, I bought for a half a year ago, wich is currently H:\

[RWP]DJM · « **Reply #6 on:** May 28, 2007, 13:27:57 »

You may be using the wrong cable for your hard drives. You need a 133 cable, it seems like you may be using a 66 cable.

The way to check this is:

Open the case, physically 'feel' along the cable that's attached to your HDD's. If it feels like it has 'ribs' that are quite prominent, it is the wrong cable. It should be relatively smooth, you will feel only a small 'rib' effect on a 133 cable

Check your DVD/CD cable, it may be possible to swap the cables round

If not, ask your PC supplier for a 133 HD Cable, this should solve the problem

Regards.

DJM.

cargo · « **Reply #7 on:** May 28, 2007, 13:43:25 »

Okay, is it hard to change?

Property Value
UDMA Mode Support 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 (ATA/66) - 5 (ATA/100)

cargo · « **Reply #8 on:** May 28, 2007, 13:52:29 »

I found these cables at a swedish site:
http://www.hattelco.se/ps.asp?tcl=4704,4705&mlevel=140500

[RWP]DJM · « **Reply #9 on:** May 28, 2007, 13:55:47 »

Not at all, the slots only work one way

Just remove the old cable, then insert the new one. If possible though, don't remove both cables at the same time, or make a note of where the HDD cable plugs into the Motherboard........

If you plug the cables into the wrong slot on the Motherboard, it will completely alter your PC, or it may not boot at all

Of course, if you do get it wrong, it is simply a case of plugging the cables into the other slot on the board (they should be labelled as - IDE Slot 1 & Slot 2 - right next to the ports on the Motherboard - or Slot 0 & Slot 1

)

Just as an extra point, the connections on the cable work like this:

3 plugs

1. The plug that is on it's own is the bit that plugs into the Motherboard (this has a longer space between it than the other 2).
2. The slot on the other end plugs into the Master HD (C: usually).
3. The slot in the middle plugs into the Slave drive (possibly D: in this case).

Just so you know which one is which, make a note of which plug is fitted into each port before you remove the cable, then match-up the new cable appropriately

Any further questions, feel free to ask

Good luck

Regards.

DJM.

Edit: Just checked that site you posted, you are looking for a cable with ATA-133 for 2 drives

cargo · « **Reply #10 on:** May 28, 2007, 14:01:39 »

I owe you alot friend. Did you find any of the avalable cables at that site, that might work? there are a couple...

cargo · « **Reply #11 on:** May 28, 2007, 14:06:02 »

I also find these:
http://www.pccity.se/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/store-pccity-Site/sv_SE/-/SEK/ViewSearch-Start;pgid=TP.z6oZK9g5SR0EjCGdBwx120000PBvGDd4_?searchtext=133&categories=&submit=S%C3%B6k

[RWP]DJM · « **Reply #12 on:** May 28, 2007, 14:07:07 »

No problem at all

I sure did:

This one - http://www.hattelco.se/ps.asp?it=91546&mlevel=140500
Also - http://www.hattelco.se/ps.asp?it=132650&mlevel=140500
And - http://www.hattelco.se/ps.asp?it=95682&mlevel=140500

Regards.

DJM.

Edit: That second site you posted, all those on that page are fine

cargo · « **Reply #13 on:** May 28, 2007, 14:09:09 »

Okay, any at PC City site?

[RWP]DJM · « **Reply #14 on:** May 28, 2007, 14:12:47 »

Sorry about that, we must have been posting at the same time

Check my previous post....Edit: at the bottom

Regards.

DJM

cargo · « **Reply #15 on:** May 28, 2007, 14:20:51 »

Hehe, well that happens... Okay then, on wednesday I shall go to PC City and buy a new cable then. They only cost 60-90 kronor (wich is about 6 pound)

[RWP]DJM · « **Reply #16 on:** May 28, 2007, 14:24:05 »

I hope you get it sorted friend

Have fun (doubtful, but ah well lol)

Regards.

DJM.

cargo · « **Reply #17 on:** May 28, 2007, 14:26:59 »

Well I will sertainly ask more at the time of the change, but we will see.

Btw, will the new cable still work with the old HDD?

[RWP]DJM · « **Reply #18 on:** May 28, 2007, 14:29:34 »

Yes, the 133 cables are backwardly compatible with slower drives, you can even use 133 cables with CD/DVD drives (most of these only require a 66 cable)

Regards.

DJM.

cargo · « **Reply #19 on:** May 28, 2007, 15:52:32 »

Okay, well I'll keep it touch...

cargo · « **Reply #20 on:** May 30, 2007, 13:52:06 »

Okay so now I have bought a Belkin cable, wich makes my whole PC much faster!! Finaly, everything is working normaly. A thousands of thanks to you DJM, a lot of thanks!

marcstrat · « **Reply #21 on:** May 30, 2007, 18:22:24 »

Greetings DJM,
Well,i've been following that conversation about someone computer.
I have to congradulate you,how you have fixed that.I'm very impressed.I hope you 'll stay a very long time as a moderator on this forum.
Well done,for that support.
Regards
Marc

cargo · « **Reply #22 on:** May 30, 2007, 19:28:38 »

Indeed

[RWP]DJM · « **Reply #23 on:** May 30, 2007, 20:14:52 »

Awww, thanks guys....I'm getting all embarrassed now lol

Honestly though, no need to thank me at all, it's an absolute pleasure

Not only do I love being a Moderator on these great forums, I also love keeping in touch with all the wonderful people here.

Thanks should go to all the Ship Simulator forums users, they have ALL made these forums a wonderful place to be

Kindest Regards.

DJM.

Author Topic: Problems with the HDD (Read 11382 times)