I just got my *fifth* Western Digital wd1200jb hard drive via RMA.
Because I've been through so many hard drives, I decided it wasn't worth
the trouble to install the hard drive completely in the computer case.
Instead, I just set it on the shelf my computer sits on, connected
cables, and left the door to my case off.

This drive has been working fine for several days. I've developed a
fairly rigorous testing procedure to be able to tell if one of these is
going to die on me or not. This one performed admirably.

I decided it was time to put it in the case. Believe it or not, the
drive started experiencing problems as soon as the OS booted! I used
the same cables, same power connector, everything, just mounted the
drive in my case. Based on this, and the fact that this is the fifth
consecutive drive that has been problematic, I think it's fair to assume
that there's something in my case causing the problems.

Here's the specs on this machine:

- Case: Antec Sever Tower PLUS 1080 AMG
- Mobo: Gigabyte 7ixe4
- Proc: Athlon Thunderbird 1 GHz w/Coolermaster Aero 7+ HSF
- Video: Matrox Millenium I (PCI)
- Tekram dc-390u2w SCSI card
- Two PCI ethernet cards (can't remember make/model)
- Other drives include a Maxtor Atlas 10k II 18 GB SCSI drive,
a Pioneer SCSI DVD-ROM, and a Yamaha SCSI CD-R

My two thoughts are (1) I used the "wrong" screw holes or over-torqued
the screws or (2) there is some kind of EM interference in my case.
However, (1) is unlikely, as I've installed many a hard drive in my day,
and (2) is unlikely since the SCSI drive works fine. I can't think of
what else would be causing the problems!

Any thoughts or ideas, comments or otherwise are appreciated!
Matt

"Matt Garman" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> I just got my *fifth* Western Digital wd1200jb hard drive via RMA.
> Because I've been through so many hard drives, I decided it wasn't worth
> the trouble to install the hard drive completely in the computer case.
> Instead, I just set it on the shelf my computer sits on, connected
> cables, and left the door to my case off.
>
> This drive has been working fine for several days. I've developed a
> fairly rigorous testing procedure to be able to tell if one of these is
> going to die on me or not. This one performed admirably.
>
> I decided it was time to put it in the case. Believe it or not, the
> drive started experiencing problems as soon as the OS booted! I used
> the same cables, same power connector, everything, just mounted the
> drive in my case. Based on this, and the fact that this is the fifth
> consecutive drive that has been problematic, I think it's fair to assume
> that there's something in my case causing the problems.
>
> Here's the specs on this machine:
>
> - Case: Antec Sever Tower PLUS 1080 AMG
> - Mobo: Gigabyte 7ixe4
> - Proc: Athlon Thunderbird 1 GHz w/Coolermaster Aero 7+ HSF
> - Video: Matrox Millenium I (PCI)
> - Tekram dc-390u2w SCSI card
> - Two PCI ethernet cards (can't remember make/model)
> - Other drives include a Maxtor Atlas 10k II 18 GB SCSI drive,
> a Pioneer SCSI DVD-ROM, and a Yamaha SCSI CD-R
>
> My two thoughts are (1) I used the "wrong" screw holes or over-torqued
> the screws or (2) there is some kind of EM interference in my case.
> However, (1) is unlikely, as I've installed many a hard drive in my day,
> and (2) is unlikely since the SCSI drive works fine. I can't think of
> what else would be causing the problems!
>
> Any thoughts or ideas, comments or otherwise are appreciated!
> Matt
>

check to be sure the case is grounded properly

On Thu, 30 Oct 2003 19:48:35 -0600, Knowing that it was a Hollywood
invention that lemmings jump off cliffs "philo"
<NONphiloNONplazaearthNONcomNON> wrote :

>
>"Matt Garman" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>> I just got my *fifth* Western Digital wd1200jb hard drive via RMA.
>> Because I've been through so many hard drives, I decided it wasn't worth
>> the trouble to install the hard drive completely in the computer case.
>> Instead, I just set it on the shelf my computer sits on, connected
>> cables, and left the door to my case off.
>>
>> This drive has been working fine for several days. I've developed a
>> fairly rigorous testing procedure to be able to tell if one of these is
>> going to die on me or not. This one performed admirably.
>>
>> I decided it was time to put it in the case. Believe it or not, the
>> drive started experiencing problems as soon as the OS booted! I used
>> the same cables, same power connector, everything, just mounted the
>> drive in my case. Based on this, and the fact that this is the fifth
>> consecutive drive that has been problematic, I think it's fair to assume
>> that there's something in my case causing the problems.
>>
>> Here's the specs on this machine:
>>
>> - Case: Antec Sever Tower PLUS 1080 AMG
>> - Mobo: Gigabyte 7ixe4
>> - Proc: Athlon Thunderbird 1 GHz w/Coolermaster Aero 7+ HSF
>> - Video: Matrox Millenium I (PCI)
>> - Tekram dc-390u2w SCSI card
>> - Two PCI ethernet cards (can't remember make/model)
>> - Other drives include a Maxtor Atlas 10k II 18 GB SCSI drive,
>> a Pioneer SCSI DVD-ROM, and a Yamaha SCSI CD-R
>>
>> My two thoughts are (1) I used the "wrong" screw holes or over-torqued
>> the screws or (2) there is some kind of EM interference in my case.
>> However, (1) is unlikely, as I've installed many a hard drive in my day,
>> and (2) is unlikely since the SCSI drive works fine. I can't think of
>> what else would be causing the problems!
>>
>> Any thoughts or ideas, comments or otherwise are appreciated!
>> Matt
>>
>
>check to be sure the case is grounded properly

I've had this happen with as floppy drive.When I put a second securing
screw in it wouldn't work.No real rhyme or reason for it.Putting a the
screw in another hole fixed it but still don't know why as the screw
did not enter the floppy drive as I could see it :/
As you say,and I believe(just like car electrics) that it was a bad
ground to the case from the floppy bay.
Note:
I once had a Mini that had two earth straps to the chassis and it
still grounded through the brake wire when you tried to start it and
melted the pvc casing of the brake cable!!!
Fitted a 3rd and all was well.Weird tings deese electricals :/



--
Free Windows/PC help,
http://www.geocities.com/sheppola/trouble.html
email shepATpartyheld.de
Free songs download,
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/8/nomessiahsmusic.htm

This has one of those removable HD tray? those can have a problem with grounding....a little 'strap' between it and the case may
fix it



"Matt Garman" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> I just got my *fifth* Western Digital wd1200jb hard drive via RMA.
> Because I've been through so many hard drives, I decided it wasn't worth
> the trouble to install the hard drive completely in the computer case.
> Instead, I just set it on the shelf my computer sits on, connected
> cables, and left the door to my case off.
>
> This drive has been working fine for several days. I've developed a
> fairly rigorous testing procedure to be able to tell if one of these is
> going to die on me or not. This one performed admirably.
>
> I decided it was time to put it in the case. Believe it or not, the
> drive started experiencing problems as soon as the OS booted! I used
> the same cables, same power connector, everything, just mounted the
> drive in my case. Based on this, and the fact that this is the fifth
> consecutive drive that has been problematic, I think it's fair to assume
> that there's something in my case causing the problems.
>
> Here's the specs on this machine:
>
> - Case: Antec Sever Tower PLUS 1080 AMG
> - Mobo: Gigabyte 7ixe4
> - Proc: Athlon Thunderbird 1 GHz w/Coolermaster Aero 7+ HSF
> - Video: Matrox Millenium I (PCI)
> - Tekram dc-390u2w SCSI card
> - Two PCI ethernet cards (can't remember make/model)
> - Other drives include a Maxtor Atlas 10k II 18 GB SCSI drive,
> a Pioneer SCSI DVD-ROM, and a Yamaha SCSI CD-R
>
> My two thoughts are (1) I used the "wrong" screw holes or over-torqued
> the screws or (2) there is some kind of EM interference in my case.
> However, (1) is unlikely, as I've installed many a hard drive in my day,
> and (2) is unlikely since the SCSI drive works fine. I can't think of
> what else would be causing the problems!
>
> Any thoughts or ideas, comments or otherwise are appreciated!
> Matt
>

Matt Garman wrote:
> I just got my *fifth* Western Digital wd1200jb hard drive via RMA.
> Because I've been through so many hard drives, I decided it wasn't worth
> the trouble to install the hard drive completely in the computer case.
> Instead, I just set it on the shelf my computer sits on, connected
> cables, and left the door to my case off.
>
> This drive has been working fine for several days. I've developed a
> fairly rigorous testing procedure to be able to tell if one of these is
> going to die on me or not. This one performed admirably.
>
> I decided it was time to put it in the case. Believe it or not, the
> drive started experiencing problems as soon as the OS booted! I used
> the same cables, same power connector, everything, just mounted the
> drive in my case. Based on this, and the fact that this is the fifth
> consecutive drive that has been problematic, I think it's fair to assume
> that there's something in my case causing the problems.
>
> Here's the specs on this machine:
>
> - Case: Antec Sever Tower PLUS 1080 AMG
> - Mobo: Gigabyte 7ixe4
> - Proc: Athlon Thunderbird 1 GHz w/Coolermaster Aero 7+ HSF
> - Video: Matrox Millenium I (PCI)
> - Tekram dc-390u2w SCSI card
> - Two PCI ethernet cards (can't remember make/model)
> - Other drives include a Maxtor Atlas 10k II 18 GB SCSI drive,
> a Pioneer SCSI DVD-ROM, and a Yamaha SCSI CD-R
>
> My two thoughts are (1) I used the "wrong" screw holes or over-torqued
> the screws or (2) there is some kind of EM interference in my case.
> However, (1) is unlikely, as I've installed many a hard drive in my day,
> and (2) is unlikely since the SCSI drive works fine. I can't think of
> what else would be causing the problems!
>
> Any thoughts or ideas, comments or otherwise are appreciated!
> Matt
>
Make sure the screws you use to mount the HD from the side are not too
long. Some HDs have the PWB not far from where those screws enter the
case of the HD, and if the screws are too long they could short or
damage the PWB.
If that is not the problem, I would suspect a flaky cable for the IDE
bus. You could be experiencing an open conductor that only appears when
the cable is bent a certain way. Try another IDE cable.
Also, make SURE that all components (MB, PS, other drives etc.) are
grounded to the case. You could be picking up some noise from an
un-grounded device.

Ken

Ken

On Fri, 31 Oct 2003 13:10:23 GMT, (E-Mail Removed)lid
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
> Make sure the screws you use to mount the HD from the side are not too
> long. Some HDs have the PWB not far from where those screws enter the
> case of the HD, and if the screws are too long they could short or
> damage the PWB.

My case (Antec PLUS 1080 AMG) has two hard drive "cages" that come out
easily via a lever. The bottom cage is where I have my other hard drive
mounted (Quantum Atlas 10k II SCSI); if I mounted the Western Digital in
there, it caused the problems. I moved the Western Digital to the upper
cage (which hold my floppy drive), and thus far, it appears to be
working.

Another poster suggested that maybe the cage isn't grounded properly.
This may be the problem, although the SCSI drive has worked and
continues to work flawlessly. Although, the SCSI drive could be
*causing* the problems.

The other interesting this is the lower cage has a fan clip. Mounting
drives in this cage causes them to stick out a bit more than when using
the top cage. In other words, I'm using at least two different screw
holes on the Western Digital in the upper cage.

> If that is not the problem, I would suspect a flaky cable for the IDE
> bus. You could be experiencing an open conductor that only appears
> when the cable is bent a certain way. Try another IDE cable.

I haven't tried different cables on *this* drive, but I did on the other
four drives, and it never made a difference. I also have a Promise PCI
IDE card that I used to verify that the problem wasn't the motherboard's
built-in IDE controller.

> Also, make SURE that all components (MB, PS, other drives etc.) are
> grounded to the case. You could be picking up some noise from an
> un-grounded device.

At this point, I'm pretty sure the problem is grounding related.
Another poster suggested using a "strip" to make sure the cage is
grounded to the chasis of the case. What kind of strip would this be?
I may also try to use a different power cord.

Thanks!
Matt

Matt Garman wrote:
> On Fri, 31 Oct 2003 13:10:23 GMT, (E-Mail Removed)lid
> <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
>>Make sure the screws you use to mount the HD from the side are not too
>>long. Some HDs have the PWB not far from where those screws enter the
>>case of the HD, and if the screws are too long they could short or
>>damage the PWB.
>
>
> My case (Antec PLUS 1080 AMG) has two hard drive "cages" that come out
> easily via a lever. The bottom cage is where I have my other hard drive
> mounted (Quantum Atlas 10k II SCSI); if I mounted the Western Digital in
> there, it caused the problems. I moved the Western Digital to the upper
> cage (which hold my floppy drive), and thus far, it appears to be
> working.
>
> Another poster suggested that maybe the cage isn't grounded properly.
> This may be the problem, although the SCSI drive has worked and
> continues to work flawlessly. Although, the SCSI drive could be
> *causing* the problems.
>
> The other interesting this is the lower cage has a fan clip. Mounting
> drives in this cage causes them to stick out a bit more than when using
> the top cage. In other words, I'm using at least two different screw
> holes on the Western Digital in the upper cage.
>
>
>>If that is not the problem, I would suspect a flaky cable for the IDE
>>bus. You could be experiencing an open conductor that only appears
>>when the cable is bent a certain way. Try another IDE cable.
>
>
> I haven't tried different cables on *this* drive, but I did on the other
> four drives, and it never made a difference. I also have a Promise PCI
> IDE card that I used to verify that the problem wasn't the motherboard's
> built-in IDE controller.
>
>
>>Also, make SURE that all components (MB, PS, other drives etc.) are
>>grounded to the case. You could be picking up some noise from an
>>un-grounded device.
>
>
> At this point, I'm pretty sure the problem is grounding related.
> Another poster suggested using a "strip" to make sure the cage is
> grounded to the chasis of the case. What kind of strip would this be?
> I may also try to use a different power cord.
>
> Thanks!
> Matt
>
I agree, your problem might well be noise generated either by the SCSI
drive or some other device such as your PS. Remember there is an
oscillator in the PS that is used to generate the voltages and a HD
motor is an inductive device.

As for what type of strip, I would think he means a wire or some other
conductor tied to the cage and to ground. You can also shield the HD
from noise generated by the SCSI drive by installing a metallic screen
(such as window screen), or piece of sheet metal between the noise
generator and the device being effected. This shield would of course be
grounded to the case.

Ken

> > Also, make SURE that all components (MB, PS, other drives etc.) are
> > grounded to the case. You could be picking up some noise from an
> > un-grounded device.
>
> At this point, I'm pretty sure the problem is grounding related.
> Another poster suggested using a "strip" to make sure the cage is
> grounded to the chasis of the case. What kind of strip would this be?
> I may also try to use a different power cord.
>
> Thanks!
> Matt
>

in addition to making sure the ground pin on your AC plug is really
grounding
all of the case ...be sure to verify that the ac outlet on your house is
really grounded!

be sure to use an ohmmeter or continuity tester

also use a bit of caution as for all you know the ground pin might be "hot"

-
(E-Mail Removed)lid stood up at show-n-tell, in
3btob.201141$(E-Mail Removed), and said:

> Matt Garman wrote:
<snip>
>> My two thoughts are (1) I used the "wrong" screw holes or
>> over-torqued the screws or (2) there is some kind of EM interference
>> in my case. However, (1) is unlikely, as I've installed many a hard
>> drive in my day, and (2) is unlikely since the SCSI drive works
>> fine. I can't think of what else would be causing the problems!
>>
>> Any thoughts or ideas, comments or otherwise are appreciated!
>> Matt
>>
> Make sure the screws you use to mount the HD from the side are not too
> long. Some HDs have the PWB not far from where those screws enter the
> case of the HD, and if the screws are too long they could short or
> damage the PWB.
> If that is not the problem, I would suspect a flaky cable for the IDE
> bus. You could be experiencing an open conductor that only appears
> when the cable is bent a certain way. Try another IDE cable.
> Also, make SURE that all components (MB, PS, other drives etc.) are
> grounded to the case. You could be picking up some noise from an
> un-grounded device.

Take motherboard, off that list. If the motherboard is grounded, to the
case, you will not power up. Period.


>
> Ken
>

--
Strontium

"It's no surprise, to me. I am my own worst enemy. `Cause every
now, and then, I kick the livin' **** `outta me." - Lit

Strontium wrote:
> -
> (E-Mail Removed)lid stood up at show-n-tell, in
> 3btob.201141$(E-Mail Removed), and said:
>
>
>>Matt Garman wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
>>>My two thoughts are (1) I used the "wrong" screw holes or
>>>over-torqued the screws or (2) there is some kind of EM interference
>>>in my case. However, (1) is unlikely, as I've installed many a hard
>>>drive in my day, and (2) is unlikely since the SCSI drive works
>>>fine. I can't think of what else would be causing the problems!
>>>
>>>Any thoughts or ideas, comments or otherwise are appreciated!
>>>Matt
>>>
>>
>>Make sure the screws you use to mount the HD from the side are not too
>>long. Some HDs have the PWB not far from where those screws enter the
>>case of the HD, and if the screws are too long they could short or
>>damage the PWB.
>>If that is not the problem, I would suspect a flaky cable for the IDE
>>bus. You could be experiencing an open conductor that only appears
>>when the cable is bent a certain way. Try another IDE cable.
>>Also, make SURE that all components (MB, PS, other drives etc.) are
>>grounded to the case. You could be picking up some noise from an
>>un-grounded device.
>
>
> Take motherboard, off that list. If the motherboard is grounded, to the
> case, you will not power up. Period.
If you are implying that the mother board is not grounded anywhere on
the MB, you are mistaken. Not only is the MB grounded (or should be) at
the power connectors, but often they are grounded via the standoffs used
to fasten them to the case.

If you mean a location that should NOT be grounded on the MB IS
grounded, then you will probably be correct in that there is a
possibility that it could cause an overload to the PS and the power
might not come up. That of course depends upon where the short is.

Ken
>
>
>
>>Ken
>>
>
>
> --
> Strontium
>
> "It's no surprise, to me. I am my own worst enemy. `Cause every
> now, and then, I kick the livin' **** `outta me." - Lit
>
>