Computer doesn't recognise my SSD?

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benzzodude

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Jun 23, 2016
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So I recently bought a SanDisk 240gb SSD, brand new from Amazon. I also bought a new SATA III cable, as obviously one is required in order for the SSD to function. I've plugged in the power cable and the SATA III cable to all the correct places, yet my computer will not recognise the SSD in any capacity. I've checked my BIOS, plus Computer Management and Disk Management. In Disk Management, an unallocated storage device should be shown on the screen, with a black bar. But this does not happen. Can anyone help?

Additional info:

My computer boots up and functions fine. My motherboard is a Gigabyte Z97-D3H-CF. I run the OS on an internal SSD that came with the computer, with an external HDD for additional storage. I intend to use my recently purchased SSD as an extra internal drive, again for storage. I'm not looking to replace the SSD that runs the OS. I only wish to install an additional internal SSD.

Computer specs:

i7-4790k 4.00 GHz Processor
GTX 970 4GB VRAM
16 GB RAM
Windows 10 64-bit
 
Solution
SuperSoph_WD
Hey there again, @benzzodude!

I'd definitely not advise you to tamper with the external HDD's enclosure because it will void the warranty on the product and the SSD might not even work properly inside it. Since you are planning to use this SSD as a secondary drive inside your PC, you should probably check how the SSD appears while plugged internally via SATA in another computer. If the problem persists, you should definitely replace it. It should still be covered by the warranty, so just contact the reseller's or manufacturer's customer support for assistance with the RMA procedure.

If the problem is not present on another system, I'd suspect outdated BIOS version or SATA Controller/Chipset drivers. Both of which should be checked on...
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

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Jul 30, 2014
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Welcome to the TH Community, benzzodude!

Does your motherboard incorporate SATA III ports as well? I'd recommend you check how the SSD will be recognized if you switch the SATA cable and the ports on the motherboard. I'd also suggest you make sure you have enabled the AHCI SATA mode for it from the BIOS. It might also be a good idea to try resetting BIOS and see if that will make the SSD pop up. However, you will need to re-configure any manual changes you have made in the BIOS. I'd also look for any BIOS version updates on your motherboard manufacturer's official website and make sure you have the latest SATA controller & Chipset drivers installed from there.

Give these a try and let me know how it goes! :) Best of luck!
SuperSoph_WD
 
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ArtPog

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Sep 17, 2014
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First of all it's nearly always good practice to state the make/model of one's PC's motherboard when you pose a query involving a problem/issue similar to the one you raised. So please do...

Can we assume the present system boots & functions without problems notwithstanding the problem you're experiencing with the non-recognition of SanDisk SSD which presumably should be serving as a secondary drive at this time?

Were you intending to use the SanDisk as your new boot drive? Possibly migrating the data from your present HDD (or SSD)?

What's your boot drive - a HDD? Another SSD?

Have you tried to check out the health of the SSD using SanDisk's Toolkit? Think it would be a good idea?
 
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benzzodude

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Jun 23, 2016
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Ok, here's the info:

My computer boots up and functions fine. My motherboard is a Gigabyte Z97-D3H-CF. I run the OS on an internal SSD that came with the computer, with an external HDD for additional storage. I intend to use my recently purchased SSD as an extra internal drive, again for storage. I'm not looking to replace the SSD that runs the OS. I only wish to install an additional internal SSD. As for the SanDisk Toolkit, I do not have that installed. Can it even be used if my computer doesn't recognise the new SSD in the first place?
 
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ArtPog

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Sep 17, 2014
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Two things...

1. Since you have an external USB enclosure, could you install the SanDisk SSD in that USB device (assuming it's not a commercial one-piece unit) and determine if the SSD is detected through that means?

2. By all means, download/install the Toolkit. You may need this info if it's determined you're dealing with a defective disk and an RMA is in order.
 
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benzzodude

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Jun 23, 2016
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Links to both the SSD I bought and the external HDD:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-PLUS-Sata-inch-Internal/dp/B00S9Q9VS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1466783212&sr=1-1&keywords=sandisk+ssd

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Toshiba-HDTB105EK3AA-Stor-E-Basics-External/dp/B005X7AXW0/ref=sr_1_7?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1466783292&sr=1-7&keywords=toshiba+external+hard+drive

Just so you know what I'm working with.
 
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ArtPog

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Sep 17, 2014
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I don't know if you can easily remove the disk in the Toshiba USB external enclosure and substitute the SanDisk SSD. It depends on the design of the enclosure. Hopefully you can determine if this is practical. Another option, of course, would be if you had available another PC in which to install the SSD.

And one of these days you're going to download/install that SanDisk SSD diagnostic program, right?
 
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benzzodude

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Jun 23, 2016
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Sorry, I've been rather busy this week.

I downloaded the toolkit. It doesn't recognise any SSD's and so it comes up blank.

 
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

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Jul 30, 2014
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Hey there again, @benzzodude!

I'd definitely not advise you to tamper with the external HDD's enclosure because it will void the warranty on the product and the SSD might not even work properly inside it. Since you are planning to use this SSD as a secondary drive inside your PC, you should probably check how the SSD appears while plugged internally via SATA in another computer. If the problem persists, you should definitely replace it. It should still be covered by the warranty, so just contact the reseller's or manufacturer's customer support for assistance with the RMA procedure.

If the problem is not present on another system, I'd suspect outdated BIOS version or SATA Controller/Chipset drivers. Both of which should be checked on the motherboard manufacturer's official website.

Keep us posted with the troubleshooting!
SuperSoph_WD
 
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