Sata SSDs not showing in BIOS or Windows Installer

Polymelon

Reputable
Sep 19, 2015
22
1
4,510
This literally is the last thing that could go wrong after having so many struggles building my computer. I tried to install Windows 10 on one of my SSDs, but both SSDs are not showing up. However, I have an HDD connected which does show up in both the BIOS and installer. The only difference is that the HDD is connected using the SATA data cable provided with the motherboard (MSI H170 M3), and the SSDs are connected using an older 6Gb/s data cable from ASUS (previous computer). I thought that this wouldn't be an issue, but the SSDs are just not showing up.

The HDD and one of the Samsung SSDs are 3 years old and from my previous computer. The other SSD is new.

Another strange thing to note is that there are 2 different drives of 1TB showing up in the Windows installer, but one of them has an incorrect format and can't be used to install Windows on.
 
Solution
If you take out the SSD's and the HDD and plug one of the SSD's into the SATA cable that the HDD was plugged into, does it show in BIOS?
Also, when installing the OS, only have the SSD you want to use as the Windows boot drive plugged in.

BadAsAl

Distinguished
If you take out the SSD's and the HDD and plug one of the SSD's into the SATA cable that the HDD was plugged into, does it show in BIOS?
Also, when installing the OS, only have the SSD you want to use as the Windows boot drive plugged in.
 
Solution

Polymelon

Reputable
Sep 19, 2015
22
1
4,510


Thanks for the advise. I will try that after dinner.

 

Polymelon

Reputable
Sep 19, 2015
22
1
4,510


After replugging the SATA data cables and power cables all drives showed up in the BIOS. I have no idea what caused it, but I am thankful for your time and happy that my computer works now. :)
 

Polymelon

Reputable
Sep 19, 2015
22
1
4,510


I figured it out! After I did some cable management I noticed that the drives weren't showing again. I checked the cables, and the issue was that I didn't fully attach the SATA power cables until you hear a slight clicky sound. It's all working fine now. :D