Why my Quantum Fireball lct08 13GB is on PIO Mode?

Question

I put Quantum Fireball lct08 13Gb harddisk on my Optiplex GX240 and Windows XP shows that it works in PIO Mode at 'DMA if available' checked in 'Transfer Mode' field? I can't find option to change the mode in BIOS(Version A02).   System: Optiplex GX240, Pentium 4 1.5MHz, 128MB RAM, OS: Windows XP SP2, HDD: Quantum Fireball lct08 13GB

osprey4 · Answer

The most likely causes of a drive being stuck in PIO mode are: The drive jumper was not set to cable select. The drive channel was not set to 'Auto' in the BIOS. This is found in system setup under 'Drives'.

tr4 · Answer

My computer, device manager, primary ide channnel, advanced settings. Is this is where you were at? If I remember correctly, the chipset may have had a problem with some drives, you go to Intels website, find your chipset and download the new drivers. It not to say you do not have a hardware problem. A faulty or not seated right cable will cause the system to downgrade the transfer rate until it is reliable. Plus that drive is pretty old. I have some older and they run great but it is possible

ejn63 · Answer

I would run a thorough diagnostic (from Seagate, which acquired Quantum when it purchased Maxtor) - the other possibility is that the drive is reporting enough errors that it was pushed back to PIO mode because of it. Given the age of the drive, a thorough diagnostic is in order.

brazy · Answer

The jumper was set on the Master and I move it to the Cable Select, but the harddisk still works in PIO Mode. In the BIOS harddisk is set to 'Auto', but there is no option for change the mode(PIO, DMA1, DMA2 etc.). I also download the 'Intel 800 Series Chipset INF Update Utility Version A08' from Dell Drivers Section, but when I run the instalation it tells me 'The current operationg system supports the Intel chipset devices on your system. No INF update is needed.' and stops. But I don't see controler about IDE/ATA devices in 'System Devices' in 'Device Manager'. Any ideas?

mombodog · Answer

To push the drive back to DMA mode, enter device manager and uninstall the primary ide channel where the drive resides, reboot the PC.

tr4 · Answer

Thats why you were directed to the Intel site. Glad it worked for you

osprey4 · Answer

Ok, cool! Yes, the IAA is like a IDE driver on caffeine. Works well.   Happy New Year!

brazy · Answer

I scan the harddisk with Seatools and it pass all the tests and there is no problems. But anyway after that I install a small program called 'Intel Aplication Accelerator' and solv the problem. Now my Quantum works in UDMA 4 Mode. Thanks to all and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Severus S · Answer

tr4 wrote:
Thats why you were directed to the Intel site. Glad it worked for you

You said Chipset drivers, not the IAA, what are trying to do, take credit for something you didn`t mention. Boy are you a piece of work.

Good job brazy, good job.

Severus

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