All in one unit fails to recognize SSD and hard drive.

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Red523306
Junior Member

6

08-30-2025, 08:53 PM

#1

I was aiming to replace my PC with an SSD while retaining the existing hard drive for storage. I had a 120GB SSD available, so I made a clone of the operating system and other files onto it. The PC functions properly when connected solely to the SSD; I launched Windows, verified everything, using the original SATA connector directly. The device uses those 7+15 cables from a SATA port and a proprietary power supply.

I purchased a SATA power splitter to distribute power to both the SSD and the hard drive, since the latter requires its specific cable. (Because I had no alternative for powering.)

I’ll include an image to clarify my setup, which should help explain what I was trying to accomplish. Yes, I opted to remove the CD drive—I tested both SATA ports on the motherboard, and Windows boots up just fine.

I’m facing issues booting when connecting both the SSD and hard drive through the splitter with different SATA cables. It’s an HP Pavilion All-in-One model (27-q101in). Here are the links:
https://imgur.com/a/jrRJiy5
https://imgur.com/a/jrRJiy5
View: https://imgur.com/a/jrRJiy5

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Fjellberg
Junior Member

15

08-30-2025, 08:53 PM

#2

Are you wondering if the BIOS recognizes both storage options? It's possible the splitter is causing the issue. Did the system boot up when only the HDD was connected, even though you mentioned the SSD was already connected?

1

11wyatts
Junior Member

33

08-30-2025, 08:53 PM

#3

Have you considered maintaining the power/splitter connection for both drives, yet only the SSD has a SATA port attached? If the system starts fine, it could indicate the splitter isn't the issue—it might be due to conflicting OS boot attempts, incorrect boot order, or an improperly formatted hard drive. Should the system still boot with both drives powered but only the SSD connected via SATA, you might attempt a clean installation by turning off the system and booting into the SSD while the deleted HDD remains connected. Alternatively, try connecting the HDD using hot-swapping, though this is generally not advised unless the drive supports quick disconnection like USB devices.

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FuryFoxx
Member

54

08-30-2025, 08:53 PM

#4

The HDD was the original setup provided by the PC.
I've attempted to power it with an external PSU, but since the SSD was connected, it wasn't detected in the BIOS or device manager. I simply started from the SSD.

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Linck1200
Junior Member

17

08-30-2025, 08:53 PM

#5

I've tested keeping both drives powered on, but only the SSD connected with a different Sata cable works, and it still won't boot. The HDD is formatted already. The splitter supplies power to the HDD, and I can feel it spinning when I attempt to boot.

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Bl4sTeD
Member

172

08-30-2025, 08:53 PM

#6

You can observe this behavior by using the splitter and connecting em, yet they aren't visible in the Windows installation media. However, when you eliminate the splitter and connect only the SSD, it appears correctly.