Question Very Odd Boot Problem with My Computer
Question Very Odd Boot Problem with My Computer
Oh. Too bad.
Can you show a photo of your system with side panel removed?
(upload to imgur.com and post link)
I own eight cables:
(5) SSDs
(1) HDD
(1) DVD drive
(1) SATA extension port w/ card reader
All of them are unplugged. Disk Management indicates I have a single 500GB C: Drive (Drive #0). In the "Properties," the hardware listed is a Samsung SSD 970 SCSI Disk Device. There are no SCSI ports. It’s unclear if the motherboard supports SCSI. If there’s a hidden drive behind the motherboard, that must be it, but I’m not removing the motherboard to check; it’s too much effort. The ASUS Z97-PRO manual doesn’t mention any user connections or drives on the back of the board. This computer isn’t connected to any known drive devices, and it boots up smoothly and quickly every time. I’m puzzled about what’s happening!
You don't need to remove the motherboard. Simply open the case on both sides and check for any connected drives. Many cases include slots for SSD drives behind the plate where the motherboard is attached. There should be room between that plate and the case.
It appears this is precisely what's occurring. The 500GB SSD drive is bootable and concealed within the case.
Edit - It won't be referenced in the motherboard manual, but it will be mentioned in the case manual, since the trays or slots are part of the case.
The mobo is mounted to the tray, and the tray covers the back side of the mobo. There is a small window directly behind the GPU, but to see anything else on the back of the board, I would have to separate it from the tray.
But you're right, I don't have to look there. It IS in the M.2 slot, but it's covered by a heat sink, which I assumed was just part of the board. I love learning new stuff. Thanks to everyone for helping with this!