Learn why checking SATA or power cable connections is the first troubleshooting step when a disk is not recognized in BIOS during RAID 5 setup, as required for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 exam. Understand how physical connections impact RAID array detection and reliability.
Table of Contents
Question
A technician is setting up a RAID 5 array but notices that one of the disks is not being recognized in the BIOS. What should they check first?
A. The power supply unit
B. The disk’s file system
C. The disk’s partition type
D. The SATA or power cable connection
E. The system’s antivirus settings
Answer
D. The SATA or power cable connection
Explanation
If the BIOS does not detect a drive, a loose or faulty SATA or power cable is the most likely issue.
If the BIOS does not detect a disk during RAID 5 configuration, the most common cause is a loose, faulty, or improperly connected SATA or power cable. Serial ATA cables can easily become disconnected or partially seated, and power cables may not deliver adequate power if not fully connected.
Both Dell and Seagate troubleshooting guides recommend first verifying that all data and power cables are securely attached to the drive and motherboard. Re-seating or replacing the cables often resolves detection issues. Only after confirming the physical connections should further troubleshooting—such as testing the drive in another port or checking for controller or disk failure—be pursued. This step is essential because RAID arrays depend on all member disks being reliably detected at the hardware level.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 exam and earn CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 certification.