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TenOC's avatar
TenOC
Nomad
Jan 04, 2017

3Tb Hard Drive Problem -- Win 7 ???

I have a problem. I have searched Google but could not find an answer. So I ask my RV computer experts.

I have a HP xw8600 with Intel Zeon X5260 @ 3.33 Ghz desktop. I have an Hitachi HDS53030ALA630 3Tb hard drive that I use for backup using Symantec System Recovery 2013 R2. The HD is format GPT - NTFS. Window 7 Ultra 64 disk manager reports this as a single 2,794.53 Gb Primary partition. The disk appears to work OK.

However when the backup data stored exceeds the 2.2Tb limit all type of problems happen. The hard drive appears to loose its GPT status and check disk reports a large number of errors. Thus I lose my backups. The same problems happen it I simply copy more than 2.2Tb of date to the HD.

If I use the HD in a Plugable external hard drive docking station that is design to accept up to 4Tb drives , the HD appears to work OK without the 2.2Tb limit. Thus I think the HD is good.

Questions.

1. Could the problem be my motherboard does not support the 3Tb drive?

2. If I partition the drive as a 2Tb and a 1Tb will it work? In other words, is the 2.2TB limit for a partition or for the total drive?
  • Fizz's avatar
    Fizz
    Explorer
    Jan 04, 2017
    The most you will get from a 3 TB drive is 2.7 TB.
    Don't know about your problem though.

    I have a 4 TB that is really 3.6 TB
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jan 04, 2017
    10 percent is used for overhead
    Thus 3TB drive becomes 2.7 usable
    You appear to have lost 500 gigabytes
    There is either a hidden partition or the disc drive has corrupted sectors
    IIRC that drive has three platters , 500 gig per side of each platter
    It could be the read/write head for one side of one platter is malfunctioning

    I hope it is only a hidden partition that can be recovered
    Rather than a malfunction

    Either way sounds like it might be time to replace that drive
  • LittleBill's avatar
    LittleBill
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2017
    the motherboard has a 2tb limit it appears, the usb enclosure gets around the limit, your drive appears to be fine.

    read through the comments
    Clicky
  • TenOC's avatar
    TenOC
    Nomad
    Jan 05, 2017
    LittleBill wrote:
    the motherboard has a 2tb limit it appears, the usb enclosure gets around the limit, your drive appears to be fine.


    Thanks for the information. I spent 2 days searching the web for the information.

    Can I use my 3Tb drive if I partition it into 2 partitions? Say a 1.0Tb and an 2.0Tb partition.
  • LittleBill's avatar
    LittleBill
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2017
    TenOC wrote:
    LittleBill wrote:
    the motherboard has a 2tb limit it appears, the usb enclosure gets around the limit, your drive appears to be fine.


    Thanks for the information. I spent 2 days searching the web for the information.

    Can I use my 3Tb drive if I partition it into 2 partitions? Say a 1.0Tb and an 2.0Tb partition.


    i would try it, as im surprised windows is seeing the full size, not sure where the limitation really is.
  • robreab's avatar
    robreab
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2017
    Sounds to me like you have bad physical sectors on your hard drive. I wouldn't trust it with anything critical for much longer.
  • LittleBill's avatar
    LittleBill
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2017
    op i would run acronis drive monitor, or HD tune pro and check the health via S.M.A.R.T

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