Not at all, and I said before-

"AW & DL-

Yea, as above, I cut it back to 5 hot at a time, with 1 of the 2 SATAs hot-swappable with a 3rd SATA I have. Close enough. I was just being greedy, 'wanting it all' for next-to-nothing spent.

The only remaining issue is that BIOS-burp-on-reboot after a swap, but that's a matter of just avoiding the cause on the rare event I need that swapped drive.

Thanks for all the ideas, peeps."

I'm fine with it running 2 SATA and up to four IDE, no more. I was just shooting for the moon in case we could get there.

We can but try?

When did you last update your BIOS?

Although we all agree its to much HDD for your system.

Lol its a gateway board. BIOS updates dont do much. anyway, glad your happy now. marked as resolved.

I agree AW_3_3 Its a Gateway.

*Technically*, it's a Gateway package (case) wrapped around common, name-brand pieces, including the Intel motherboard.
???????????????????????????????????
I expected this 'cheapo-refurb' was going to be limited, but so far, nothing beyond the HD limitations has caused me any grief. And at $350, a steal for all the gear it contains. I couldn't possibly have done as well buying up pieces myself, so I've no complaints (just questions!).