iMac Core 2 Duo [Late-2006] (#2): Noisy hard drives

We've received scattered reports indicating that the new Seagate hard drives used in Apple's Late-2006 iMacs (Core 2 Duo) are significantly more noisy than their Maxtor predecessors.

MacFixIt reader Doug writes:

"I just received a 17" Intel Core2 Duo Imac (2.0) to replace my 17" Intel Core Duo (no Core2) 1.83.  I do a lot of Mpeg2 rendering so the 20-30% speed increase I believe will make quite a difference (at least that is what I tell myself.)   Regardless, the internal hard drive in the new iMac is a Seagate ST3250824AS  Q and is very loud compared to the to the Maxtor 6L250MO that came in the original Intel Imac.  The Maxtor is extremely quiet - I strain to hear it.  The Seagate however is making a good deal of noise as it seeks and writes - especially as the iMacs themselves are so quiet."

If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.

Previous coverage:

• Apple outlines port layout, RAM instructions for Core 2 Duo (Late 2006) iMacs
• Apple introduces iMacs with Core 2 Duo processors; 24-inch model

Resources