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Question

New Hard Drive Noisy, Causes Vibration

Mar 14, 2015 8:26PM PDT

Hello all.
After dealing with a failing hard drive, I replaced it with a larger (2TB) version. Both were 7200 RPM. I feel confident that I secured the drive in tightly.
The original was a Seagate, the replacement a Western Digital. I've used WD's externally before, and they've always been whisper-quiet.
PC is a HP p7-1108p, memory expanded to 16GB, GeForce GT610 video card added, power supply switched to a Coolmax ZX-600 600 Watt (done before the HDD switch, problem didn't come up then).
The new drive is louder than the previous one, to where I can hear it spinning up and accessing even through headphones that normally dull outside sounds. It almost sounds like a Keurig when it's pouring the coffee. This goes on even when the PC is idle (though I am having a problem with the Desktop constantly refreshing and moving icons around, so that may be what's being accessed). I can even feel vibration in my computer desk when it does heavy accessing.
Basically, is there a setting or something I need to fine-tune to quiet it down a bit? And is this something that could be potentially damaging to the drive?
Thanks in advance for any help.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
this is a "new" drive?
Mar 14, 2015 11:03PM PDT

Or "refurbished"?

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Answer
This is full of complaints.
Mar 15, 2015 1:41AM PDT

1. The sound through the audio could be the extra power draw could have been just enough to cause this.

2. The extra noise of spinup could be 2 areas.
a. You went from a 5400 to a 7200 RPM drive. It will sound a lot different.
b. MOUNTING MATTERS!!! I love putting 3.5 inch drives in plastic adapters in 5 inch bays for less sound transmission. If you solid mount, the drive seeking noise will tap right through the mount. (nothing wrong about that!)

Hope this helps,
Bob

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Replies
Mar 15, 2015 7:46AM PDT

James Denison: Yes, it is new, not refurbished. There are some things I would buy used, but a HDD is not one of them.

R. Proffitt: Strange, I thought the old HDD was 7200 as well, but that does explain some things.

If I re-mount the drive using plastic nubs in between the drive and the bay frame, would that help minimize the noise?

Thanks again.

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Plastic is fantastic.
Mar 15, 2015 8:06AM PDT
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rubber is better
Mar 15, 2015 8:51PM PDT
for case they have these quiet rubber grommet thumbscrews.

similar type for hard drives.


price is too high, but you can get them in packs of 100

some have taken to putting thick rubber bands around the drives near the screws. Effective, but other's claim the rubber is weaker than rubber grommets and dries out and cracks. Seems once mounted, that really wouldn't matter since whatever is under pressure between the drive and case would remain.

more screw rubber grommets, inexpensive.

Here's a kit for HDD's and Fans.
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Noise
Mar 16, 2015 4:43AM PDT

FYI- On top of any whirling noise you may hear, there maybe a "one slap/click" when it parks, it's very audible in a desktop.

Next, the other already posted about grommets and rubber washers, however being cheap and using whatever is at hand, I found simple "3-ring binder hole protectors/reenforcement" darn good and cheap. These are used for paper in 3-ring binders obviously but are the shape hole and size ready for noise/vibration insulation. 2-3 stuck together provide enough to help, but you can add more. *NOTE* When you tighten the screws, these need to be snug not super tight. You can also add those hole reinforcements on the screws too as added buffer, like a washer.

Alas, some HDs can be noisy in that peculiar unit is just noisy, minus any of the fixes provided by the forum.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Answer
HDD
Mar 20, 2015 4:04PM PDT

Again I have to go against the crowd>

HDD should not be as noisy as you describe.. They make a little noise sure, but almost every WD drive I have used in the last 5 - 10 years have always been virtually inaudible. Mounting will make a difference yes, but not to the extent which you describe.

The drive should not be vibrating, this could cause damage to the platters inside. I am thinking the bearings may be bad or not greased well enough.

My advice is to RMA the drive.

Adam