Hard Drive Noise

[Salv]

Hi

Today, I received an order which included a Western Digital Caviar Black 750GB. Upon booting the PC, it produced the same noise that can be heard in this video. Once Windows setup finished, it became much quieter but even when the computer is idle, it continues to produce a similar small 'jolt' every 3 seconds or so.

Is this normal for the Black series? I've read enough to know it can sometimes be a bit loud yet it seems strange that it would create sound when the drive isn't actually being asked to do anything. If there's a problem, will I be able to return the hard drive on its own?

Thanks.

[Vaio]

Hi

Today, I received an order which included a Western Digital Caviar Black 750GB. Upon booting the PC, it produced the same noise that can be heard in this video. Once Windows setup finished, it became much quieter but even when the computer is idle, it continues to produce a similar small 'jolt' every 3 seconds or so.

Is this normal for the Black series? I've read enough to know it can sometimes be a bit loud yet it seems strange that it would create sound when the drive isn't actually being asked to do anything. If there's a problem, will I be able to return the hard drive on its own?

Thanks.

I have exact same HDD as you, mine doesn't make sound as loud as that, but it's still very noticable and annoying. Don't really think there's much you can do. I've made a thread on this matter before and it's normal unfortunately or fortunately, however you want to see it :P

[Corfate]

My mind is saying it's too loud, but i know others have said that Cav blacks ARE loud compared to everything else on the market.. You could ring up PCS and ask their views on it, i'd just make sure you always have an up to date backup incase if goes ker-plut

[Fear]

Yeah as has been said before they are quite loud and with it being your main drive even though you are not doing anything and the system is idle it will still be using the HDD as there are programs and services running in the background all the time so nothing to worry about, also just to point out you can't really judge how loud something is from the video as that depends on what volume you have youtube set to and also the volume you have your system sounds set to and if you are using external speakers with a volume control aswell so everyone will hear that at different levels is my point also sitting a mic on top of the case will amplify the sound aswell as all the other vibrations from the fans.

[Salv]

Thanks for the responses. I mostly used the video because it demonstrates the sound more accurately than words can. The volume itself isn't so important.

But anyway, PCS were kind enough to offer me a replacement drive just for my own peace of mind and hopefully that should be arriving tomorrow. It does seem to be the result of constant activity in Windows 7 and the general sound of the drive itself.

[Karnor00]

You might want to turn off the indexing feature in Windows 7. This feature has a tendency to constantly use the hard disk and (in my opinion at least) the benefits are very minimal - faster searches of your local drives. If you don't search very often and/or don't mind it taking a little longer when you do then I would definitely recommend turning off the indexing.

[Salv]

You might want to turn off the indexing feature in Windows 7. This feature has a tendency to constantly use the hard disk and (in my opinion at least) the benefits are very minimal - faster searches of your local drives. If you don't search very often and/or don't mind it taking a little longer when you do then I would definitely recommend turning off the indexing.

I did actually try this (along with disable the paging file and Windows search itself) but it made no noticeable difference. It seems like constant activity is something that's difficult to escape and naturally it's going to be worse for those with louder hardware.

[PokerFace]

Hi

Today, I received an order which included a Western Digital Caviar Black 750GB. Upon booting the PC, it produced the same noise that can be heard in this video. Once Windows setup finished, it became much quieter but even when the computer is idle, it continues to produce a similar small 'jolt' every 3 seconds or so.

It does sound a bit 'clunky'. I don't know what it was about that video, but straight after I watched it I felt an overwhelming urge to make a sandwich.