Hard disk noise!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Graeme
  • Start date Start date
G

Graeme

System: 3GHz HT P4, 1G DDR, WinXP-Pro.
I added an extra 120G 7200 HD a short while ago (in addition to the existing
120G drive). I can't say that it didn't happen before, but now I notice that
every 10 minutes, the HDs make a whirr type noise which lasts for a couple
of seconds. I'm assuming that this is some sort of re-calibrate function. If
it's under OS control, then I'd like to switch it off.
Thanks.
 
Graeme said:
System: 3GHz HT P4, 1G DDR, WinXP-Pro.
I added an extra 120G 7200 HD a short while ago (in addition to the
existing 120G drive). I can't say that it didn't happen before, but
now I notice that every 10 minutes, the HDs make a whirr type noise
which lasts for a couple of seconds. I'm assuming that this is some
sort of re-calibrate function. If it's under OS control, then I'd
like to switch it off.
Click to expand...

Could be activity related to calibration.
Have any important data on the drive in question backed up. Try reading
SMART values with ActiveSMART or similar.
http://www.ariolic.com/download.html

Download and run diagnostic software from the maker of your hard drive. Use
the most rigorous and lengthly tests.
 
S.Heenan said:
Could be activity related to calibration.
Have any important data on the drive in question backed up. Try reading
SMART values with ActiveSMART or similar.
http://www.ariolic.com/download.html

Download and run diagnostic software from the maker of your hard drive. Use
the most rigorous and lengthly tests.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure it's both HDs that make this noise. They both do it at about
10 minute intervals, but not at the same time (they have a slightly
different sound).

The primary/slave is used to back-up the primary/master. [other removable
back-ups are made too]

ActiveSMART shows interesting info that I've never looked at before, but
nothing with a 10min interval, and nothing about calibration.

To be certain about the drive's reliability, I'll run some manufacture
diagnostics.
Thanks.
 
S.Heenan said:
Could be activity related to calibration.
Have any important data on the drive in question backed up. Try reading
SMART values with ActiveSMART or similar.
http://www.ariolic.com/download.html

Download and run diagnostic software from the maker of your hard drive. Use
the most rigorous and lengthly tests.
Click to expand...

I ran the manufacturers diagnostic (Hitachi's Disk Fitness Test) on both
drives. No faults found.
Must be calibration then.
 
Graeme said:
I ran the manufacturers diagnostic (Hitachi's Disk Fitness Test) on
both drives. No faults found.
Must be calibration then.
Click to expand...

What kind of temperature readings did the SMART tool reveal ? Anything over
40°C indicates better airflow is needed.
 
I ran the manufacturers diagnostic (Hitachi's Disk Fitness Test) on both
drives. No faults found.
Must be calibration then.
Click to expand...

Get TweakUI for XP. Turn off 'Optimize hard drive when idle'.


Have a nice week...

Trent©

Follow Joan Rivers' example --- get pre-embalmed!
 
Trent© said:
Get TweakUI for XP. Turn off 'Optimize hard drive when idle'.
Click to expand...

I'll give this a try. The 'noise' happens even when sitting in the BIOS
settings screen too, so I'm thinking it's not an OS setting.
 
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