New problem? Power intake of hard disks at spinup

  • Thread starter Thread starter Robert Mischke
  • Start date Start date
R

Robert Mischke

I recently bought a new WD1200LB (120 GB, 7200 rpm, PATA) to replace
one of the two WD800BB's (80 GB, 7200 rpm) in my PC. After I exchanged
the drives, the system would not complete the power up process.
Everything begins normally, but after about two seconds it shuts down
with a two-tone warning sound until I force a power down by holding
the power button down.

I narrowed the problem down to power support: I disconnected all hard
drives and cd drives - everything is fine. I connect *only* the power
plug to the 120 GB drive (not the data cable) - results as above.

The strange thing is that the computer and its power supply (350W TSP)
can easily support two 80 GB HD's, but not a single 120 GB, although
they are of the same brand and series.

The disk labels read

5V: 0.8 A
12V: 0.45 A

for the 80 GB drives and

5V: 0.75
12V: 0.9 A

for the 120 GB drive. So, from these numbers, one 120 GB drive should
not exceed two 80 GB drives. One has to wonder why there is such an
increase in power consumption between two models so close together,
anyway... more platters, maybe, but a 100% increase?

So my questions are:

- Has anyone else experienced this?

- How are your experiences with other brands of drives? As I cannot
use this drive (if 120 GB alone fails, 80+120 would be a far reach), I
think I'll get either a Hitachi 7k250 or a Samsung N1203 as a
replacemet. Experience with these (power-wise)?


Thanks,
Robert
 
Robert said:
I recently bought a new WD1200LB (120 GB, 7200 rpm, PATA) to replace
one of the two WD800BB's (80 GB, 7200 rpm) in my PC. After I exchanged
the drives, the system would not complete the power up process.
Everything begins normally, but after about two seconds it shuts down
with a two-tone warning sound until I force a power down by holding
the power button down.

I narrowed the problem down to power support: I disconnected all hard
drives and cd drives - everything is fine. I connect *only* the power
plug to the 120 GB drive (not the data cable) - results as above.

The strange thing is that the computer and its power supply (350W TSP)
can easily support two 80 GB HD's, but not a single 120 GB, although
they are of the same brand and series.

The disk labels read

5V: 0.8 A
12V: 0.45 A

for the 80 GB drives and

5V: 0.75
12V: 0.9 A

for the 120 GB drive. So, from these numbers, one 120 GB drive should
not exceed two 80 GB drives. One has to wonder why there is such an
increase in power consumption between two models so close together,
anyway... more platters, maybe, but a 100% increase?

So my questions are:

- Has anyone else experienced this?

- How are your experiences with other brands of drives? As I cannot
use this drive (if 120 GB alone fails, 80+120 would be a far reach), I
think I'll get either a Hitachi 7k250 or a Samsung N1203 as a
replacemet. Experience with these (power-wise)?
Click to expand...


The problem isn't with the hard drive.
Buy a *good* power supply rated at no less than 400W.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...58&manufactory=1516&description=&Order=priceD
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...58&manufactory=1389&description=&Order=priceD
 
rm888 said:
I recently bought a new WD1200LB (120 GB, 7200 rpm, PATA) to replace
one of the two WD800BB's (80 GB, 7200 rpm) in my PC. After I exchanged
the drives, the system would not complete the power up process.
Everything begins normally, but after about two seconds it shuts down
with a two-tone warning sound until I force a power down by holding
the power button down.

I narrowed the problem down to power support: I disconnected all hard
drives and cd drives - everything is fine. I connect *only* the power
plug to the 120 GB drive (not the data cable) - results as above.

The strange thing is that the computer and its power supply (350W TSP)
can easily support two 80 GB HD's, but not a single 120 GB, although
they are of the same brand and series.

The disk labels read

5V: 0.8 A
12V: 0.45 A

for the 80 GB drives and

5V: 0.75
12V: 0.9 A

for the 120 GB drive. So, from these numbers, one 120 GB drive should
not exceed two 80 GB drives. One has to wonder why there is such an
increase in power consumption between two models so close together,
anyway... more platters, maybe, but a 100% increase?
Click to expand...

Those ratings are either for IDLE or SEEK, not power-up.
A lot of drives consume 2.0 A or better during the
initial spin-up. You'll have to dig into your
manufacturer's website to find out detailed specs on
power-up requirements.

More platters often requires more power. At a *guess*,
the 80GB is probably a single-platter, 2 head design
with 40GB per side. The 120GB is a dual-platter, 3 head
design with 40GB per side.

It does sound like you should invest in a slightly more
powerful PSU.
 
Back
Top