Any device, and especially one that has at least some moving parts, makes noise. Moreover, until recently, the noise from some old-style devices was very, very impressive.
The HDD noise parameter is quite important, especially for systems where there was a bias towards a reduced noise level: quiet coolers for the case and processor, or a quiet water cooling system was installed. But for average users with mediocre noise reduction in systems, exuberant hard drives will also come in handy.
In fact, almost all modern hard drives are made in accordance with certain standards and emit a very low noise level, but in order to understand which noise is more and which is less, you need to plunge a little into the theory of sound and its measurement values.
From the school physics curriculum, almost everyone should remember that the noise level is measured in dB (decibels) - a smaller derivative of the main indicator B (bell). Here are some examples of noise in our environment:
- whisper - 30 dB;
- train noise - 90 dB;
- scream - 70 dB;
- rocket launch - 140-190 dB.
The weakest sound perceived by our ear is about 10 dB, and with a sound of 130 dB, painful sensations begin.
All these figures have been given so that you can compare certain household noises with the noise of a hard drive and evaluate whether the noise will be acceptable. The noise of modern hard drives is in the range of 20-35 dB, which is quite significant in the upper limit, although it will most likely be blocked by noise from coolers.
The noise emitted by the hard disk is divided into two types: idle acoustic noise and data search acoustic noise. But still, it is the spindle that emits the main noise when the system starts, but during operation there may be characteristic sound vibrations.
I would like to note that the above noise figures are maximum, that is, the hard drive emits noise of a similar level, only during certain periods of operation, the average noise emitted by the hard drive during operation can be much less.
Different series of hard drives from the same manufacturer may differ in noise performance. As an example, Western Digital Red ultra-quiet hard drives are hard drives that are positioned for 24/7 operation and are highly reliable. At the same time, we note a very low noise level, only 22 dB. Also, the discs of the Green-series are considered to be a quiet series, but there it is done in part at the expense of a donation. spindle speed, which there is only 5400 rpm. The noise level in Green-series hard drives currently fluctuates between 22-27 dB.
A more massive and classic series - Western Digital Caviar Blue, is a little noisier. The noise level of these drives ranges from 28-35 dB. From myself, I note that I have been using the Blue-series for more than one year and no strong noises have been noticed, apparently all of them are blocked by severe noise from several coolers.
The noise level of a hard drive is almost always indicated in the product specifications, and you can always familiarize yourself with it before buying. Once again, I note that, of course, it is better to take quieter hard drives, but the classic inexpensive versions of the Blue-series will not cut your ear too much. The main thing is that a couple of three decibels should not become an impetus for choosing a hard drive with a slower spindle (for those who really need all the speed of the drive).
In any case, the choice is always yours. Good luck!
Sometimes every PC user may encounter the problem of extraneous noise during the operation of the hard drive. Winchester is a mechanical structure, inside which are rotating disks. Reading information from a hard disk is carried out using magnetic heads, which, when moving, create some noise. A variety of extraneous sounds depends on the model of the hard drive and on the case of the system unit. If the computer case is made of inexpensive materials, poorly assembled inside, then unpleasant sounds will be emitted throughout the system unit.
The hard drive stores all the information on the computer. Therefore, you need to take measures to save data as soon as you hear noise during the operation of the device. Since this is the first "bell" that it may break soon.
However, sometimes a simple operating condition may be accompanied by noise. Here you need to figure out why the hard drive is cracking.
- Replace the hard drive.
- Modify the acoustic level using the AAM option.
- Take measures regarding the soundproofing of the case or purchase a better one.
- Secure the hard drive with soundproof pads.
- Perform disk defragmentation.
Most likely, it is the second solution to the problem that raises the most questions. Let's consider what it is.
Reducing noise from the hard drive using AAM
Any HDD is characterized by the function of regulating the level of noise it creates through the built-in Automatic Acoustic Management (AAM) option. Its task is to reduce the noise of the device by reducing the speed of movement of the heads. But there is one negative factor here: by applying this option, the speed of the hard drive will automatically drop.
Which of these two options (speed or noise) will create more inconvenience, in whose favor to give preference - is up to you. You may not notice a reduction in hard drive speed, but the annoying noise volume will noticeably decrease. If you still decide to fix the noise problem using AAM, then you need to download the WinAAM application. It's available for download, and it's completely free. Owns a Russian-language interface and works without mandatory installation. You can get this program by following the link: http://www.withopf.com/tools/aam/winaam-292.zip.
On the window that appears, click Continue. Correcting security settings is completely useless when getting rid of hard drive noise, so it's best not to touch it.
In the first line you can read that at this point in time the noise level control is not activated. Click on the "Quiet/Standard (128)" option to set the silent AAM level. Its value can range from 0 to 255. It is noted that only extreme levels, that is, “quiet” or “loud”, have influential abilities. Most hard drives do not pay attention to intermediate levels. This is most likely the reason that the WinAAM application allows you to solve the noise problem with a click on one option.
After adjusting the noise level, the application will close. Reopen it, select "Continue", then "Check".
A window will open showing random movement of the read head.
At this moment, you will have the opportunity to hear the process of the hard drive with the updated AAM option. The difference is huge. In order to compare with the previous state of the hard drive, click the "Loud (254)" option. This action will speed up the hard drive and return the previous noise volume.
Mechanical methods to get rid of HDD noise
When the application fails to get rid of the noise, you need to solve the problem manually.
- First, check the fixing quality of the hard drive. The hard drive must be firmly fixed and securely held on the grooves, all bolts must be sufficiently tightened.
- Consider which parts of the HDD mechanically touch the computer case. At the joints, it is necessary to install special gaskets with insulation function. You can slightly move the hard drive mounting basket so that the part does not come into contact with the computer case. Such actions can help reduce noise.
- If it is possible to change the location of the hard drive, do it. It is necessary to strive to ensure that the vibration of the hard drive does not pass to the case.
If this does not reduce the noise, contact technical support.
The information in our computer is stored on the hard drive. If you are an advanced user, then by all means make a copy of important data and store it on portable media. But in most cases, everything lies on the hard drive. Therefore, if you hear suspicious noise or crackling in the hard disk area, you should immediately think about data safety. After all, this is the first sign that it will soon fail. But the situation is not always so critical. Increased noise levels may be a normal operating condition. In any case, this topic needs to be analyzed in more detail.
Causes of noise
When you start to notice extraneous noises coming from the computer case, you need to pinpoint their source. This is done very simply. You should disassemble the computer - unscrew the mounting bolts, and remove the case cover. At the same time, take care of grounding, and be careful with power wires. It is best to turn off the computer during disassembly.
We have to disassemble the computer case and find the source of the noise.
Now that we have access to its "innards", we launch and listen. The source of noise can be a video card with a powerful fan, a dirty processor cooler. In the first case, you will have to put up with it, in the second, clean the cooler from dust. If the hard drive is the source of the cod, we continue reading this article.
So why is the hard drive noisy? To understand this, you need to remember the features of its structure. It consists of many parts. Among them there are special magnetic disks that rotate during operation. And so they create some noise. We will not be able to cope with it, because these are components of the normal work process.
If a characteristic crack appeared recently, this is the first signal that the hard drive has failed. In this case, you should copy the information from it as quickly as possible and replace it. Or, as a last resort, conduct testing and try to block bad sectors. Here we need 2 programs:
- Acronis
- Victoria
The first of them is the most popular software package for creating backups (backup copies). Acronis provides all the necessary functionality. With it, you can copy data even from damaged media.
The Victoria program allows you to perform low-level hard drive testing. We are interested in the function of blocking problem blocks (bad block). If during the test such are found, the program can mark them accordingly so that they do not participate in further work. But this is only a temporary measure. In the end, you still have to replace the media.
It is possible on our website, in the "Programs" section.
Reducing the noise level
We have two main options:
- Programmatically Reduce Hard Drive Noise
- Manually work on the soundproofing of the hard drive and computer case
But if the hard drive on the laptop is noisy, then only the software method, or replacing the hard drive, will save you. You can try to increase the quality of sound insulation only on a desktop computer. Although you can certainly try.
So let's deal with the first point first.
We use the AAM program
It allows you to adjust the speed of the HDD, and the noise level depends on this. The faster - the louder it works. Download the program from the link:
http://www.withopf.com/tools/aam/
Extract it from the archive and run it. You will see the start window:
You should click the "Continue" button. The next window will look something like this:
The program will determine the model of your hard drive and offer to reduce the noise level. To do this, press the "Quiet / standard 128" button:
WinAAM will make all the necessary settings, and your hard drive will work in slow mode. You just have to check the result. The only drawback of the program is that it does not always determine our media. So here is its counterpart.
HDDScan software
It will help us change the speed of the hard drive. In addition, you can collect SMART parameters and run HDD diagnostics.
You can from our website. Or look for it on the manufacturer's website.
After starting, you will see the main window of the program:
In the Select Drive drop-down list, we select our hard drive. Then press the round button located in the center. Next Features -> IDE Features :
We will work with the "Automatic Acoustic Manager" block. Immediately after launching this dialog box, the Current and Recommended fields (the current and recommended values, respectively) will be filled. You will only have to manually set the desired values. To do this, enter the desired numbers in the Current field, or set the value using the slider. Press the Set button to apply the settings.
We work with soundproofing
If we were not able to achieve the desired level of hard disk noise using software tools, we will have to work with our hands. Here again we have a list of possible options.
Most recently, I already told you about the ways you can. In particular, the article talked about a program that can control coolers in your system unit. But, coolers are still half the trouble. For most users, a lot of noise comes from the hard drive. Moreover, some hard drives are so loud that they are the main cause of noise from the computer.
But, in fact, there is nothing wrong with this. After all, a hard drive, also called a hard drive, is a mechanical device in which there are several rotating disks, in fact, which make noise. Internal drives are similar to regular CDs, but they work in a completely different way.
Thanks to the magnetic heads inside the hard disk, information is read. During this process, the disks move and create noise. For some users, hard drives rumble, for someone they crack and even scream, then you. The noise emitted depends on the hard drive model and the stability of the computer case. If the case of the system unit is cheap and its walls are thin, then the noise from the hard drive will be transmitted throughout the case. Loose parts will vibrate, creating even more noise.
In order to reduce crackling, you can do the following:
- Replace an old noisy hard drive with a new one after learning about its noise level.
- Use the AAM settings to change the acoustic noise level.
- Check the soundproofing of the housing. Perhaps the problem is in it and after replacing it with a new one, the computer will work quieter.
- Install the hard drive on special soundproof pads or use a soundproof case for the drive.
- Defragment your hard drive. But not the fact that this procedure will help you. And if, after it is carried out, the hard drive starts to work quieter, then soon the noise will return again.
Reducing Hard Drive Cracking with AAM
Any hard drive has a feature such as controlling its noise level using the internal AAM setting. (Automatic Acoustic Management). The principle of this setting is very simple: the speed of movement of the heads is reduced, which allows the hard disk to work many times quieter. But, such a setting reduces not only the noise level, but also the speed of the hard drive as a whole.
Here it is already necessary to choose what is more important for you - the speed of the hard drive or the noise from it. Perhaps, after setting up, you will not notice how the speed of the hard drive has dropped, but there will be no cod during operation.
In order for you to be able to start adjusting the volume of the hard drive, you need to download the "WinAAM" program. This program is completely free and it is better to download it from the official site.
The program has a Russian interface and for work, you do not need to install it. Run it directly from the archive and configure it. After opening the program, you will see a window with options for choosing the program.
You need to press the "continue" button. We do not go into the security settings at all, since they will not be able to affect the noisy operation of the hard drive in any way.
When you run the program, you will see that the first line will say "noise control is not active at the moment". You will need to select "Quiet/Standard (128)" to set the "silent" that the program has a range of values from 0 to 255, you need to select exactly the "Quiet / Loud" value, since intermediate options are not displayed at work and hard disk noise reduction. It is for this reason that the program has only one button you need, so as not to rack your brains with choosing a value for the effective operation of the program.
After the value is set, the program will automatically close. You need to run it again and click the "continue" button, and then "check".
After the program has run, you will see a window that will contain all the information about the chaotic movement of the hard disk read head, and you will hear how your hard disk will sound in a new way. I'm sure the hard drive will start to work much quieter. For comparison, you can press the "Loud(254)" button and hear what noise the hard drive was working with before all the settings.
By clicking on the same button, you will return all the standard settings and the hard drive will continue to work at the same speed.
If this program does not detect your hard drive, then I recommend using "HD Tune" the essence of the same.
Actually, that's all. Now you can independently control the noise level of your hard drive. If the hard drive is accompanied by crackling and various kinds of clicks, then I definitely recommend using any of the programs to make the hard drive quieter if the noise bothers you. Thank you for being with us!
Read in the article examples of sounds of a failed hard drive and how to identify them. Clicking or rustling sounds, vibration or whistling that were not there before. A working hard drive is a fairly quiet device that can only be reminded of itself by a soft click while accessing it or turning on / off the computer. But if over time, clicking or rustling sounds come from the hard drive, as well as vibration or whistle that was not heard before, then such a hard drive may have failed.
western digital
Muffled sound of faulty hard disk heads.
Failed disk heads slowly click several times, after which the rotation of the disk slows down.
Slowdown of the rotation of the hard disk platters after the production of several clicking sounds by the failed heads.
A hard drive with a stuck spindle cannot spin up.
Clicking sounds from a hard drive with a failed preamp chip.
A disc with unstable heads that stops after a few clicks.
A laptop hard drive with a stuck spindle that is trying to spin up, making a siren-like sound.
A computer hard drive cannot spin up due to bad bearings.
Seagate
Rustling and clicking sounds that a disk with inoperable heads makes.
Sounds that a disk with damaged heads makes during startup (platform spin-up).
Clicking faulty laptop hard drive heads.
A disc with a stuck spindle is trying to spin up.
The boring sound of broken disk heads.
Maxtor
A computer hard drive with a non-working or broken head unit.
Clicks of inoperable heads.
The sound that a disc with a jammed spindle makes.
Samsung
A fast clicking sound indicates the failure of the hard drive heads.
The same as with the previous disc.
The sound of damaged hard disk heads.
A worn out computer disk that makes a scratching sound when accessing bad sectors.
Hitachi/IBM
The hard drive of a laptop with damaged heads clicks on startup, after which it beeps.
A worn out computer disk that makes a scratching sound when accessing an area with bad sectors.
A disc with worn platters and a head unit makes wheezing and howling sounds.
The whirring sound of a laptop drive with a stuck spindle trying to spin up.
Toshiba
The sound of failed laptop hard drive bearings.
The sound of worn laptop hard drive bearings.
The sound of wedged bearings on a laptop hard drive.
Fujitsu
Worn laptop hard drive heads.
Faulty laptop hard drive heads.
The sound of worn out plates of a computer hard drive.
Quantum
Faulty head unit.
What to do if the hard drive starts making extraneous sounds
- First of all, make sure that the hard drive is the source of the emitted sound.
- After you make sure that it is the hard drive that is making the sounds that bother you, run the hard drive diagnostic utility. You can use both those supplied by manufacturers with the device, and from third-party manufacturers. Just keep in mind that in the best case, the diagnostic utility will detect and limit the use of bad sectors of the hard drive, which can cause the drive to malfunction or become unstable. If there is mechanical damage or wear on the hard drive, it is impossible to fix them programmatically.
- If nothing has changed in the operation of the disk after using the diagnostic software, it is recommended to immediately create a copy of the data of such a hard disk or its image for further restoration.
How to create an image of a failed or damaged disk using Hetman Partition Recovery. - If, as a result of using diagnostic or recovery software, the sounds of the hard drive have partially or completely disappeared, then there may be bad sectors on it. In this case, it is still recommended to create a backup of all data on the hard disk and think about replacing it, since bad sectors may continue to appear on the disk and this will eventually lead to data loss or failure.
Other Sounds Your Computer Can Make
The hard drive is not the only device in the computer that is capable of making sound. It can also be a power supply, cooler, CD / DVD drive, or other devices connected to it. SSD drives don't make any sound because they don't have moving parts. Therefore, before taking any action, it is important to correctly identify the source of the sound.
If the computer is performing some complex tasks or running a resource-intensive game, it will be normal if the computer starts to work louder - the computer coolers will spin faster to cool it down. Sometimes, a dirty or broken cooler makes more noise than other devices.