Winchester is a storage device that is used in most modern computers and laptops as a storage device. However, users prefer to copy valuable data to other media or duplicate in the cloud in case the hard drive crashes. One of the first signs of a breakdown is that the hard drive is cracking. What if this happened? The following describes the causes of vibrations and how to eliminate them.
What is the noise level?
Noise level is a phenomenon that can be described as sound emitted by a mechanical structure during operation. This vibration includes two components: spindle (aerodynamic) noise and positioning noise. In total, the level of sound reproduced by the hard disk should be equal to twenty-six decibels. If the noise of the component is not blocked by the coolers and clearly heard, this is an occasion to think about whether everything is in order with the device.
How to set the source of cod?
The hard drive does not always crack when it signals its deplorable state. A certain noise level may well be the operating mode of the device, but if the situation with annoying sound becomes problematic, then it’s worthwhile to take apart the system unit. To get to the insides, unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the housing cover.
During the repair work, you need to take care of your safety. It is better to be careful with electrical wires. It is not superfluous during the disassembly of the computer to completely turn off the device and ground.
What are the causes of excessive noise?
To determine the nature of the problem, you must start the processor and listen to the sounds. Perhaps the reason for the excessive noise level is not at all that the hard drive is cracking. It all depends on the features of the computer assembly and the quality of its components. The source of the reproduced sound can be a powerful video card fan or cooler, which is simply dirty. If the trouble was precisely this, then it is worth cleaning the fan from dust.
The likelihood of unwanted vibrations also depends on the type of housing. If the system unit has sufficiently thick walls, it will not let in any extraneous sounds and provide proper comfort; the thin-walled case, on the contrary, will resonate the noise emitted. But what if the hard drive in the computer cracks, and not other components?
Why does the hard drive make an excessive sound?
The essence of the problem lies in the hard disk device itself , because it is precisely the special magnetic components that rotate and produce noise. In a way, this is a perfectly normal workflow. But why does the hard drive crash if unusual noise was not previously observed? It is an uncharacteristic sound that can indicate violations in the work of the hard drive.
In addition, any device has its own service life. With prolonged use of the part, the hard drive wears out, which is accompanied by a characteristic crack. In this case, it is necessary to copy all the data from the computer as soon as possible and change the broken part. However, there are less radical measures.
How to test a hard drive?
One of the first aid methods for bad sectors of the hard drive is to block them using special programs. If the hard drive is cracking, then, firstly, you can try to use two types of complexes:
- Acronis The most common of this kind of program, which has a number of necessary functions. The main one is the creation of a backup copy from damaged storage media.
- Victoria Using the program, you can check the hard drive. If during testing problem areas are found, then Victoria will remember them and automatically block them.
How to reduce noise with software?
You can try to reduce the noise level of a hard disk using software methods. In this case, AAM or HDDscan programs come in handy.
The first program, the essence of which is to control the speed of the hard drive, will automatically make the necessary settings. It is possible if the hard drive is cracking, then you just need to slow down its speed mode, because the faster the magnetic elements rotate, the louder the device works. A tangible drawback of this program is that it may not recognize the storage medium.
The second program - HDDscan - eliminated this drawback. The HDDscan principle of operation is exactly the same as that of AAM, but an additional advantage is the ability to test the hard drive and select SMART parameters.
How to reduce the noise level manually?
A mechanical noise reduction is only advisable for a desktop computer; only a software method should be used with laptops.
There are many options for manually fixing the problem. Often, the hard drive cracks during operation, not only because of its malfunction, but the reason may be that its case is poorly attached. Make sure that all the elements of the fastening structure are in the grooves and the bolts are not untwisted. For additional sealing of the joints of the hard drive parts with the computer, insulating gaskets are used, that is, the joints can simply be glued with insulating tape, which will make it possible that there will be no direct contact between the hard drive mounting basket and the computer case . This method is quite effective in dealing with excessive cod.
Another way to combat obtrusive sound is to change the location of structural elements or the hard drive itself. This can only be done if this movement allows the volume of the housing. The main goal in this case is to achieve the least contact between the hard drive and the case. So, you should ensure the most reliable static position of the hard drive.
There are masters who achieve the location of the hard drive even in limbo, for which strong and thick wires or wires are used. With the help of such improvised materials, it is possible to achieve complete absence of transmission of vibration to metal parts.
The design and technological methods for reducing vibration include the use of devices for noise absorption, which help to eliminate the consequences, but not the cause of the cracking of the hard drive. In any case, these measures are only temporary. If the problem is really critical, it is better to secure the information and make a complete replacement of the hard drive.