How to reduce laptop hard drive noise. Why does the hard drive in my computer crack? Reducing hard drive crackling using AAM

If it didn’t make noise before, but now it makes noise, this is not normal. A properly functioning disk can emit a slight, uniform noise/whistle and frequent, not too loud clicks during reading/writing (this is a slight uneven rattling, this is the magnetic heads moving).

If the disk rattles or vibrates, this is very bad. Most likely, he won't last long. Theoretically, the reason could be that it is poorly secured (and then it rattles along with your drive bay, the walls of which (the bay) are not strong enough to hold the drive while it is running). I've seen this reference. But it’s hard for me to imagine how fragile, “cardboard” the walls of the fastenings must be for this to happen. Except for the case when you manually installed a 3-inch hard drive into a 5-inch bay (for this you must use a special adapter mount, such a 3-inch bay inserted inside a 5-inch one). In this case, rattling is likely.

If the problem is not in the fastening, then (discarding all the super-exotic options that happen once in a million) the disk is faulty. If it's under warranty, replace it. If it is clearly rattling (not humming evenly, but rattling), this is a malfunction, so it must be replaced. If a disc is without warranty, then you can no longer count on it. Do backup copy all important data and prepare for the fact that he could die at any moment. When my hard drive started making suspicious noise, I immediately bought a new one and copied all important information, A old disk put it in the closet (in case I forgot to copy down some important information).

You can also check the status (“health”) of the disk (this information is collected by the disk itself during operation, the technology is called S.M.A.R.T. or SMART). It contains information about the number of different errors during the operation of the disk (a small number of errors is completely normal). To display this information you will most likely need special program. Convenient program I can’t tell you (if you know English, you can search for hdd health check). However, caution should be exercised. If the disk is not in order, prolonged active operation of the disk during an in-depth test (not just displaying statistics collected by SMART, but testing the disk’s operation) may be the straw that will lead to a sharp deterioration in the condition of the disk.

If the disk is just slightly noisy, then this is noise from the drive (motor) (or perhaps bearings). Considering that the disc rotates at a speed of under 10,000 rpm, it is quite expected that it is slightly noisy.

I have an old computer at work. Today I heard some kind of vibration several times. That is, something was rattling in the system unit. Since the system one was open, I looked there, listened, there was indeed something buzzing, it sounded like vibration, it buzzed a couple of times and then it continued to work. I can’t figure out what this buzzing is, but I have Word turned on and during its operation the cooler buzzes very loudly, the sound is like a ringing. And in the morning, after turning on and loading the computer, for some reason we rebooted it ourselves. Moreover, I didn’t turn anything on it. I would like to know what this could be. I save everything I type on the computer in Word to a flash drive. But this is after the end of the working day. But now I’ll probably save everything on a flash drive after the hard drive vibrates. Since my work computer will most likely break down soon.

Answer

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It could be a squeak from your interior door.

Hard drives are almost silent, but some make a muffled clicking sound when the read head is accessed or the computer shuts down - this is normal. If the sound appears only occasionally or noises that have not been heard before - clicking, grinding, vibration or squealing - then the hard drive is probably faulty. There are several types of sound glitches.

The following steps will help you determine whether the noise is actually hard drive, if so, what to do next before your precious files disappear forever.

What to do if your hard drive is very noisy?

HDD internal state

Time Required: This troubleshooting takes anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the cause of the strange sound.

You need to make sure that the hard drive is the audio source and not another hardware component.

• If you disconnect the drive's power cable and the data wire hard drive. Is there still a noise when starting up? Then the problem is not in the hard drive!
• Try another option to correctly determine the source. If the noise stops when you connect the power cable, but returns when you connect or use other interfaces to the hard drive, you will probably need to replace the data cable.

If in fact the hard drive is faulty, run a free diagnostic program for hard drives, which is available on the Internet. Professional diagnostic programs are also available for purchase from third party developers.

• When running a diagnostic program, it is better to close other programs and disconnect drives or devices that you are not testing so that the results are not distorted.
• Diagnostic applications will only mark hard drive sectors that fail as "bad" and prevent the computer from using the damaged areas in the future. In reality, sectors will not be healed if there is a physical malfunction.

If the corrections made by diagnostic programs do not temporarily eliminate the noise, perform a full backup of the computer and replace the hard drive.

If diagnostic apps help fix clicking (noises), grinding, or squealing sounds, remember that this is a temporary solution. It is likely that the noise will continue during operation until the serviceability of the device is completely lost.

The permanent solution when the noise starts is to take a full system backup and replace the hard drive as soon as possible.

In rare cases, noise appears when you access the desired areas on the hard drive, these are probably those damaged sectors that are at risk. This problem It can be fixed using diagnostic applications.

Is your hard drive still working poorly?

External drives, like internal ones, also make sound. These noises are heard when the drive is first connected to the computer and are often caused by a faulty power connection or cable.

There is no panacea for restoring a faulty hard drive; it is important to protect your files by performing regular backups. With an updated backup, recovering from a hard drive failure is as easy as installing a new one and restoring your files.

Inside solid state drive() There are no moving parts like a traditional hard drive, and no mechanical sounds can be heard during operation.

Backup a bad disk

The best way to create a backup is an online service backup on the Internet because files are stored in the cloud and are less susceptible to loss or damage. A quick way is to use a free backup program - some of these programs can even clone files from a failed hard drive and place them on a new working hard drive.

Try to correct noise from an external hard drive by connecting the power adapter directly to a wall outlet using or USB ports 2.0+. You can connect your hard drive to a USB port on the back of your computer. Make sure the USB port is working correctly.

Defragmentation of a noisy hard drive

Defragmentation of HDD tracks

A fragmented hard drive provides better speed for moving files than one that is not fragmented. Available free programs defragmentation to extend service life, but this probably will not solve the problem on most noisy hard drives.

If the hard drive makes a sound, it means it is turned on. However, you may not be able to boot into the operating system to use the files normally. This is not a common occurrence; the sound may be caused by a faulty device.

Other noises that are generated by the computer

The hard drive is not the only computer component that makes a strange sound. Power supply, fan, and other devices that may make noise during operation. It is important to know where the noise is coming from to understand what needs to be fixed.

For example, if the computer is in overdrive for a specific task. Let's say when you start a video game, you can hear the fan spinning faster to maintain hardware cooling. There may be something stuck in the fan blades causing a strange noise.

Listen and analyze noise

When you open a program or computer window, you may hear a noise that gets louder and louder - it's easy to make a mistake. This probably means that there is a disk in the drive that is spinning faster than before in order for the computer to receive data, this is normal.

Popping or static sounds from the speakers can also be mistaken for noise (the cable is not securely attached to the computer connector), as can some BIOS beeps.

Any device, and especially one that has at least some moving parts, makes noise. Moreover, just 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 focus on lower noise levels: quiet coolers for the case and processor, or a quiet water cooling system was installed. But even for ordinary users, with mediocre noise limitation indicators in systems, violent hard drives will also come in very handy.

In fact, almost all modern hard drives are manufactured in accordance with certain standards and emit very little noise, but to understand which noise is greater 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 at a sound of 130 dB painful sensations begin.

All these indicators were given so that you can compare certain household noises with the noise of a hard drive and assess whether the noise is acceptable. The noise of modern hard drives is in the range of 20-35 dB, which is quite significant at the upper limit, although it will most likely be covered by noise from coolers.

The noise emitted by a hard drive is divided into two types: acoustic noise when idling and acoustic noise when searching for data. But still, it is the spindle that makes the main noise when the system starts, but there may also be characteristic sound vibrations during operation.

I would like to note that the above noise indicators are maximum, that is, the hard drive produces 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 levels. As an example, very quiet hard Western wheels Digital Red are hard drives that are positioned for 24/7 operation and have increased reliability. At the same time, we all note the very low noise level, only 22 dB. Also, Green-series discs are considered a quiet series, but there this is done partly at the expense of a donation spindle speed, which there is only 5400 rpm. Noise level in hard drives Green series, currently fluctuates between 22-27 dB.

More popular and classic series - Western Digital Caviar Blue is a little noisier. The noise level of these disks ranges from 28-35 dB. I would like to note on my own that I have been using the Blue series for more than one year and have not noticed any strong noise, apparently all such noise is blocked by the severe noise from several coolers.

The noise level of a hard drive is almost always indicated in the product specifications, and you can always check it before purchasing. I’ll note once again that, of course, it’s better to take quieter hard drives, but the classic inexpensive options of the Blue series won’t hurt your ears too much. The main thing is that a couple or 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!

Model question

Hello.

I recently bought a laptop and only after some time I noticed that when I download a file, turn on the laptop, or copy information from disk to disk, the disk starts to crack. The sound is not strong, but extremely unpleasant.

The store said that everything was fine with the disc, that’s how it should be, but doubts remained in my heart...

If I had known that this model was so noisy, I would have chosen another one... Tell me, what can be done to reduce the noise when the disk is loaded?

Hello.

Crack, crack, discord. In general, a hard drive (HDD) is a mechanical device, and any HDD makes noise when operating. True, with one disc it is subtle and practically inaudible, while with another it can be somewhat annoying. In addition, in addition to the “working” noise (which should be there), extraneous noise may appear (indicating a problem): knocking, strong grinding, clicking, etc.

Particular attention should be paid to disk noise in cases where:

1. if the old disk starts making noise, which previously worked without noise (this is an alarming symptom - first of all, immediately make everyone important files from disk);
2. noise appeared in the form of: knocking, strong clicks, grinding, etc. (all this also indicates a problem with the mechanics);
3. if when a crackling sound appears, the computer starts to freeze, Windows does not respond to your clicks;
4. your files periodically cannot be opened or read, and the disk is noisy.

All of the above symptoms indicate possible hardware problems with the disk (in most cases), and without replacing it with new disk, the noise cannot be eliminated. Therefore, I recommend that after the backup, look at the SMART readings, check the disk for bad blocks, etc. I have one small instruction on disk checking on my blog, link below.

How to check your hard drive for errors and bad sectors(bad blocks). How to work with Victoria program in DOS and Windows -

If your new drive is noisy - then most likely everything is fine with him, and this is his operating noise (although no one rules out defective or failure of the new disk either). Most often, the problem is that when the user bought a disk (laptop, computer) in a store (where there is a lot of extraneous noise, music is playing, etc.), he simply did not pay attention to the noise of the disk (and even in the store, the disk, like As a rule, you don’t load it too much). And in the house, in the silence of the night, I appreciated all the characteristics of my device.

But since a computer is a technically complex product, it is easy to exchange it in the store for another (as can be done with other products). In many cases you may be refused (there must be a more compelling reason, for example, a malfunction). Later in the article I will give recommendations on how to eliminate such “working” noise.

Addition!

When purchasing a new HDD: please note that the device specifications usually always indicate the noise level of the drive. This parameter is measured in dB.

Of course, the lower it is, the quieter the disk. Comparison plate (to find out how and what) with the noise level given below.

Help!

How to choose a hard drive (HDD): 6 points worth paying attention to -

1) Change your old HDD to an SSD drive (or another HDD)

The first tip involves material costs. Ideally, to completely eliminate the noise, you need to change the disk. Now SSD drives are gaining popularity - they do not have mechanics, like HDDs, and therefore they are a priori silent during operation (completely silent!).

In addition, they have several more advantages:

1. the operating speed is several times higher (this is the main advantage!), thanks to this, your applications, games, Windows will load an order of magnitude faster;
2. consume less energy (for example, a laptop will work 10-15% longer without recharging);
3. they are not so afraid of shaking and vibration (again, a plus for laptops);
4. They don't get hot like HDDs.

However, these discs have one drawback: higher cost. But it pays off with interest! You can find out the difference in operating speed between an SSD and a HDD drive from one of my articles, the link to it is below.

How to check disk speed: HDD, SSD. Test to determine the difference in speed between SSD and HDD, is it worth switching to a solid-state drive? -

2) Check if there is an application that loads the disk up to 100%!

If the disk does not always annoy you with noise, but only at times of heavy load (this can be indicated, for example, by the LED indicator of the hard disk's operation) - then try to find out what application is loading it, and then disable it.

Very often, the disk can be loaded with applications that you don’t need. For example, when booting Windows uTorrent is loaded with several hundred torrents: until they are all checked, it may take 5-10 minutes! And all this time the disk will be heavily loaded.

The simplest and quick way to find out about applications that load the disk is to open the task manager (for Windows 8, 10), and open the resource monitor (this is for Windows 7). Once you recognize an application that is actively working with the disk, try closing it.

To call the task manager- press the button combination Ctrl+Shift+Esc.

In Windows 8, 10 - open the tab "Performance" and see if the disk is loaded. If loaded, then in the tab "Processes" you can find the program (which loads it) and close it.

Windows 8-10 - performance (disk load 0%)

In Windows 7, in the task manager you need to open the tab "Performance" , then click on the button "Resource Monitor" .

In Resource Monitor, open the tab "Disk": pay attention to the sections "Processes with disk activity" And "Disk Operation" .

3) Reduce the speed of positioning the block with heads (Automatic Acoustic Management)

Hard drives have certain options that are usually not mentioned anywhere (we are talking now about Automatic Acoustic Management, often abbreviated A.A.M.). This option allows you to reduce the speed of movement of the heads, and this in turn has a positive effect on the noise level (although, in addition, the speed of the disk decreases somewhat, but it is not noticeable to the eye).

You can change this setting in special utilities, I recommend the following: quietHDD, HDDScan. I will consider working in both utilities.

quietHDD

A very small utility designed to reduce the acoustic noise of AAM and the power consumption mode of APM hard drive. Working with it is simple and fast, an example is below:

Multifunctional program for working with SSD and HDD drives. Allows you to view SMART, check the disk for bad sectors, find out the temperature of the media, manage acoustic noise, energy, etc.

In our case, you need to run the program, then select the hard drive (if you have several of them in the system), and open the "Features/IDE Features" option.

HDDScan - IDE Features

Further in the section Automatic Acoustic Management- set the value between 128 and 254 (by the way, the program recommends 254, but it is not always optimal). In general, for the minimum noise level - set the value to 128 and press the button SET(install). Thus, you can adjust and find your optimal option.

Note: Please note that not all drives support this option. In some cases, HDDScan will not allow you to change values ​​in Automatic Acoustic Management.

Automatic Acoustic Management

4) Securely fix the disk in the block, eliminate vibrations, use soft gaskets

This advice applies to a regular PC, but if you have a laptop, then your hard drive is almost certainly securely and tightly fixed in the case by the manufacturer (and you don’t have to read this advice).

5) Check for errors and defragment

Well, the last thing I wanted to advise is to check for errors and defragment the disk. Cracking - this, of course, will not directly reduce it, but it will make your disk more responsive, and the operating speed will increase (which will have a positive, albeit small, effect on the noise level).

To check your disk for errors and defragment it, open "My computer" ("This computer", "Computer" - depending on Windows versions ) . Then select the desired drive and open it properties(see screenshot below).

By the way, defragmentation and cleaning the disk of debris can be done in auto mode; there are special utilities for this. See below for a link to the utilities I recommend.

Help!

The Best Programs to Optimize Windows -

Sometimes every PC user may encounter the problem of extraneous noise during hard drive operation. The hard drive is a mechanical structure containing rotating disks. Reading information from a hard drive is carried out using magnetic heads, which, when moving, create some noise. Variety extraneous sounds depends on the hard drive model and the case system unit. If the computer case is made of inexpensive materials and the inside is poorly assembled, 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. Because this is the first “bell” that it may soon break.

However, sometimes the simple operating condition may be accompanied by noise. Here you need to figure out why the hard drive is cracking.

1. Replace the hard drive.
2. Modify the acoustic level using the AAM option.
3. Take measures to soundproof the case or buy a better one.
4. Secure the hard drive with soundproofing pads.
5. Defragment the disk.

Apparently, the second option for solving the problem raises the most questions. Let's look at what it is.

Reducing noise from a hard drive using AAM

Any HDD has the function of regulating the level of noise it creates using 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: using this option will automatically reduce the speed of the hard drive.

Which of these two options (speed or noise) will create more inconvenience, in which favor to give your preference is up to you to decide. You may not feel the reduction in the speed of your hard drive, 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 is available for download and is completely free. It has 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 in getting rid of hard drive noise, so it is better 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 “Silent/Standard (128)” option to adjust the silent AAM level. Its value can range from 0 to 255. It is noted that influential abilities are possessed exclusively by extreme levels, that is, “quiet” or “loud.” Most hard drives don't pay attention to the 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. Re-open it, select “Continue”, then “Check”.

A window will open showing the random movement of the read head.

At this moment, you will have the opportunity to hear the operation 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)” parameter. This action will speed up the hard drive and return the previous noise volume.

Mechanical methods for getting rid of HDD noise

When the application fails to get rid of the noise, you need to solve the problem manually.

1. First, check the quality of the hard drive fixation. The hard drive must be firmly fixed and held securely in the grooves, all bolts must be sufficiently tightened.
2. Consider which parts of the HDD mechanically touch the computer case. At the joints it is necessary to install special gaskets with an insulating function. You can move the hard drive mounting basket a little so that the part does not come into contact with the computer case. Doing this can help reduce noise.
3. If it is possible to change the location of the hard drive, do so. It is necessary to ensure that the vibration of the hard drive does not transfer to the case.

If this fails to reduce the noise, contact technical support.