My seagate momentus XT does not "sound healthy"

It's making a noise... hard to describe. It doesn't sound like head crash or anything like that but it sounds... kind of like a printer. I'm just installing Windows 7 now and it's sporadic.

Tips for a new XT user?

 

An OS install is probably going to hit the hard drive very hard.........

And some drives are just 'louder' than others are.

Wait until you've run the drive normally for a longer period of time before worrying about it. You can always use any number of utilities that read the drives SMART diag tables to get an idea if any hard/soft errors are recorded.

 

Do you have the latest firmware (SD25)? That usually fixes excessive vibrations

 

My XT makes some noise but I wouldn't say it's "like a printer" I mean a printer is loud..I honestly don't feel my XT making more noise than any other 7200 RPM drive..Well at least not enough for it to be noticeable. Mine makes a weird noise though, kinda like electricity running, hard to explain, but I can only hear it when I really listen carefully, like something hitting something..I mean it sounds weird, but it's not at all loud..Try listening to it after u install windows, if it happens constantly during regular use then I'd say theres probably something wrong with your drive..It shouldn't sound noticeably louder than any regular 7200RPM drive..I'm using SD24 firmware btw..

Cheers

 

It was just a very strange noise. I installed windows 7 on two HDD's today and the XT made a very very strange noise for part of it. I can't use that computer again for a few days though.

I'll upgrade firmware when possible.

 

Yeah, try updating firmware and see if the problem still persists..I've never experienced any "strange noises" with my xt though..But if the drive no longer makes these noises and works fine, I don't see why you should be worried..Could be a fluke..lol

 

How is the drive housed in your laptop? (does it sit in a 'rubber bumper' of sorts, does it 'float' in the drive slot, or is it bolted down/ using metal on metal pressure to keep it in there)

The ones in the rubber mounts are generally quiet and free of vibration, while the ones that have the hdd hard mounted to the casing will transmit the most vibration and noise to the case.



Also check Crystal Disc info - CrystalDiskInfo - Software - Crystal Dew World- to see if it is reading any errors or bad sectors, ect...

 

It is in fact screwed in. This wasn't an issue with the other drive, which was very quiet.

I'm going to try to use it tonight. I'll let you guys know.

I just ordered this thing, is it still on S23 firmware? Or do they come updated?

 

I think I know the sound you're describing, is it kind of like a series of clicking?

Mine does that when it's working hard (being defragged) but besides that I never hear it.

 

It would be the [FW] that was set on the drive once it left Seagate's hands and into the reseller.

For [FW] updates check out: Momentus XT Firmware Update

Note be careful and research this first - http://forums.seagate.com/t5/Momentus-XT-Momentus-and/bd-p/Momentus before updating your XT's [FW]

I upgraded to SD24, and left it there as I haven't encountered any problems. However, other ppl have run into problems. However, I think the majority of the issues relate to Mac Book Pros.

Good Luck.

 

Momentus XT Firmware Update

It probably has SD24 (mine did from a month ago). SD25 only came out a few days ago.

 

I'll update to SD25 but not right now. Installing tons of windows updates and programs etc.

edit: How can I check what firmware I currently have?

 

crystal disc info like I linked to in my earlier post

 

I haven't had any problems. Updated to S25 anyway.

Hopefully I won't hear that noise again, it was really worrisome. It sounded like the ink cartridges shifting in a printer.