WD Scorpio Black noise levels

Hi guys,

I've just recently replaced my old laptop factory HD, a Hitachi (forgot which model) 320 GB, 5400 rpm with a WD Scorpio Black 750 GB 7200 rpm. I'm just not sure about something: the noise levels.

I know 7200 rpms are supposed to spin faster and produce a tad more heat, but how about the noise? Right now it's producing a noticeable hum whenever it's on. My old HD didn't produce any hum at all when idle, I don't think it also did that much when it's being used heavily.

So is it reasonable to expect the same noise levels here? Should I ask for a return or is this hum expected from 7200 rpms?

Thanks.

 

Did you check if there is newer firmware for your drive? Both my 750 GB and 500 GB Scorpio Black drives are in my ThinkPad Z61t and T60, and honestly I do not notice any noise from them.

 

Where can I check for the firmware? I don't see any news about firmwares here: WD Support / Downloads / WD Scorpio & AV-25 / WD Scorpio Black

Oh, I'm running it with a ThinkPad Edge 14 by the way, but the hum persists even if I put it in an external casing.

 

You should not have to update the firmware on a hard drive period.

The hum is probably normal. The 320GB 5400RPM drive you replaced is tame by comparison, the WD7500BPKT is one of the top five fastest hard drives around. See if you get used to the hum.

If you don't, call up WD and claim the warranty.

 

Mine is WD black and is super quiet. I can barely hear anything at all. I believe most, if not all, HDD are now quiet. Manufacturers pretty much have found a way to reduce the noise level. I work with disk storage a lot - looking at the symptom you have, i would return the drive for replacement. in my experience, if the disk is humming due to the rotation, something might not be right.

Why don't you do this: (i assumed your disk is still under warranty):

1. Contact WD and request "advanced replacement", they'll ship the disk to you first and then you return the defective hdd. note: they'll ask your credit card and put a hold as guarantee that you'll return the drive.

2. When you received the new disk, install and see if the new disk is also humming.

3. you decide which one to keep.

 

bigbulus:

I didn't know you could do an advance RMA before -- thanks! The other issue (or maybe not) is that if I'm playing video and I lift or rotate the laptop, the video stops for a while. This could be some protection method, so I'm not really sure if this is a defect.

But yeah, I guess I'll go with the advanced RMA. Thanks again!

 

Did you install the four rubber/silicone/felt pads/shock absorbers around the corners of the new harddrive before you put the drive back in its caddy? The newer 7200rpm drive cannot be in direct contact with the chassis of the laptop. I mean it probably can but the laptop would vibrate a lot more without them.