Hard drive shutdown noise

[cerberus6]

Hello all,

Just curious to know if anyone else here has experienced this: Does your hard drive make an audible "clack" sound when you shut down your box? I've noticed a pattern here as I have three WD 20GB ATA 66 drives that seemed to have always made this sound when shutting down. The three were purchased from separate stores within a year and a half period. The fourth hard drive I have (Maxtor 60GB ATA 100 w/controller card) does not do this. They're connected to an Asus P3B-F mobo with a 400W "Silencer" power supply. At the time when I was running a 300W power supply, I only had two of the WD drives connected, and they still made that "clack" sound. I haven't really lost much sleep over this issue, but now I'm feeling that perhaps I should start asking around.

[Dodge]

Sounds like the moving parts are getting worn. Did these drives do that when they were straight out of the box?

I personally dont like WD hard drives. Seen to many go bad before their time.

[cerberus6]

Yeah, they've always made this noise (a single "clack" sound during shutdown only). The Maxtor drive doesn't do this at all. It's too bad, I hope this isn't a sign that the drives are wearing out. Oh well, maybe this is the perfect excuse to consolidate and purchase another Maxtor 60GB.

[Dodge]

Maxtors from what I have seen, seem to be much quieter than WD's.

I'd say since they have always done that, then the drives are just fine. But if your needing an excuse for the wife or just to justify it for yourself. Then go for it....lol I wouldn't blame ya a bit.

I'm stuck with this 13gig Quantum for now. :(

[Kurylo]

WD HDD is just parking its heads. My 40GB 7200RpM IBM HDD does the same.
Maybe, Maxtor have just another parking technology.

[Kurylo]

But buy another 60GB Maxtor and sell me your WD :).

[cerberus6]

LOL Kurylo, I'd love to, but I've got some family members already making claims to them. I think I will delve a little more into this consolidation idea I've got. Considering my bachelor status, this decision could be easier than I thought. My last gf made it virtually impossible to make computer related purchases...but clothes and 40 pairs of shoes were somehow acceptable. Hey, am I thinking out loud again?! :D

[Jimstep]

I'm not sure what you are hearing, but some drives have a brake mechanism that will activate upon shutdown to stop the spinning platter.