Solid state drives, also known as SSDs, are a type of computer storage device that uses flash memory rather than mechanical platters like traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). One of the advantages often cited for SSDs over HDDs is that they run silently since they have no moving parts. But is this really true? Are SSD drives completely quiet or do they generate some level of noise when in operation?
Do SSD drives make noise?
The simple answer is that most SSD drives are essentially silent during normal operation. Because SSDs lack moving parts like the spinning platters and actuators found in traditional HDDs, they do not produce audible noise when reading or writing data. The only noise generated by an SSD comes from its electronics, like power circuits, which are very faint.
Most SSDs are designed to be silent. Noise would indicate mechanical problems that SSDs are engineered to avoid. So under normal working conditions, SSDs do not create any noise that is perceptible to human hearing.
Sources of noise in SSDs
Although SSDs are generally quiet, there are a few components in an SSD that can produce some minor noise in certain scenarios:
- Controller fan – Some SSDs have built-in fans on the controller board to keep the electronics cool under heavy workloads. These small fans can generate a low hum or whirring noise when they spin up.
- Capacitors – Capacitors on the SSD’s circuit board can emit a high-pitched squeal or chirp when powering up or down. This is caused by vibrations in their piezo-electric elements.
- Coil whine – Inductors or transformers on the board can exhibit a faint ringing or buzzing nicknamed “coil whine” when power passes through them.
However, these noises are very subtle, generally only audible if you place your ear close to the SSD itself. From a normal distance, they would be imperceptible during typical operation.
Comparing SSD noise to HDD noise
One way to demonstrate just how quiet SSDs are is to compare the amount of noise they produce versus traditional hard disk drives. HDDs have many moving parts that generate significant noise:
- Spindle motor – This electric motor spins the platters at speeds up to 15,000 RPM, producing a characteristic spinning hum.
- Actuator arm – The actuator that moves the read/write head makes faint scratching and clunking sounds as it moves across the platters.
- Platter rotation – Air turbulence from the spinning platters adds a whooshing noise.
- Head actuator – As the head sweeps across the platters, it creates faint clicks and squeaks.
All this mechanical noise adds up to an audible low-level hum or whirring sound coming from the HDD whenever it is powered on and its platters are spinning. While the volume varies between HDD models and is rarely excessive, it is clearly noticeable in a quiet room.
SSDs have none of these noise-generating components, running virtually silent by comparison. The tiny electronic noises they emit are orders of magnitude quieter and practically impossible to hear under normal conditions.
SSD noise over time
A nearly-new SSD in good health should operate silently. But as an SSD ages and wears out, there is a small chance it could develop issues that increase noise. For example:
- Failed capacitor – If a capacitor has failed, it could emit a loud high-pitched squeal or chirp.
- Fan bearing wear – Fan bearings eventually wear out and can begin making grinding noises.
- Excess vibration – Loose internal components can buzz or rattle against the case.
However, these types of noises are relatively rare in SSDs. More likely, an SSD will simply fail quietly without warning rather than develop mechanical issues that increase noise. In most cases, a failing or failed SSD will be completely silent.
Conclusion
In general, solid state drives are engineered to be silent. Unlike hard disk drives, they do not have any moving parts that generate audible noise during normal operation. The tiny noises emitted by components like capacitors or fans are negligible for most practical purposes.
Some SSDs do contain fans or other components that can produce noise under certain conditions. However, these noises are very minor compared to the humming and spinning sounds produced by a mechanical hard drive. For the vast majority of users, SSDs live up to their reputation of being a quiet storage technology.
Factors that affect SSD noise
While SSDs are generally very quiet, there are a few factors that can influence any noises that they do emit:
SSD components
The specific components used in an SSD’s construction affect the amount and type of noise it generates:
- Controller – More powerful controllers need bigger fans that can produce more airflow noise.
- NAND flash – Noisier NAND dies can produce more electrical coil whine.
- Capacitors – Larger or more numerous capacitors increase startup chirp volume.
- Board design – Component layout impacts airflow over fans and heat dissipation.
Higher-end enterprise SSDs designed for intense workloads tend to have beefier components that can run louder than consumer-grade SSDs.
Workload
The noise level from an SSD varies depending on the current drive workload. When the SSD is idle, any fans, capacitors or coils are minimally active. But during sustained reads or writes:
- Fans speed up to provide more airflow and cooling.
- Capacitors charge and discharge rapidly, increasing chirping.
- Increased current through coils amplifies coil whine.
So noise is much more likely to be noticeable when the SSD is being heavily accessed.
Age and wear
As an SSD ages, components like fan bearings and capacitors deteriorate. This can lead to issues like:
- Fans becoming unbalanced and rattling.
- Capacitor squeal or chirp increasing in volume.
- Excess vibration and component buzzing due to weakening mounts.
Therefore, SSD noise tends to increase over time as wear takes its toll. However, the noise is still generally minor compared to HDDs.
Environment
Ambient noise, temperature, airflow, and other environmental factors also influence perceived SSD noise:
- Ambient noise – Noises harder to hear when covered by loud ambient noise.
- Temperature – More airflow and fan noise needed to cool hot SSDs.
- Airflow – Restricted airflow causes more turbulence and fan noise.
- Vibration – Physical vibration exacerbates any rattling from loose components.
So an SSD may seem quieter or noisier depending on its operating environment and conditions.
How to make an SSD quieter
For most users, SSD noise will never be an issue needing attention. But there are a few tricks to reduce any minor SSD noises if desired:
- Disable LEDs – Turn off any unnecessary activity LEDs on the SSD case.
- Adjust fan curve – Have fan speeds ramp up/down more gradually.
- Undervolt SSD – Reduce power to lower coil whine and fan speeds.
- Isolate vibration – Pad the SSD to dampen component vibration and rattle.
- Passive cooling – Use heatsinks to avoid needing fans for cooling.
Physically isolating the SSD can also help block any faint noises. But in most situations, the amount of noise is so minimal that these steps are unnecessary for the average user.
Conclusion
SSDs live up to their reputation of being a very quiet storage technology. Thanks to a lack of moving parts, they produce virtually no noise during normal operation compared to traditional hard disk drives. Factors like component selection, workload, wear, and environment can impact SSD noise levels slightly in some cases. But overall, noise is rarely an issue or consideration when choosing a quality SSD for most applications.
Typical SSD noise levels
To give a sense of the volume produced by typical SSDs, their noise levels can be compared to common sounds:
| SSD Noise Source | Typical Noise Level | Comparable Sounds |
|---|---|---|
| Controller fan | 10-20 dBA | Whispering, rustling leaves |
| Capacitor chirp | 30-40 dBA | Quiet library, soft music |
| Coil whine | 20-30 dBA | Quiet whisper, quiet office |
For reference, typical ambient noise levels range from 30 dBA (quiet room) up to 100 dBA (motorcycle, chainsaw). So the minor noises emitted from quality SSDs are generally drowned out by typical ambient sound.
Comparing SSD noise to HDD noise
Since SSDs have no moving parts, they produce far less noise than traditional hard disk drives. Some example noise levels:
| Storage Device | Typical Noise Level |
|---|---|
| SSD | 10-40 dBA |
| HDD (idle) | 30-35 dBA |
| HDD (active) | 35-55 dBA |
Factors like case mounting and workload affect the exact noise levels. But clearly HDDs produce significantly more audible noise across the board due to their mechanical operation.
SSD noise troubleshooting
In rare cases where an SSD is exhibiting abnormal levels of noise, some troubleshooting steps to consider are:
Locate noise source
Carefully listen to identify the location and component responsible for the noise (fan, capacitor, inductor, etc). This can help narrow down causes.
Check for obstruction
Ensure no cables or debris are obstructing or touching the fan blades, and that the SSD has adequate ventilation.
Inspect mounting
Verify the SSD is securely mounted without any looseness that allows vibration or rattling noises.
Update firmware
Check for a firmware update from the manufacturer that may address any fan control or power delivery issues.
Test with side panel off
Run the SSD temporarily with the case side panel removed to isolate noise issues to the SSD itself.
Back up data
Make sure important data on a noisy SSD is backed up in case it is an early sign of device failure.
Replace SSD if necessary
For chronic noise issues that can’t be resolved, replacing the SSD altogether may be required.
Conclusion
In summary, noises coming from an SSD are rarely anything to worry about. But abnormal sounds can indicate a faulty component or wearout issue. Carefully troubleshooting the source of the noise and verifying it is an isolated SSD problem are good first steps. For persistent noises or other signs of failure, replacing the SSD is the ultimate solution to restore normal silent operation.