A common sound that can be heard from computer hard drives is a whirring or clicking noise. This sound is usually nothing to worry about and is a normal part of regular hard drive operation.
What causes the whirring/clicking sound?
The whirring or clicking noise originates from the mechanical components inside the hard drive. Hard drives contain disk platters that spin at very high speeds, along with a read/write head that moves back and forth across the platters to access data. The noise comes from the motion of these parts.
Specifically, there are a few components that can contribute to the whirring/clicking sound:
- Spindle motor – This small electric motor spins the disk platters at speeds typically between 5,400 and 15,000 rpm.
- Actuator arm – Moves the read/write heads back and forth across the platters.
- Read/write heads – Float just above the platter surface on an air bearing.
The combination of the spinning platters and the motion of the actuator arm/heads produces the characteristic whirring or clicking noise. It’s the normal mechanical sound that comes from operating hard drive hardware.
Is the sound anything to worry about?
In most cases, the whirring/clicking sound from a hard drive is completely normal and not a cause for concern. As long as the sound is relatively low and consistent, it simply indicates normal drive operation.
Sudden increases in the volume or frequency of the sound could potentially indicate an issue, such as:
- Contaminants inside the drive interfering with platter spin
- Excessive vibration from drive mounting or physical shock
- Failure of bearings in spindle motor or actuator arm
- Read/write heads malfunctioning and contacting platters
However, even drives with mechanical issues don’t always make unusual noises. The sound itself is not a definitive indicator of drive health.
Common hard drive noises
Here are some of the most common sounds that can come from a hard drive and what they might indicate:
- Low humming or whirring – Usually indicates normal operation and platter spin.
- Occasional soft clicking – Can occur when heads move or from platter vibrations. Typically no issue.
- Repeating sharp clicks – Could point to actuator arm malfunction.
- Harsh grinding or screeching – Usually caused by heads scraping platters.
- Loud mechanical banging – Often from physical drive impacts or hardware failures.
Again, unusual or loud noises may indicate a problem but not always. Other signs like performance issues or detected SMART errors are generally better indicators of disk health.
Causes of unusual hard drive noises
While whirring and low clicking sounds are perfectly normal for hard drives, louder or more unusual noises could be caused by issues like:
- Contaminants inside the drive – Dust, particles, or even accumulated humidity can interfere with platter spin and make scraping or grinding noises.
- Drive mounting and physical shock – An unsecured or jostled drive can vibrate excessively and produce abnormal noises.
- Spindle motor failure – Bearing wear or motor malfunction can lead to noisy platter spin.
- Read/write head failure – Heads that crash into platters can generate scraping and screeching noises.
- Actuator arm failure – Mechanical failure can cause the arm to spasm and click loudly.
- Platter scratches or defects – Imperfections on platter surfaces can disrupt air flow and cause head vibration.
- Aging components – General wear on bearings, motors, and heads over time can increase noise.
Drive firmware issues, environmental factors like excess vibration or temperature, and faulty components can also contribute to abnormal hard drive acoustics.
Is a noisy hard drive more likely to fail?
There is some correlation between unusual drive noises and increased failure rates. However, a noisy drive does not necessarily mean impending failure:
- Many noisy drives can continue operating for long periods.
- Some failing drives exhibit no unusual sounds before failure.
- Newer drives are designed to dampen operational noises.
But certain types of noises like grinding, screeching, or loud clicking can indicate mechanical issues or physical damage. The root causes (contaminants, mounting, etc) may get progressively worse and lead to failure sooner.
So it’s wise to pay attention to any concerning noises and have a backup plan. But don’t panic if you occasionally hear some whirring, humming, or soft clicking sounds – those are generally nothing to worry about.
How to isolate and diagnose hard drive noise issues
If your hard drive is making abnormal noises, here are some steps to isolate and diagnose the issue:
- Listen closely to identify the noise type – humming, banging, grinding, etc.
- Localize the source of the sound – hard drive, case fan, power supply, etc.
- Check internal drive mounting – reseat if loose or vibrating.
- Test drive in another system – noise could come from other components.
- Check SMART status with disk utility for drive errors.
- Back up data immediately in case drive is failing.
- Try external power cycling and firmware updates.
- Consider replacement if noise persists and causes performance issues.
Isolating the sound and when it happens can help narrow down root causes. Software tools and drive diagnostics can also check mechanical integrity and identify problems.
Best practices to prevent excessive hard drive noises
Here are some tips to prevent avoidable hard drive noise issues:
- Use anti-vibration mounts, trays, or enclosures when possible.
- Ensure drives and cases have adequate internal airflow.
- Keep drives properly secured in mounts without excess movement.
- Avoid jostling or bumping powered external drives.
- Manage drive temperatures and humidity levels.
- Periodically clean drive components and enclosures.
- Install drives in systems with quality power supplies and surge protection.
With proper care, mounting, and conditions, hard drives can operate reliably and quietly for years before component wear becomes excessive.
When to be concerned about drive noise
Most intermittent whirring and soft clicking is normal, but watch for these warning signs of potential drive issues:
- Grinding, screeching, or continuous loud clicking
- Loud banging or jarring noises
- Noticeably louder or higher pitched sounds
- New noises that happen during intense drive activity
- Increased noise during system vibration or movement
- Noise occurring after a recent physical shock or drop
If concerning noises happen regularly, start making plans to replace the drive. And always make sure important data is backed up in case a failure does occur.
Conclusion
The whirring and clicking sounds coming from hard drives are nearly always part of normal operation. But unusual loud noises or those that change and get worse over time can indicate mechanical problems.
It’s wise to be cautious with very noisy drives and have backups available. But don’t panic if you just hear minor hums, whirs, and clicks – those are typically harmless. With proper care and maintenance, modern hard drives can run reliably despite small amounts of audible noise.
If a drive is exhibiting strange new sounds, have it diagnosed to identify any underlying issue. And implement external vibration damping, proper drive mounting, air flow, and stable temperatures to maximize the lifespan of your hard drive.