If you use an external hard drive to store your important files and media, you may have noticed strange noises coming from the drive when you plug it into your computer. For some, the whirring, beeping or grinding sounds can be concerning. Are these noises a sign of potential hard drive failure? Or is some noise to be expected from external storage devices?
In this guide, we’ll explore common sounds external hard drives make and whether or not they indicate a problem. Read on to learn why external hard drives make noise and when you should be worried.
What Causes the Noise?
The noise from an external hard drive when it is plugged in and spins up is caused by the platters and heads inside the drive. Platters are disks inside the hard drive that store data magnetically. When an external drive is first powered on, the platters need to spin up to their full rotational speed, which can take several seconds. This rapid acceleration causes vibration and noise as the platters get up to speed (Seagate).
The read/write heads inside the hard drive also move and position themselves over the platters when powered on, adding noise and vibration. Heads float just above the platters on a cushion of air and move in and out to access data. Their movement contributes mechanical sounds when a drive spins up or down (Quora).
Compared to internal hard drives, external drives can be louder when spun up because their casing design is optimized for portability rather than noise dampening. Internal drives are mounted directly into a computer case or enclosure designed to absorb vibration and sound. Externals lack this acoustic benefit, so their start-up sounds are more noticeable to users (EasyTechJunkie).
Why Does it Need to Spin Up?
When an external hard drive is first plugged into a computer or power source, it needs to spin up and be ready to access data quickly. The spin up process involves the drive ramping up the platters inside to its optimal spinning speed, which is usually around 5,400 or 7,200 RPM for most consumer hard drives.
This high rotational speed allows the read/write heads to access data on any part of the platter very quickly when needed. External hard drives are designed for portability and quick access when connected, unlike the internal hard drives of a computer that spin continuously. Therefore, the spin up process preps the drive to be ready for fast data transfer the moment it’s plugged in.
According to this Quora post, the noise heard when an external drive spins up is the drive ramping up to optimal speed to be prepared for quick data access. Without spinning up first, the drive would not be able to read or write data as rapidly as required.
The Noise Depends on the Drive
The amount of noise an external hard drive makes can vary significantly depending on the make and model of the drive. Some drives are designed to operate much more quietly than others. In general, higher quality drives from top brands like Western Digital and Seagate tend to be quieter.
Older external hard drives tend to be louder than newer models. Drive technology has improved over time, allowing newer drives to deliver faster speeds while generating less noise. According to users on forums, modern 4TB or 6TB external drives are much quieter than older 2TB drives.
Larger capacity external drives with higher RPMs like 7200 RPM generate more noise since the disks inside are spinning faster. Lower RPM drives like 5400 RPM produce less noise. Solid state external drives with no moving parts operate silently with no audible noise at all.
The manufacturing quality also impacts noise levels. Budget external hard drives typically have louder operation. Premium external drives made with higher quality components and noise dampening can have virtually silent operation.
In summary, while most external drives make some amount of audible noise, careful drive selection focusing on modern drives from quality brands can minimize noise levels.
Is the Noise a Sign of a Problem?
The noise alone from an external hard drive does not necessarily indicate there is an issue with the drive. Hard drives will often make some audible sounds in normal operation as the platters spin up and the read/write heads move across the disk (Seagate). However, if the noise is accompanied by other performance problems or concerning symptoms, it could point to a hardware problem.
Some signs that would indicate an issue along with strange noises include the external drive not showing up or being recognized by the computer, files not opening, frequent crashes and freezes when accessing the drive, or obvious mechanical sounds like grinding. If the drive is making sounds and exhibiting these types of concerning behaviors, it likely means there is a mechanical or electrical failure (Lifewire).
Noise by itself though does not definitively mean the drive is broken or about to crash. Some level of audible activity is normal, especially upon connection as the drive starts up. But if the noises persist non-stop or have changed from the drive’s normal sounds, it may suggest wear and potential problems. Overall, some noise alone does not indicate a problem, but paired with performance issues points to a damaged drive.
When to Be Concerned
While some noise from an external hard drive is normal, certain noises can indicate a problem. The most concerning noises are repetitive clicking or loud grinding sounds. According to Seagate, clicking noises occur when the arm that reads and writes data is having trouble moving across the disk. This usually means the drive is failing. Grinding noises suggest the platters or spindle inside the hard drive are struggling to spin. This can happen if the motor is worn out or there is internal damage.
Clicks and grinding noises tend to become more frequent over time as the hard drive continues to deteriorate. The sounds may be intermittent at first but increase in duration and repetition. According to Lifewire, these types of noises indicate it’s time to replace the external hard drive, as they are signs of hardware failure.
Reducing the Noise
There are a few ways to reduce or dampen the noise from an external hard drive:
- Use solid state drives (SSDs) instead of traditional mechanical hard drives. SSDs have no moving parts so they don’t make noise when accessed.
- Place the external hard drive on an anti-vibration or noise-dampening pad. This absorbs some of the vibration and muffles the noise.
- Put the drive in an enclosure designed for noise reduction. Some enclosures use sound-dampening materials to minimize noise.
- Position the drive on a stable surface and away from other objects that can amplify vibrations.
- Avoid placing the drive on a desk or tabletop that will transfer and amplify noise.
Some users report placing the drive on foam, rubber pads, or stacked books helps isolate and reduce noise. Using a mounting bracket or screws can further minimize vibration and noise by firmly securing the drive in place.
Workarounds
There are a few workarounds you can try to reduce or avoid the noise from an external hard drive:
- Use the drive away from your main work area. If you don’t need constant access to the drive, keep it in another room so you don’t hear the spinning and clicking noises.
- Schedule the drive to spin down when not in use. This stops the platters from spinning continuously. Just be aware that it will take longer for the drive to start up again when accessed.
- Disable auto-mount on your computer. This prevents the OS from waking up the drive when the computer boots up or wakes from sleep.
As mentioned in this Quora post, placing the hard drive on a soft surface can help absorb vibrations and reduce noise. You can also use rubber feet under the drive for further isolation.
While these tips may minimize the noise, it’s usually impractical to eliminate it completely. The mechanics of a spinning hard drive will always produce some level of sound.
Summary
In summary, it’s normal for external hard drives to make some noise when being accessed or spun up. The noise comes from the physical spinning of the drive and movement of the read/write heads. Some noise during normal use is not a concern. However, loud noises, clicking, grinding, or beeping can indicate a problem. To reduce noise, use a solid surface, allow proper ventilation, and don’t tightly bundle cables. If the drive is making concerning noises or not being properly recognized, try troubleshooting cables and connections, connect to a different USB port, or consider sending for professional recovery. Back up your data regularly to prevent loss. While some noise is to be expected from an external drive, unusual sounds could mean it’s time for a replacement.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about external hard drive noise:
Why does my external hard drive make a whirring noise when I plug it in?
The whirring noise when you first plug in an external hard drive is the sound of the drive spinning up. Hard disk drives have spinning platters inside, and when powered on they need to spin up to operating speed – which causes the whirring noise upon startup. This is normal behavior.
Should I be concerned about grinding or buzzing noises from my external drive?
Loud grinding or buzzing noises are often a sign of a mechanical failure within the hard drive. If the noises persist, it’s best to stop using the drive immediately and back up your data if possible. The drive may be failing and continued use could result in complete data loss. Consider replacing the drive if the noises don’t go away.